POST-MATCH INTERVIEW

COALVILLE TOWN 0 ALTRINCHAM 3

Above: Following his lengthy injury lay-off Sean Miller shows his delight as he nets his first league goal since October 2016. Image courtesy of Mike Ripley.

Match report here.

Saturday's win at Coalville was Altrincham's first league double since they beat Boreham Wood at Moss Lane on 21 November 2015.

TAKING PRECAUTIONS

Above, covers have been put on parts of the pitch at the J Davidson Stadium to protect it in advance of the New Year's Day clash with Witton Albion. In addition gallons of water have already been removed from the pitch following the recent downpours.

REMEMBERING LOST RELATIVES AND FRIENDS

OLD BOYS

In the EvoStik League on Saturday, Ben Deegan scored a brace for Glossop North End, James Walshaw scored for Scarborough Athletic and Aaron Burns's penalty earned our neighbours Trafford a 1-0 win over Mossley. On a less happy note, Joel Bembo-Leta was sent off after 20 minutes in his new club, Witton Albion's game against Barwell.

SATURDAY'S GATES

• Att. 168 Ashton United 2 - 0 Sutton Coldfield Town
• Att. 282 Coalville Town 0 - 3 Altrincham
• Att. 424 Halesowen Town 1 - 3 Buxton
• Att. 345 Lancaster City 0 - 1 Hednesford Town
• Att. 410 Marine 0 - 4 Stourbridge
• Att. 272 Nantwich Town 1 - 2 Mickleover Sports
• Att. 179 Rushall Olympic 1 - 1 Farsley Celtic
• Att. 497 Stafford Rangers 1 - 2 Workington
• Att. 270 Witton Albion 2 - 2 Barwell

COALVILLE TOWN 0 ALTRINCHAM 3

Above: James Poole (10) watches his freekick put Alty 1-0 ahead at Coalville.

Altrincham secured a third successive 3-0 league win to leave them seven points ahead of second-placed Workington (who have played two more games) and eight points clear of closest rivals Shaw Lane, who have three games in hand after their match today was postponed. After a disappointing first half, Alty took the lead on the stroke of half time when James Poole's curling freekick from just outside the penalty area beat keeper Coton.

The visitors dominated the second half and Jordan Hulme made it 2-0 after 72 minutes. Substitute Sean Miller nipped in ahead of Coton to nod a long ball up the middle over the keeper to complete the scoring in the 88th minute.

Match report here.

BEFORE THE GAME AT COALVILLE

At the moment there is no planned pitch inspection but updates will be posted on the website & Twitter @CoalvilleTownFC if there any changes.

The two sides met back in August, The Ravens recovered from going 2-0 down after 15 minutes to draw level thanks to goals from Steve Towers and Blair Anderson before Altrincham scored two late goals to run out 4-2 winners. Altrincham themselves picked up all 3 points on Boxing Day winning 3-0 away at Marine and are in a impressive run of form having won their last 4 games...

Admission prices are £10 for adults, £7 for concessions and £1.00 for under-16s".

Saturday will mark Altrincham's first ever visit to Coalville Town, who lie 12th in the league at kick-off. Two impressive away wins, at Warrington Town and at Nantwich Town, preceded the Ravens' disappointing home defeat to Barwell on Boxing Day. That was their fifth successive home defeat in the league. Coalville ave played more games than most clubs in the league this season but they boast the third highest goalscoring total (43 goals in 26 matches). However, they also have the second worst number of goals conceded this season (51 goals).

Altrincham go into this match in search of their fifth successive league win in an unbeaten run which has reached 15 games in the EvoStik Premier. The reverse fixture saw Alty win 4-2 but not before Coalville had fought back from 0-2 to 2-2.

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Ashton United 2-0 Sutton Coldfield Town
• Coalville Town 0-3 Altrincham
• Halesowen Town 1-3 Buxton
• Lancaster City 0-1 Hednesford Town
• Marine 0-4 Stourbridge
• Matlock Town P-P Warrington Town
• Nantwich Town 1-2 Mickleover Sports
• Rushall Olympic 1-1 Farsley Celtic
• Shaw Lane P-P Stalybridge Celtic
• Stafford Rangers 1-2 Workington
• Whitby Town P-P Grantham Town
• Witton Albion 2-2 Barwell

GAMES IN QUESTION

Likewise, Stafford Rangers FC stated that "There will be a precautionary pitch inspection at 8.30 on Saturday morning before the Workington game".

DEATH OF NORTHWICH CHAIRMAN

Mr Stockton was an important figure in the creation of the Club, some five years ago, following the tribulations of Northwich Victoria. Indeed, he had been chairman of the 1874 Northwich club since its foundation.

Alty face 1874 Northwich in the Cheshire Senior Cup on Tuesday, 9 January 2018, at Winsford United FC.

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

Warmington, a left-footed midfielder, spent several years at Aston Villa before being released at the age of 16. Ginnelly has been impressed by the young man for some time, regularly monitoring his progress.

Meanwhile, striker Piggon, 27, signs for the Canaries from another Midland League Premier outfit, Coventry United. Piggon brings a wealth of local non-League experience to the side, with his list of previous clubs include Coalville Town, Bedworth United, Nuneaton Griff and Chasetown".

And the Worcester News reports that "Worcester City has received an approach from Barwell for winger Josh Sarmento. The 21-year-old former Benfica youngster has scored five goals in 11 starts and five substitute appearances since signing for City in September.

Chances to appear in the starting XI and his form have been hampered by illness at different points in the campaign but joint-boss John Snape believes there is plenty more to come from the Portugal-born ace. 'We have had an approach and did not waive the seven-day notice because we want to keep him,' said Snape. 'He can speak to Barwell tomorrow if he wants to. I want the lad to stay here, he has a lot to learn in terms of his final ball and decision making but is also an exciting prospect with his pace and trickery.'

Raised in Birmingham having arrived in the UK at the age of six, Sarmento was picked up by Birmingham City and then spent three years with Aston Villa following his St Andrew’s release. Some time at Norwich City followed before his agent tried to make headway back home with a deal offered by Sporting Lisbon but Sarmento opted to join the club he supported as a boy, Benfica."

At Hednesford Town the club is "delighted to announce that midfielder Reece King has today returned to Keys Park in a deal that will see him remain with the club until the end of the current season. The central midfielder, who also showed his capabilities in the centre-half position, spent two months on-loan with the Pitmen from October playing a total of 12 times and scoring twice before returning to Gloucester City".

Closer to home, the Warrington Guardian confirms that "Steve Jennings says he is keen to extend his loan spell at Warrington Town until the end of the season. The experienced midfielder joined Yellows on a temporary deal from Southport in November and has added vital know-how to Town’s engine room. He is due to return to the Sandgrounders on January 7...

'At the minute, it’s going really well for me,' he said. 'I’ve gone from not playing at Southport, in funny circumstances, to an environment where I’m playing every week. If I do well at Warrington between now and my loan ending and they are happy for me to stay on until the end of the season, I’m sure I’d be happy as well. I don’t things are going to change too much at Southport.

'It is a cliché that’s thrown around, but we really do have a good set of lads here. We’ve got a bit of everything, it’s a proper team and we’re at the right end of the table. I don’t see why I wouldn’t stay until the end of the season'...

On his Warrington debut against Sutton Coldfield Town on November 4, Jennings got his Yellows career off to a flying start by scoring inside the first minute of a 2-1 victory. The 33-year-old believes that, slowly but surely, he is getting back to full fitness after missing much of last season.

'I had a bad injury around this time last year and it kept me out for around 10 months,' he said. 'I’d never had such a bad injury in my career and it happened in my early 30s when I was just a bit past my prime! I’ve been stop-start since the summer in terms of getting my fitness back. At Southport I played 10 games on the spin when I probably should have dipped in and out to ease myself back in. Now, I finally feel as if I’m getting myself back to somewhere near 100 per cent'...

The 33-year-old has had an impressive career, playing in the Football League with Tranmere Rovers and Coventry City as well as a spell in Scotland with Motherwell...

'If "Cards" [manager, Paul Carden] wants me to be the wise head on the pitch and in the dressing room, I’m more than happy to do that,' he said... 'It's people like Jamie McDonald, who’s come on leaps and bounds in the past few months, and Dylan Vassallo that I’ve found myself speaking to. I have got a lot more experience than them. I’m not Jose Mourinho or anything like that, but the younger players should be a sponge to things like that and they have been since I’ve been here'".

NO PITCH INSPECTION PLANNED

SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL

With the club offices being closed over the festive period (see below), please e-mail TASC Travel Coordinator Mark Eckersall if you wish to make a booking.

NEXT OPPONENTS: COALVILLE TOWN

In advance of Altrincham's first-ever visit to Owen Street (The Mander Cruickshank Stadium), Coalville currently lie 12th with 33 points from 26 games. In the reverse fixture, Alty ran out 4-2 winners, a scoreline that was, perhaps, a little harsh on Coalville. It took two goals in the final quarter of an hour to clinch the points after Coalville had fought back from 2-0 down to 2-2.

In their home defeat by Barwell on Boxing Day, Coalville Town headed their report by Joel Moore, "Limp Ravens' Display Allows Canaries To Fly Away With Three Points"

It added that "Coalville’s poor record against fellow Leicestershire outfit Barwell continued with a lack lustre performance at the Mander Cruickshank Stadium... The visitors, whose last league win came in early October, dominated from start to finish. Only one change was made from the side that won so impressively at Warrington, with Kyle Bryant coming in for Cleveland Taylor. And it was Taylor’s organisation that the hosts seemed to be missing as Coalville looked poles apart from the side that won 3-1 on Saturday.

Barwell, coming into the game off the back of a 4-0 defeat to Marine, began the encounter on top, penning the Ravens into their half in the early exchanges" and the visitors held a three-goal lead after just 33 minutes. "There were no changes to the score line in the second period, with the half time introduction of Blair Anderson and Jermaine Hollis failing to have the desired impact...

Coalville will hope to up their game for their next fixture on Saturday, where they entertain league leaders Altrincham."

Assistant manager, Mark Harvey gave a post-match interview. He said of the Boxing Day match, "Today sums our season up; Saturday was our best performance, today was our worst... We got what we deserved... We took two players off at half-time, it could have been all eleven... On Saturday [against Altrincham] everyone will turn up with a completely different attitude".

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

Looking back on the win at the Turnbull Ground, Farsley manager Adam Lakeland told the club`s official Pitchero website, 'I felt we thoroughly deserved our victory. It has been over three weeks since our last league game, so we have been crammed up waiting for another opportunity to get out there and I thought the lads were excellent from start to finish.'

He continued, 'We had a game plan and were intent on putting on a solid performance which I felt the players executed superbly. Defensively we were strong, I think the only times our ‘keeper Graeme McKibbin was tested were from the free-kick in the first half when he saved from close range, and the penalty at the end of the game. Outside of that we restricted Whitby to efforts from distance including several free-kicks...

'Offensively I felt we looked a threat throughout, Nathan Cartman should have scored in the first minute, he had a goal wrongly disallowed for offside which was unbelievably poor having seen it back and fortunately it didn’t cost us on this occasion. Chris Atkinson tested their ‘keeper from 25 yards and Dan Cockerline hit one straight at the keeper with his left foot, so I was disappointed not to be ahead at the break to be honest as we were the better team. We scored two great goals in the second half through Paul Walker and Dan who got off the mark on his debut. Both he and Cameron Murray put in good displays in their first games for the Club, plus Nathan Turner after so long out came in and was excellent.

Whitby threw a lot of players forward in the final twenty minutes to try and get back into the game and we had to withstand some pressure which is expected... We will now recover and prepare for two very difficult games in three days away at Rushall Olympic on Saturday, before we host local rivals Shaw Lane AFC at Throstle Nest on New Year’s Day”.

Ashton United report that they "are delighted to announce that [former Alty trialist] Aaron Chalmers is another member of our squad, (after Matt Chadwick), who has turned down a seven-day notice of approach from a club in our league. Manager Jody Banim said, ‘This is the third time in recent months that a seven day notice of approach to one of our players has come in from a club competing at the same level as us. We might not have the biggest budget to work with but what we do have at Ashton is a very special team spirit. Lads are enjoying their football and their training and we all believe we have a very real opportunity to realise our ambition to get promotion. If you think we’ve done well so far this season, watch out. We’ve coped with a massive injury list that will only get better. There’s more to come from the squad yet and today’s news will only lift the mood.

Chairman Terry Hollis said, ‘This is great news for the club. All too often we hear criticism of players leaving clubs for a few quid more, here or there. We are not seeing this at Ashton United where everyone at the club is buying in to what we are trying to achieve'... It seems the clear message from Ashton United players to the "big guns" in our league is "Put your cheque books away lads, you can’t buy our loyalty!"

News of Alty's most recent opponents comes from the NL Paper which tells us that "Tommy Lawson says Marine will dare to dream when they make the long trek to face Dover Athletic in the FA Trophy in the New Year. The Evo-Stik Premier club pulled off one of the upsets of the round by beating Chorley to reach the last 32...

Lawson was in charge of Skelmersdale when they had a big tie at Luton Town in 2013 and the experienced boss says everyone at Marine is looking forward to a day out in Kent. 'They’re experiences aren’t they?' Lawson told The NLP. 'When they do show themselves, you’ve got to embrace them... You’ve only got to look at the Burscoughs of the world, who have actually achieved in the Trophy, and see it’s possible, it’s cup football! Don’t get me wrong, it’s going to be a massive ask. But so was Chorley, so was FC United...

'So let’s go and enjoy ourselves and see where it takes us'...

Marine will set off at 10am on the Friday morning for their first overnight stay since 1980. More than 250 fans backed them at Chorley and they’re expecting to take over 100 to Crabble...

Lawson said, 'It’s new territory for a lot of people at Marine and there’s been a lot of organisation going on. The players are looking forward to it... It’s a long trip and the lads will have to prepare properly for it with a day off work. We’re not full-time and they will have to beg, steal and borrow to get it off. But it’s great to test yourself against these sides'".

MARINE 0-3 ALTRINCHAM

Above: Courtesy of Mike Ripley, we see Tom Hannigan heading Alty into the lead at Marine on Boxing Day.

Thanks to the Alty twitter service provided by Andrew Flynn, as well as information from Brian Flynn and Grahame Rowley, there is now a match report here.

JOEL BEMBO-LETA RELEASED

Joel (25) had an interesting record for Altrincham. He played two pre-season games for the club in summer 2017 and then briefly went to Shaw Lane before signing for Altrincham in early September 2017. He became a regular starter at right-back, where his strength on the ball was a major asset.

Joel went on to make 20 appearances this season for Altrincham, comprising 18 starts and two appearances from the bench. The only times he was involved in a game which Alty lost were in the league game at Workington, where the Robins played much of the game with ten men, and two games in which Alty only lost after the end of ninety minutes. Those games were the penalty shoot-out defeat in the Integro Cup at Mossley and the FA Trophy defeat against Warrington Town in which the visitors' winner only arrived well into added time.

All at Altrincham FC thank him for his services and wish him well in his future career.

After their game on Boxing Day, Witton Albion reported that "Albion had a crisis in defence, and rushed through the signing of Joel Bembo-Leta from Altrincham in the hours before kick-off to avert it in the short-term. He met his new teammates for the first time during the warm-up, and promptly delivered an assured performance".

"SPURS" SPORTING DINNER

BOXING DAY REVIEW

Thanks to the efforts of a number of Mariners' fans to get the pitch at the Marine Travel Arena clear of standing water, the game went ahead in front of a crowd of 619. Tom Hannigan gave the Robins the lead on the half-hour mark and nine minutes after the break, Jordan Hulme doubled the leaders' lead. And a third in the 83rd minute from Josh Hancock ensured the Robins enjoyed a good festive period.

Second-placed Shaw Lane AFC's game was postponed, as was Ashton United`s Tameside derby at home to Stalybridge Celtic, and Workington AFC in third place were held to a 2-2 draw at the Giant Axe by eleventh-placed Lancaster City. Phil McLuckie put the Reds in front after 12 minutes, and it wasn't until the 75th minute that the Dolly Blues pulled level through Billy Akrigg.

And parity lasted barely a minute as Conor Tinnion restored the visitors lead. But a stoppage time Charlie Bailey effort earned the hosts a point.

Warrington Town are back up to fourth after winning 2-1 at Wincham Park against eighth-placed Witton Albion.... Farsley Celtic are now seventh after winning 2-1 at the Turnbull Ground against fourth-bottom Whitby Town...

Stourbridge`s floundering league campaign continued with a narrow 1–0 defeat away at Stafford Rangers, a goal on 76 minutes from striker Massiah McDonald settling the contest in favour of the home side and sending the Glassboys to a fourth successive defeat on their travels in the league.

Bottom-markers Sutton Coldfield Town recovered from Saturday's 6-2 home battering by Witton to move level on points with second-bottom Stalybridge after sharing a 0-0 draw at the Weaver Stadium against nineteenth-placed Nantwich Town. Third-bottom Halesowen Town were also involved in a goalless draw at The Grove against Mickleover Sports while Barwell ended a run of nine league games without a win with a 3-0 derby success at Owen Street against Coalville Town...

A crowd of 578 saw Hednesford Town earn local bragging rights at Dales Lane against Rushall Olympic and move into tenth spot. And the Pitmen had to come back from being a 19th minute Richard Brodie goal down to win, courtesy of Mason Walsh after 31 minutes and Charlie Gatter four minutes after half-time".

MARINE 0-3 ALTRINCHAM

A twentieth goal of the season from Jordan Hulme doubled Alty's lead nine minutes into the second half, following good work from Johnston and Poole. Hancock made it 3-0 ten minutes from time to keep Alty at the top of the table.

MATCH LINE-UPS

MARINE 1. Martin Fearon, 2. Peter Wylie, 3. James Short, 4. Adam Hughes, 5. Phil Baker, 6. Liam Tongue, 7. James Murray, 8. Michael Brewster, 9. Danny Mitchley (c), 10. Vincent Bailey, 11. Dominic Reid. Subs 12. Michael Grogan, 14. Kenny Strickland, 15. George Lomax, 16. Max Hazeldine, 17. Seb Bradshaw.

ALTRINCHAM 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Sean DENSMORE, 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. Tom HANNIGAN, 5. James JONES, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. James POOLE, 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs: 12. Tom PEERS, 14. Lewis SHORT, 15. Sean MILLER, 16. Ben HARRISON, 17. Andrew WHITE.

BOXING DAY GATES

• Ashton United P-P Stalybridge Celtic
• Coalville Town 0-3 Barwell att 198
• Halesowen Town 0-0 Mickleover Sports att 402
• Lancaster City 2-2 Workington att 405
• Marine 0-3 Altrincham att 619
• Matlock Town 3-3 Buxton att 920
• Nantwich Town 0-0 Sutton Coldfield Town att 366
• Rushall Olympic 1-2 Hednesford Town att 578. Alty's on loan Mason Walsh netted one of the Pitmen's goals.
• Shaw Lane P-P Grantham Town
• Stafford Rangers 1-0 Stourbridge att 944
• Whitby Town 0-2 Farsley Celtic att 369
• Witton Albion 1-2 Warrington Town att 503

BOXING DAY FIXTURES

• Ashton United P-P Stalybridge Celtic
• Coalville Town 0-3 Barwell
• Halesowen Town 0-0 Mickleover Sports
• Lancaster City 2-2 Workington
• Marine 0-3 Altrincham
• Matlock Town 3-3 Buxton
• Nantwich Town 0-0 Sutton Coldfield Town
• Rushall Olympic 1-2 Hednesford Town
• Shaw Lane P-P Grantham Town
• Stafford Rangers 1-0 Stourbridge
• Whitby Town 0-2 Farsley Celtic
• Witton Albion 1-2 Warrington Town

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

• Boxing Day, away to Marine (3pm)
• 30 December, away to Coalville Town (3pm)
• New Year's Day, home to Witton Albion (3pm)

ALTY TV

ALTRINCHAM 3-0 MATLOCK TOWN

Above: Jordan Hulme backheels his and Alty's second goal past keeper Barnes on Saturday. Image courtesy of Mike Ripley.

Although Altrincham ran out comfortable winners, Matlock made them work hard for more than an hour. After Hancock had spurned an early chance, Jordan Hulme latched onto James Poole's excellent ball up the middle to beat Phil Barnes in the 14th minute.

With fog making visibility difficult in the second half, Alty extended their lead after 67 minutes when Hulme cleverly backheeled a cross from the right into the net, his 19th goal of the season. And it was a similarily low cross from the right that Hancock converted to make it 3-0 in the 88th minute, a goal scored whilst the visitors were temporarily down to ten men.

Match report here.

PHIL ON THE TROPHY EXIT

ALTY OFFICE OPENING HOURS

Of course, the Football Club will be open on Monday 1st January for our home fixture with Witton Albion. Over the Christmas closure period, we will do our best to respond to all emails and voicemails.

Also, from Tuesday, 2nd January to Monday 8th January, 2018, the Community Sports Hall will be closed to the general public. The offices will remain open but we are having essential maintenance works carried out throughout the facility, hence the closure of the Hall".

HALF-SEASON TICKETS

Prices are as follows:

• Adults: £90
• Concessionaries: £60
• Aged 12-16: £25
• Under 12s: £7.50

SATURDAY GATES

• Att. 807 Altrincham 3 - 0 Matlock Town
• Att. 137 Barwell 0 - 4 Marine
• Att. 300 Buxton 1 - 1 Stafford Rangers
• Att. 287 Grantham Town 1 - 1 Ashton United
• Att. 302 Hednesford Town 1 - 3 Shaw Lane (included a Damian Reeves goal for Shaw Lane)
• Att. 166 Mickleover Sports 0 - 1 Lancaster City
• Att. 303 Stalybridge Celtic 1 - 2 Rushall Olympic
• Att. 557 Stourbridge 1 - 1 Whitby Town
• Att. 168 Sutton Coldfield Town 2 - 6 Witton Albion
• Att. 228 Warrington Town 1 - 3 Coalville Town
• Att. 452 Workington 2 - 1 Nantwich Town

RESERVES' FIXTURES

SATURDAY SCORES

• Altrincham 3-0 Matlock Town
• Barwell 0-4 Marine
• Buxton 1-1 Stafford Rangers
• Grantham Town 1-1 Ashton United
• Hednesford Town 1-3 Shaw Lane
• Mickleover Sports 0-1 Lancaster City
• Stalybridge Celtic 1-2 Rushall Olympic
• Stourbridge 1-1 Whitby Town
• Sutton Coldfield Town 2-6 Witton Albion
• Warrington Town 1-3 Coalville Town
• Workington 2-1 Nantwich Town

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

• Boxing Day, away to Marine (3pm)
• 30 December, away to Coalville Town (3pm)
• New Year's Day, home to Witton Albion (3pm)

In advance of the game against Matlock Town today, the Alty Christmas Shop will be open for the purchase of Altrincham FC merchandise from 11am in the foyer of the offices/Community Sports Hall.

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Home: P14-W12-D1-L1-F31-A9
• Away: P13-W4-D2-L7-F19-A26
• All: P27-W16-D3-L8-F50-A35

TRAFFORD WELCOME JOSH

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

News of our New Year's Day opposition comes from the the Northwich Guardian as it previews the visit of Witton Albion to Sutton Coldfield saying, "Why should I watch? To see if Witton can continue an improved run of form away from Wincham Park. Carl Macauley’s men are unbeaten in their past three games on the road with a 2-1 success at Whitby sandwiched by impressive draws at Stourbridge (0-0) and Shaw Lane (1-1).

They travel south tomorrow buoyed by the knowledge that they have beaten back-markers Sutton Coldfield already this season. However the Royals have enjoyed an upturn in fortune after registering successive wins against Stalybridge and Farsley Celtic in their past two Northern Premier League fixtures. They also squeezed past Walsall after a penalty shoot-out in the Walsall Senior Cup in midweek....

'I’m expecting a tough game against them', said Carl Macauley, Witton Albion manager... Witton are targeting a first league-double of the campaign after prevailing in the teams’ previous meeting back in August. Witton team news. Anthony Gardner (ankle) and Paul Williams (knee) are ruled out with injuries that will prevent them from playing again until the middle of next month. Anthony Brown (knee) is closer to a return, but is unlikely to be risked ahead of a Boxing Day duel with Warrington at Wincham Park. Cesaire Lingbouba should be available.

Man to keep an eye on [is] Rob Hopley... The front man switched to a role in defence for a trip to Shaw Lane last weekend, when he helped Witton to secure a creditable 1-1 draw. With Albion short on cover in defence following Anthony Gardner’s injury in the same game, the manager must decide whether to stick with a formula that worked".

At Hednesford Town, "Manager Rob Smith has bolstered his squad with the loan signing of midfielder Mason Walsh from Altrincham. The Pitmen were today [Friday] able to complete the signing of the 22-year-old, the son of former Tottenham and Liverpool star Paul Walsh, in time for tomorrow’s clash against Shaw Lane at Keys Park. Walsh, who can play on either wing, began his career at AFC Bournemouth before also spending time in the USA playing for New Orleans Jesters before linking up with Altrincham earlier this season."

TWO NEW SIGNINGS AND THREE GO ON LOAN

"Phil Parkinson's promotion plans have been given a major boost after highly-rated Southport defender Andy White and on-loan Stockport County left-back Connor Hampson both pledged themselves to his table-topping Altrincham squad.

White, a multi-award winner at Nantwich prior to joining Southport in the summer, will bring versatility and a proven pedigree to Parkinson's promotion push, while Hampson's decision to become a fully-fledged Alty player, after his Stockport agreement was ended, will prove hugely popular with Robins' fans, following a successful loan spell.

The signing of White, who can operate as a full-back or wing-back on either flank, is a significant coup for Alty boss Parkinson after the 25-year old won Nantwich's player-of-the-year award three seasons running and was named in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League team of the year for the second successive time last May.

A product of Crewe Alexandra's famed youth set-up, he was on Alty's radar last summer before opting for the chance to test himself at Vanarama National League North level with Southport. Parkinson has finally got his man, and though a slight ankle knock picked up in White's final appearance for Southport is likely to keep him out of Saturday's home game with Matlock and the Boxing Day trip to Marine, he should be available for the away game with Coalville on December 30.

Hampson has been a model of consistency since starting an extended loan spell on November 2, and Parkinson was delighted to secure his services after an agreement was reached to terminate his Stockport contract.

The Alty manager has also arranged for three Alty players to gain valuable game time by joining other clubs on a month's loan. Josh Amis is heading to Trafford, Sam Sheridan (above right) to Stalybridge and Mason Walsh to Hednesford".

FIXTURE REARRANGEMENTS

And the home match against Workington will now take place on Tuesday, 13 March at 7.45pm.

Also Altrincham now entertain Shaw Lane on 13 February.

NPL 50TH ANNIVERSARY

Despite all that going on, it is that time of year which sees the start of the preparation for the Annual Barnsley Player Awards, one of which is the Supporters’ Player of the Season, which is in supported by the NPL Podcast show. As with last season, it will be awarded on a whole-league scale instead of separate divisions, and is open to all contract, non-contract and long-term loan players in the League and Academy Players who have played in any of our League’s competitions.

Though I wont be opening the voting until mid-February, I start building the shortlist committee at this time of year, which consists of fans from all member clubs, along with the podcast contributors, and radio teams operating within the League".

To the above end, all Clubs are being asked to nominate appropriate representatives, over the next month, to take part in the process.

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

One of manager Dave Cooke’s summer signings after arriving from Leek Town, Mullarkey is currently close to a return from injury after suffering an horrific leg injury last month in a 3-0 away win at Matlock Town. The former Crewe Alexandra defender had scored once this season in the 5-1 defeat away at Altrincham before his injury."

Barwell report that manager Jimmy Ginnelly said "We've just said in the changing rooms that, you know, we're 16th. It's a false position for us, I think, because we've got some great players in there. We've got some fantastic experience and some good young kids around us. We've got the full blend of what we need, but we're just not finding the three points.

"I'm hoping that we go on a 'Barwell run' and win 4, 5, 6 games on the trot and find ourselves competing for it. It's a tough old league, this is. I think it's screaming that we still need a centre forward," the manager explained.

He continued, "Somebody that's going to come in and liven the forward line up. We've got Callum Ball, we've got Matt Stenson and Ryan Baldwin but that's about all we've got. Brady Hickey, the floater, as well. We haven't got enough to win games. I've said in my interviews that the back four are doing well, the midfield are working tirelessly but we just don't have a threat up front. We need that striker that just has two touches and puts one in. I'm going to have a look. I tried to sign one last week. Unfortunately, a club two levels below us offered him more money.

I try not to spend too much of the chairman's money if I don't need to. What I mean by that is, I try to put a price on people's heads. If I can't pay that value then I'll look for somebody else. So we've probably got to look for somebody else at the minute".

OLD BOY

He will come face-to-face with his former club on Boxing Day when the sides meet at Marston Road...

'It was probably one of the most difficult moves I have had to make in all of my career, so it was a decision I didn’t take lightly,' he told the Newsletter. 'I had a great relationship with the fans and staff and made a number of good friends over the past year. But I know my body and what it needs at this point in my career. I had to be playing football and it was soul destroying sitting on that bench having such limited game time during pre-season and the first month of the season. I knew I would have been playing catch up, which is why I had to leave.'

The crunch came in that aforementioned game against Hednesford, when he was named on the bench as manager Neil Kitching elected to go with Bradley Fortnam-Tomlinson and Dan Westwood for a game that Boro eventually lost 1-0.

'I gave it until the Hednesford game, knowing the impact I had on those local derbies last season,' added Perry. 'It kind of hurt to know that they didn’t think they needed me out there to win the battle. We lost and that was time for me to move on.' Perry’s brief switch to Barwell saw him regain a first-team place, and he enjoyed the freedom he was allowed by boss Jimmy Ginnelly.

'I heard Jimmy Ginnelly put seven days in for me,' explained Perry. 'I have known Jimmy years as my brother Todd played under him and went on to win a number of trophies in non-league. He always let me know he would be in for me when the time was right and, as soon as he saw I wasn’t playing, he put the seven days in and got Towner (ex-Boro man Michael Townsend) on the phone to try to get me to jump ship. Barwell was a very different beast to Boro, it was just an opportunity to go out there and play football and express myself, no expectation or limits.

'Jimmy said "Just say if you want to play and be on the pitch, it’s up to you" – I loved it! Again, there were a number of great individuals running the club and big characters in the dressing room.'

His performances for the Canaries attracted the interest of Stourbridge, who soon came knocking and persuaded Perry to hop across the Midlands and join their play-off push. 'I have known the management team at Stourbridge for a number of years and always had a good relationship with them,' he said...

'I think they needed an experienced target figure to lead the line, and there isn’t that many of us about any more to be honest. Again it was another tough decision to make. Believe it or not, I am not a journeyman, I have always wanted to stay somewhere and play football because I know I can affect games, win games and score my fair share of goals. But again it was perfect timing to coincide with what I was trying to achieve with work and personal commitments... and obviously the size and the scale of the club is something I wanted to be a part of...

'It’s just run right and, within minutes of meeting the chairman Andy (Poutney) and hearing a few stories, I knew I was going to enjoy my time here... It’s our aim to hit the play-offs this season and I think we are in a great position to do so,' he said... 'I’m hoping come the end of the season I will have left my mark and they can all see what I bring to the table and just how instrumental I can be in games.'

Next Tuesday’s game will see Perry go head-to-head with former Walsall team-mate Karl Hawley, a former Stourbridge striker who joined Stafford earlier this month and could make his home debut against his former club."

BOXING DAY GAMES

• Ashton United v Stalybridge Celtic
• Coalville Town v Barwell
• Halesowen Town v Mickleover Sports
• Lancaster City v Workington
• Marine v Altrincham
• Matlock Town v Buxton
• Nantwich Town v Sutton Coldfield Town
• Rushall Olympic v Hednesford Town
• Shaw Lane v Grantham Town
• Stafford Rangers v Stourbridge
• Whitby Town v Farsley Celtic
• Witton Albion v Warrington Town

Mike Garnett's records provide the historical record in matches between Altrincham and Marine.

• Home: P11-W8-D2-L1-F25-A11
• Away: P9-W4-D1-L4-F13-A9
• All: P20-W12-D3-L5-F38-A20

CLUB OF THE MONTH

Above: Mike Ripley's image shows Grahame Rowley (left) and Derek Wilshaw (right) receiving the award from League chairman Mark Harris (centre).

Named alongside Corby Town in EVO-STIK League South and EVO-STIK League North Hyde United as one of October's three winners of the monthly performance accolades, the league leaders pipped FA Cup giant-killers Shaw Lane to the award on the back of their unbeaten record in October.

Under the guidance of manager Phil Parkinson at the J Davidson Stadium, the Robins romped to four wins and two draws from six league outings to top the table as well as progressing in both the Integro League Cup and Buildbase FA Trophy with victories over Ashton United and Clitheroe respectively.

Like all winners, all three clubs have been presented with an engraved glass memento to mark their success and a bottle of spirits to celebrate with."

FROM THE BOARDROOM

"We welcome the board, players and supporters of Warrington Town to The J.Davidson Stadium tonight for this Buildbase FA Trophy first round replay after our 0-0 draw at Cantilever Park on Saturday. Warrington’s best performance in this competition was reaching the quarter-finals in 1992-93, while in the FA Vase, they reached Wembley in 1987, losing 3-2 to St Helens Town in a local derby perhaps more commonly associated with rugby league. Last season, they exited the FA Trophy to Phil Parkinson’s Nantwich Town.

Warrington Town are, of course, in fourth place in the Evo-Stik Northern Premier League and have now kept our rampant attack from scoring over the two games at Cantilever Park. They would have been as delighted as we were with the scorelines in the two NPL games that were played at the weekend. Shaw Lane moved into second but were held to a draw at home by Witton Albion, while Grantham lost for the first time for over two months at home to Buxton and consequently dropped to third.

The winners of tonight’s fixture will be only four wins from Wembley, with 32 teams left in the competition. The draw for the second round took place after the deadline for this programme article, so we now know who the victors will face on 13th January, with either Warrington’s game at Stafford Rangers or our fixture on the same day needing to be rearranged. We were due to be facing Workington that day, but they are already in round two following a late win at home to Hartlepool United. The second round goes national, so our potential opponents range from Barrow and Workington in the north-west and Blyth in the north-east to Dover and Maidstone in the south-east and Weston-super-Mare in the south-west. There is even a potential “home match” for me at Maidenhead United.

We have one heck of a Sports Dinner arranged for Friday, March 16th when Ossie Ardiles renews his acquaintance with Altrincham FC, with his former Tottenham team-mate Mickey Hazard joining him at the helm. Ossie's presence at Moss Lane is an ideal opportunity to reunite him with fellow world class player John King and other Alty legends from that memorable 1979 FA Cup encounter. I remember sneaking out of school at 15:00 on the day of the game at White Hart Lane with classmate Mal Riley and being on my feet in disbelief when Jeff Johnson equalised in the 82nd minute. Tickets are £35 per head and are likely to fly off the shelves. Do not miss this event; contact the club on 0161 928 1045 or by e-mail to buy tickets".

WARRINGTON VIEW

Match report here.

Right: Jordan Hulme nets Alty's goal. Image courtesy of Mike Ripley.

Cantilever Catchup reports that "Warrington Town are into to the second round of the FA Trophy after coming from behind to beat Altrincham 2-1 in the final minute of a nerve-wracking first-round replay at Moss Lane.

After falling behind when Jordan Hulme broke the deadlock 53 minutes in, Liam Goulding grabbed the equaliser with just three minutes remaining and looked like he had made sure the match would go to extra-time. However, Jamie McDonald had other ideas as he converted in the 90th minute to keep Town’s extraordinary run going, booking an away trip to Ebbsfleet....

The two sides came into the contest straight from Saturday’s 0-0 draw in the original tie. With the league meeting in October also finishing 0-0, it looked tough to separate the sides pre-match and that continued to be the case in the first half... Altrincham started to get the better chances...

The deadlock was finally broken early in the second half with Altrincham’s top scorer Hulme making the breakthrough, after 233 goalless minutes between the two sides. The ball came to Hulme following a corner and he produced a superb finish with a half-volley on the turn, putting the home side 1-0 in front.

Attempting to find an equaliser and at least extend the match, Warrington made a couple of substitutions introducing Stephen Milne for his debut, but remained unable to find a way passed Tony Thompson in the Robins goal. That all changed with just three minutes of the 90 remaining, when another set-piece produced the equalising goal. The ball was kept alive in the box and it was Goulding who managed to find the net and keep Town’s hopes alive by making it 1-1.

Then, in the final moments of the game, Warrington stunned the home supporters and found the winning goal, breaking up field with Dylan Vassalo who picked out Town’s top scorer McDonald, and he made himself the hero once again bundling the ball past Thompson.

Joel Bembo-Leta had a massive chance to take the game to extra-time for Altrincham with just a minute to go, but somehow he was unable to convert from close range...

Any ideas that Town struggle in Tuesday night games have been well and truly extinguished in this FA Trophy run. Despite five of the team’s six defeats this season coming on a Tuesday night, they have seen off tough opposition in Ashton United, Tamworth and now Altrincham with midweek replays".

The Warrington Guardian adds that "Paul Carden says Warrington Town deserved their 2-1 victory at Altrincham and says his substitutes played a key role... as they inflicted the Robins’ first defeat in all competitions since September.

'From the minute Altrincham scored, I fancied us. From then, we were first class,' Carden said. 'In the first half, I thought they were the better side but a lot of their good stuff came from our bad stuff. We spoke about their strength through the middle of the pitch so we needed to force them outside, which we were doing but when we were winning the ball back we were going straight back down the middle. We needed to get it wide with the spaces in front of their full-backs, but we kept trying eye-of-the-needle balls through the middle and got picked off.

'It was good to go in at half-time at 0-0 as Tony did really well with a couple of their chances. We started a little bit tetchy then they’ve scored from a corner, which was poor from us. From then on in, we were the better team and we deserved to win.'

Yellows seized the momentum after Stephen Milne and Jamie Davis had been brought off the bench to replace James Barrigan and Tony Gray respectively. Milne, making his Warrington debut after his recent move from Bootle, caused problems on the right wing while Davis looked assured in central midfield....

'We were forced into picking the team we started with. Adam Carden is struggling with his hip, we’re trying to build Steve Jennings up to the point where he can play Saturday-Tuesday more,' the Yellows boss said. 'He was struggling before the game, it was touch and go whether we could use him. We couldn’t use Adam, so we had four subs, three of them outfield, two of them young and untried, but they came on and made a difference. It’s been tough for Ste because we had 10 men at Shaw Lane so couldn’t get him on, then we’ve had games called off and we had Alty at home on Saturday when it was tight,' Yellows boss Carden said...

'He goes at people and he makes things happen. I’ve been speaking about Jamie Davis for a long time, he is going to be a proper, proper footballer. Steve Jennings, who’s played hundreds of league games, has said he didn’t realise how good he was. It’s the positions he takes, his movement and the way he receives the ball that’s league calibre. He’s a great kid and he’s got a big future'".

TROPHY RECOLLECTIONS

"Alty’s two visits [to Cantilever Park] this season are our only competitive matches at Town’s base, which is south-east of the town centre and fairly readily accessible from there by bus, although we did travel to Warrington for a pre-season friendly in 1988. The changing rooms are in the corner nearest the entrance, and that side of the ground also houses social and catering facilities and a small covered terrace. The stand on the far side has about 250 seats. There is a covered standing area behind the far goal; the cantilever bridge from which the ground took its pre-sponsorship name lies beyond the far corner.

A five-a-side pitch occupies part of the end nearest Loushers Lane, which also has a narrow flat standing area. The main pitch stood up remarkably well to the deluge in October and to the frosts of last week and all in all the ground is perfectly adequate for the club’s current needs, although it is a long walk from the seated area to the toilets and leaving the premises in October was not the easiest process, given large puddles and a very narrow exit!

This evening sees the Robins contest a replay at this stage of the premier Non-League knock-out competition for the fourteenth time. This will be our tenth such game on this ground, while our travels have taken in Chorley, Leamington, Macclesfield and Tamworth. On two occasions the outcome has been decided by a penalty shoot-out (won one, lost one is our record in that respect) and our replay in Staffordshire in 2006-7 of course took a game and a half to reach a conclusion thanks to ‘a foggy night in Tamworth town’, to adapt an old song lyric, eleven years ago to the day! Twice Alty have registered six goals, on each occasion the late and much lamented Mal Bailey was among the scorers, and overall we have emerged victorious nine times.

FA Trophy 1st Round Staistics...

• LEADING GOALSCORERS: 6 Graham Heathcote, 5 Barry Howard, 4 Ricky Harris, John Rogers, Colin Little (including one in abandoned match)
• BEST WINS: Home 6-0 (replay) v Corby Town 1982-3. Away 4-0 v Leek Town 1990-1
• WORST DEFEATS: Home 1-4 v Southport 2008-9. Away 0-5 v Colne Dynamoes 1989-90
• HIGHEST AGGREGATE SCORES: Home 6-3 (replay) v Grantham 1979-80. Away 2-5 v FC Halifax Town 2012-3
• ATTENDANCES: HIGHEST Home 1,997 (replay) v Telford United 1972-3. Away 4,531 v Wigan Athletic 1974-5. LOWEST Home 355 v Leamington 2015-6. Away 268 v Curzon Ashton 2010-1

OLD BOY

Barrow joins the club after ten years as first-team coach with Wigan Athletic, where he worked in the top flight under current Belgium national team manager Roberto Martinez.

Barrow said, 'Fylde have a firm ambition to reach the Football League and believe my experience and contacts will help them to realise that dream. I have worked with several top managers in the past, from Kevin Keegan and Kenny Jackett, to Roberto Martinez and Uwe Rosler. I have known the management team here, Dave (Challinor) and Colin (Woodthorpe), for a long time and we have kept in touch over the years. I played alongside Colin with Chester and actually signed Dave whilst I was the manager of Bury.

'I’ve always kept an eye on Dave’s managerial career and I was even a reference on his CV when he got the job here so I like to think I played little a part!'”

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

Manager Carl Macauley has told the Guardian he is planning to be without the 26-year-old for the next month... 'It’s not looking good', he added. 'He’s disappointed, and it was a bad one from their player who didn’t even receive a caution. It’s a huge blow for us, particularly when we’re also missing other senior players'.

Captain Anthony Brown returned to training before the weekend, although he is unlikely to be risked for Saturday’s trip to Sutton Coldfield Town. The Royals play on an unforgiving artificial surface, and Macauley is reluctant to test the defender’s recovery from a knee injury there. Albion will also be without Paul Williams until the middle of next month after he damaged a ligament in his knee during a 3-2 defeat against Grantham earlier this month."

From NL Pitchero we learn that "Stourbridge have signed forward Kaiman Anderson on a two-month loan from Southport. The 20-year-old previously enjoyed two successful loan spells with the Glassboys' neighbours Halesowen Town.

He scored 18 times in the first half of last season for the Yeltz whilst on loan from Shrewsbury Town before being recalled in January. He then spent time on loan at Oxford City before being released by the Shrews at the end of last season. He subsequently signed for Southport in the summer and has made ten appearances for them, scoring once. At the start of the current campaign, he spent a brief spell on loan at another NPL Premier side, Nantwich Town, scoring twice in seven games".

The Derbyshire Times reports on Alty's next opponents. "Craig Hopkins is hoping Matlock’s weather enforced two and a half weeks break will have no detrimental effect on his side as they begin a challenging and busy festive period at league leaders Altrincham on Saturday.

The Gladiators have not taken to the field since their 1-0 Derbyshire Senior Cup defeat at Alfreton on December 5 after winning their three preceeding matches... Matlock’s joint boss shares the fans’ hopes that the team can maintain the performance levels which saw them beat Halesowen, Grantham and Lancaster before the narrow loss to the Reds...

'The lay-off certainly doesn’t help us, two and a half weeks is a long time without a game but we’ve just got to get on with it'...

Hopkins believes Matlock will be facing the best side in the league at Moss Lane, although the Gladiators did come out on top in the reverse fixture at the DCJ Group Arena in August when a solitary Dwayne Wiley header settled the game in Matlock’s favour. 'They’re the best side in the league, they play good football, they are well coached and play the game the right way,' Hopkins added...

'We’ll go up there looking for the three points as we always do and give it our best shot.'

Matlock then host local rivals Buxton on Boxing Day and a repeat of the scoreline and attendance from exactly twelve months ago would go down just fine from the Gladiators’ viewpoint. A bumper 1051 crowd saw Matlock beat the Bucks 3-1 in a thrilling tussle... He added, '“It’s the game everyone looks forward to, the one we look for on the fixture list.'...

In spite of not being at their best compared to last term, Matlock are currently the fifth best supported side in the division with an average of 382. Only Stourbridge, Altrincham, Stafford Rangers and Workington currently have more people through the turnstiles than Matlock...

Winger Ted Cribley is back in training following a shoulder injury and could be included in the squad for Altrincham. 'We’ll have to see how he goes in training on Thursday, he was okay on Tuesday and it’s possible he might be in the squad for the weekend.'... Hopkins added that they have a seven day notice in on a possible new recruit, having released midfielder Callum Lloyd last week... He has moved to Belper Town...

Hopkins added that everyone at the club is wishing Luis Rose a healthier 2018 after missing the last three months of 2017 through illness. The 19 years old forward, signed from Ilkeston during the summer, has had a recurrence of ulcerative colitis, a condition which first hit him at the age of thirteen and also led to Scottish international Darren Fletcher being absent for a year while he was with Manchester United".

ALTRINCHAM 1-2 WARRINGTON TOWN

Jordan Hulme eventually broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute when he turned and half-volleyed a shot past goalkeeper McMillan following a Johnston corner.

However, the visitors made all three substitutions and went for an equalizer which they scored in the 87th minute when Goulding netted from close range when Alty keeper Thompson hesitated after initially coming for the ball. Alty had now lost the initiative and they conceded a second goal in the third added minute when McDonald slid in at the back post as Alty failed to clear a low cross from the right.

Nevertheless, there was still time for Hampson to hit the post and then for Alty to fail to convert the resulting loose ball before the final whistle sounded. So, Warrington now travel to Ebbsfleet United in the next round on 13 January.

Match report here.

Altrincham's next match is on Saturday (23rd) at home to Matlock Town (3pm).

SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL TO MARINE AND COALVILLE

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Altrincham v Matlock Town
• Barwell v Marine
• Buxton v Stafford Rangers
• Grantham Town v Ashton United
• Hednesford Town v Shaw Lane
• Mickleover Sports v Lancaster City
• Stalybridge Celtic v Rushall Olympic
• Stourbridge v Whitby Town
• Sutton Coldfield Town v Witton Albion
• Warrington Town v Coalville Town
• Workington v Nantwich Town

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

He also spent part of last year’s title-winning campaign on loan at Giant Axe as Phil Brown’s side won the NPL First Division North title. During a successful period at Victory Park, Jarvis made just shy of 200 appearances for Chorley having joined from AFC Fylde...

Jarvis said on his departure, 'Chorley is a great family club and I’ve loved my time here. It wasn’t an easy decision to make, but it feels like the right time and I’m ready for a new challenge'... His arrival at Giant Axe comes after Scott Harries left the club, the winger having joined from Warrington in the summer".

ALTRINCHAM v WARRINGTON TOWN: LIVE COVERAGE

Brian Flynn announces that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Tuesday night's game. The match commentary sponsor is Grappenhall Computer Services, providing mobile IT support for home and small businesses in Warrington and surrounding areas. Their website is here.

The commentators are Paul Salt and Brian Flynn and the match summariser is John Edwards. Coverage starts at 7.25pm".

Guidance for Listening to Radio Robins

There will be 4 ways to listen to Radio Robins via Mixlr

• a) The Radio Robins website. Open the page in any web browser and the broadcast should start automatically. Please note that the 4 Player Options (Windows Player | Real Player | Quick Time | Winamp ) will not work now.
• b) Download and install the Mixlr app on Android devices from the Google Play Store - start the app and search for 'Radio Robins'.
• c) Download and install the Mixlr app on Apple devices from the Apple Store - start the app and search for 'Radio Robins'.
• d) There is a temporary WIX website here.

SATURDAY INTERVIEW WITH NEIL SORVEL

TUESDAY MATCH

• Altrincham v Warrington Town

POSSIBLE TROPHY OPPOSITION: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Mike Garnett advises that our encounters to date with Ebbsfleet United and their forerunners, Gravesend & Northfleet, can be summarised as follows:

• Home p.8 w.4 d.2 l.2 f.15 a.11
• Away p.8 w.3 d.1 l.4 f.8 a.10
• Overall p.16 w.7 d.3 l.6 f.23 a.21

All of the above encounters were league matches at Conference/National League level. Our most recent meeting was on 16.1.2010 when Alty won in Kent, 2-1, thanks to goals by Chris Senior and Greg Young. Earlier that season, on 8.8.2009 the sides had drawn 1-1 at Moss Lane, with Senior the Alty scorer.

Obviously all of the above becomes irrelevant should we lose on Tuesday night!

On Saturday, Ebbsfleet beat Eastleigh 2-1, courtesy of a goal in added time. The National League reports that "Ebbsfleet United boss Daryl McMahon says his side kept going as they progressed to the next round of the FA Trophy... thanks to a 93rd minute strike by Myles Weston. 'I just always felt that moments of quality with Shields, with Weston, Coulson, Powell, Kedwell, we knew we had the players in the team that could produce a goal and in the end we did,' McMahon told the club's website'...

There was more good news for the side with Dave Winfield starting for the first time since August and the defender impressed his manager once again... 'I’ve been saying it for two or three months and I think he’s the best centre half in the league'...

While one player returned McMahon believes a new addition up front is needed as well. 'We’d like to bring someone in, another handful, another goal threat for us if the right player becomes available. I don’t think you can sit on your laurels'".

ARDILES AND MICKEY HAZARD AT ALTY

Ardiles, who inspired Argentina to World Cup glory in 1978 before going head-to-head with John King in a memorable midfield duel against Alty at White Hart Lane the following year, will be the star attraction at what promises to be an unforgettable evening in the Community Sports Hall on Friday, March 16.

With plans in place to include King and his fellow Alty Cup heroes on the guest list, and places already available at £35 each, club officials are hopeful anyone still searching for the perfect Christmas gift will feel they need look no further.

Right: Alty goalscorer Jeff Johnson in the game at Spurs in 1979.

Explaining how an exchange of tweets with Hazard helped set up an event that should be awash with nostalgia, Neil said, 'I wanted to arrange a dinner that would do justice to the Tottenham-Altrincham history, after we played them three times in the FA Cup, and I just thought who better than Ossie Ardiles, famed as a World Cup winner and, as far as Alty fans are concerned, those battles with John King?

'I set about trying to get hold of Ossie without much success, but I did notice he and Mickey were doing a lot of sporting dinners. I knew Mickey was on Twitter, so I tweeted him, and, to my delight, he tweeted back immediately, saying let's go for it.

'I couldn't believe how quickly he responded, and it went on from there pretty rapidly. I just thought it was worth a punt, and I'm delighted it has paid off.

'From the feedback I've had, I get the impression Ossie is up for it just as much as Mickey and, it's going to be a bit special having them both in the same room together. Will Ossie remember him? How could he ever forget him! He'll probably bring a pair of shin pads with him! [John King has confirmed his attendance at the dinner.]

'The idea is to fill a table with Alty players from that era, and we will be contacting them, starting with Kingy, to see if they can make it. It is fantastic news for the club, a real coup, to have a World Cup winner and another exceptionally-skilful midfielder in Mickey Hazard, who won two FA Cups with Tottenham.

'We're hoping the Community Sports Hall will be packed, and there's every reason for believing it will be, because five tables are already spoken for, and we haven't even started advertising it yet. It's eight to a table, and it would be fantastic if we could get close to the near-200 people we had for the Roy Keane evening, which was a phenomenal success and the best turn-out we've had so far.

'We are taking bookings now, so anyone interested in reserving their place, and I can't think of a better Christmas present for any Alty fan, can contact the club on 0161 928 1045 or by e-mail.

Footnote: Altrincham's three games against Spurs were:

• 1979 3rd round: v Tottenham Hotspur Away 1-1 att. 31,081, Alty scorer Jeff Johnson.
• 1979 3rd round replay: v Tottenham Hotspur Home (Maine Road) 0-3 att.27,878
• 1995 3rd round: v Tottenham Hotspur Away 0-3 att. 25,057

The following press comments on the original tie were printed in the match programme for the replay at Maine Road...

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

The fans, players and officials of the League's five flag-bearers in the Buildbase FA Trophy are looking forward to away ties after Monday lunchtime's draw for the second round proper...

After their 0-0 draw on Saturday, the winners of the all EVO-STIK League Premier Division replay between Altrincham and Warrington at Moss Lane on Tuesday night will travel to Ebbsfleet. Stourbridge, 1-0 victors at Leamington at the weekend to bank £6,000 in prize money as first round proper winners, drew a trip to Essex to face big-spending Isthmian League outfit Billericay Town.

Fans who tuned in to the draw during the Ray Stubbs Show heard Marine rewarded for their win at Chorley with a trip to Dover while Workington, 1-0 winners over Hartlepool United in Cumbria on Saturday, are heading south to either Chesham United or Weston for the chance to bank £7,000 in prize money when the ties are played over the weekend of Saturday 13 January."

And Cantilever Catchup adds that "Warrington Town will travel to Ebbsfleet United in round two of the FA Trophy if they can overcome Altrincham in their first round replay on Tuesday night... Ebbsfleet are currently tenth in the National League and well in the hunt for the play-off places in the fifth tier, two leagues above Warrington...

A meeting with Ebbsfleet would be the very first in Warrington’s club history and be their first appearance in the second round of the FA Trophy since 1993".

From NL Pitchero we learn that "After an impressive start to the season, Andrew Wright has signed a contract with Grantham Town until the end of the season. Wright had a month’s loan with Grantham last season from Lincoln City and also went on loan to Matlock Town before signing for the Gingerbreads on a more permanent basis in the summer.

He came through the Lincoln City youth system before earning a professional contract with them. The midfielder was delighted with being made the offer, telling the club's official Pitchero website, 'I’m loving my time here, we’re a really great group. Everything is perfect at the moment.' Supporters will have noticed how much Wright celebrates whenever the Gingerbreads score, 'Football is all about winning and to that we have to score. Whoever it is who scores, I’m going to enjoy it!'

Gingerbreads' manager Adam Stevens was also delighted to get the contract signed: “We’ve been discussing it for a few weeks, and to get it sealed ahead of the busy Christmas period is an additional boost to everyone”.

BUILDBASE FA TROPHY ROUND TWO DRAW

The Buildbase FA Trophy Second Round matches are to be played on Saturday, 13 January 2018.

• Ebbsfleet United v Warrington Town
• Kidderminster Harriers v Stockport County
• East Thurrock United v Chester FC
• Bognor Regis Town v Leyton Orient
• Brackley T. v Barrow
• Weston-s-Mare v Workington
• Billericay Town v Stourbridge
• FC Halifax Town/Macclesfield T v Maidenhead U
• Maidstone United v Heybridge
• Dover Athletic v Marine
• Gateshead/Guiseley v Boreham Wood
• Wealdstone v Hereford
• Sutton United v Hendon
• Blyth Spartans v Bromley
• Spennymoor v Solihull Moors
• St Albans City v Harrogate Town

WARRINGTON VIEW

"Town will be in the hat for the FA Trophy second round draw on Monday after a goalless draw with Altrincham. For the second time this season, the two sides battled out a stalemate at Cantilever Park that won’t be remembered by many...

Having passed a midday pitch inspection, the game went ahead in freezing conditions and it was Yellows midfielder Sean Williams who first warmed a goalkeeper’s fingertips, his free kick beaten away in to the danger area on four minutes. The visitors had the better of the opening quarter of the match, former Yellows striker Tom Peers prodding over the bar before a weaving run by Jordan Hulme took him past James McCarten and in to the box, before seeing his shot blocked.

The Yellows had the ball in the net on 34 minutes through Jamie McDonald only for a linesman’s flag to rule it out.

Altrincham started the second half brightest, working an opening for James Poole to strike over, but if they had edged the first half, the second half belonged to the Yellows. The hosts controlled field position and possession for long periods, without really looking like creating anything... The best chance came on 85 minutes when sub, Gerard Kinsella, fed Bakkor and his shot from 20 yards was tipped over the bar by Anthony Thompson.

Altrincham came close in the final minute, John Johnston cutting in from the left and having a right-foot shot deflected wide".

LADIES' NEXT GAME

LADIES' MATCH POSTPONED

WARRINGTON TOWN 0-0 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here.

Right: Tom Hannigan bravely confronts Warrington keeper Tony McMillan's punch in the match on Saturday. Image courtesy of Michael Ripley.

HALF-SEASON TICKETS

Prices are as follows:

• Adults: £90
• Concessionaries: £60
• Aged 12-16: £25
• Under 12s: £7.50

SATURDAY GATES

• Att. 297 Grantham Town 0 - 1 Buxton
• Att. 184 Shaw Lane 1 - 1 Witton Albion

The FA Trophy 17-18 - First Round

• Att. 708 Chorley 1 - 3 Marine
• Att. 578 Lancaster City 1 - 3 Stockport County
• Att. 404 Leamington 0 - 1 Stourbridge
• Att. 545 Warrington Town 0 - 0 Altrincham
• Att. 771 Workington 1 - 0 Hartlepool United

BUILDBASE FA TROPHY REVIEW

There will be no Wembley visit for Hartlepool United in their first season in the competition as Craig Harrison`s outfit crashed to a 1-0 defeat at Borough Park against Evo-Stik League Premier club Workington AFC.

In front of a crowd of 771, the game's defining moment came in the 82nd minute with from a breakaway from the hosts, Scott Allison cut in from the left and sent a low drive across goal and into the bottom left corner of Scott Loach’s goal...

National League North play-off chasers Chorley also bowed out, beaten 3-1 at The Chorley Group Victory Park Stadium by Evo-Stik League Premier strugglers Marine AFC. Matty Hughes had given the Magpies an early 2nd minute lead, but Adam Hughes equalised 15 minutes later.

And then an own goal from Josh O’Keefe on 74 minutes, although it was claimed by James Murray, and a stoppage time strike from Danny Mitchley, saw the Mariners through...

National League North side Leamington losing 1-0 at the New Windmill Ground to Evo-Stik League Premier outfit Stourbridge is another outcome that many thought eminently possible ahead of kick-off, given the Glassboys' cup pedigree. What turned out to be the only goal of an often fiesty game came 3 minutes into the second half when Matty Dodd scored after a bit of ping-pong in the six-yard box and despite an outstanding save from Tony Breeden.

There were some unsavoury scenes at the end of the game, sparked off by a bad challenge by Brandon Hauge on Breeden. This sparked a brawl between Leamington supporters and Stourbridge players and coaching staff, although the situation was quickly diffused...

The FA would no doubt be delighted to see a club with Stockport County`s support reach the final, and they are through to the Second Round after the National League North outfit won 3-1 at the Giant Axe against Evo-Stik League Premier side Lancaster City.

Jason Oswell gave the Hatters a 27th minute lead that Gary Stopforth doubled 6 minutes before the break. Ryan Winder`s penalty 10 minutes into the second half gave the Dolly Blues hope, but a last-gasp Bohan Dixon third extinguished that to make it 3-1."

SATURDAY FIXTURES

Saturday 16 December 2017, The EVO-STIK Premier Division

• Ashton United P-P Halesowen Town (frozen pitch)
• Coalville Town P-P Stafford Rangers (snow & ice)
• Farsley Celtic P-P Matlock Town (frozen pitch)
• Grantham Town 0-1 Buxton
• Hednesford Town P-P Barwell (frozen pitch)
• Nantwich Town P-P Stalybridge Celtic (waterlogged)
• Rushall Olympic P-P Whitby Town (frozen pitch)
• Shaw Lane 1-1 Witton Albion

SATURDAY'S BUILDBASE FA TROPHY GAMES

• Chorley 1-3 Marine
• Lancaster City 1-3 Stockport County
• Leamington 0-1 Stourbridge
• Warrington Town 0-0 Altrincham
• Workington 1-0 Hartlepool United, so Alty's home game with The Reds on 13 January will be postponed.

RESERVES' MATCH OFF

BEFORE THE GAME: WARRINGTON TOWN

• At home P5-W2-D2-L1-F12-A8
• Away: P0-W0-D1-L0-F0-A0
• All: P6-W2-D3-L1-F12-A8

Alty go into the game unbeaten over 90 minutes in 19 games, though they did lose on penalties at Mossley when they fielded a much-changed side in the Integro Cup. They hope to have James Poole back from injury and Sean Miller is available after completing his loan spell at Colne. However, Mason Walsh is suspended.

From the other side, Cantilever Catchup adds that "Warrington Town face a huge clash on Saturday in the first round proper of the FA Trophy as they take on league rivals Altrincham at Cantilever Park.

Both sides will come into the game fresh after a two week break since they last featured, due to last Saturday’s postponements and there is only four points and three places separating them at the top of the Northern Premier League, but that all means little in this knockout match.

Last time out the Yellows were thrashed 5-0 by fellow high-fliers Shaw Lane on an afternoon to forget in Barnsley. Meanwhile, it was an away win two weeks ago for Altrincham when they travelled to Mickleover and scored two first half goals on the way to a 2-1 win.

Altrincham have become notoriously fast starters in their most recent games. They were ahead after 20 minutes at Mickleover, and in the last round of the FA Trophy against National League North side Alfreton, they scored both goals of a 2-0 win inside the first 17 minutes of the contest.

If you go back a week further to the Robins 4-0 league win at Sutton Coldfield you will see that they effectively had the game won after 11 minutes when they scored the third goal of that contest. On top of that, they scored in the first 20 minutes in the second qualifying round of the Trophy against Ramsbottom and there would be no further goals in the 1-1 league draw with Buxton in early November after Josh Hancock’s eighth minute equaliser.

Warrington’s road to the first round of the FA Trophy has needed five matches in all and certainly given the fans plenty of value. The first qualifying round was simple enough as Paul Carden’s men overcame Bamber Bridge 2-1, but they then needed a penalty shoot-out in the replay of the second qualifier against Ashton after the sides had shared six goals over 210 minutes of normal play.

Another replay was required to see off National League North side Tamworth, after a 2-2 away draw was followed by a 3-0 win in the side’s last home fixture on November 28.

Jamie McDonald has been Town’s star so far this season, particularly in the Trophy, scoring both goals in the replay with Ashton and then netting the winning penalty in the shoot-out. McDonald bagged the vital equaliser away at Tamworth and then sent the Yellows 2-0 ahead in the first half of the replay a couple of days later.

You could be forgiven for forgetting the last meeting between these two sides, when they met at Cantilever Park in October. On the day, in very wet and windy conditions in Warrington, the two sides played out a cagey goalless draw which kept the two very closely tied at the top of the Northern Premier table.

Jordan Hulme (above, right) has scored 16 goals this season for Altrincham in all competitions which is one more than team mate Josh Hancock, and 12 of these goals have come in the league for Hulme. On top of this, in the second qualifying round of the trophy in November, Hulme scored a hat-trick in the Robins' 4-1 triumph over Ramsbottom. His run of form in the league has seen him score three times in their last two games, both of which were away against Mickleover and Sutton Coldfield. If Warrington are going to progress into the second round, then Hulme is certainly someone who they will have to keep quiet."

Meanwhile, the Warrington Guardian says that manager "Paul Carden has urged the people of Warrington to get behind his Yellows side in their FA Trophy first round clash with Altrincham on Saturday... The Robins visit Cantilever Park for the second time this season and a crowd of just under 1,000 turned out to see the sides draw 0-0 in the Evo-Stik Premier Division on October 21.

Travelling supporters outnumbered Warrington fans that day and Carden would like that to be 'flipped on its head.' However, the Town boss admitted the onus was on his players to 'put on a show' to ensure fans return for future games. 'We want the gates to increase and these big games will hopefully do that,' he said. 'We want to be up at the top and playing against big clubs in our league like Altrincham. It helps the club financially if you have bigger support as well as getting behind the lads. When you’re playing someone like Altrincham, you know the away support will probably outnumber the home support but we need to try and flip that on its head'...

'We know they’re a good team but that’s obvious. They’re not top of the league by fluke,' he said. 'We’re a good team as well. We’ve got to make sure we show what we’re about. Both teams will want to win to put a marker down on the other'".

WALKING FOOTBALL

Shown right, are details of the walking football sessions organised by the Altrincham CSH. Please note that the evening session will now be held outdoors on a 4G playing surface, under floodlights.

ALTY'S PITCH UPGRADE

The EVO-STIK League Premier Division club's media team received an early publicity present for Christmas on Thursday when the £20,000 grant spent on improving their Moss Lane pitch was the subject of a double-page spread in the FSIF's glossy 2017 annual review.

Broken in when the Robins hosted a Manchester United XI in a pre-season friendly this summer, the surface now benefits from an electronically controlled water irrigation system as well as new pitch maintenance equipment purchased with the Premier League-funded and Football Foundation-administered grant.

Altrincham's community director Peter Foster and long-standing fan John Henderson are both interviewed for the review which came out this week as the Robins prepared to take a break from their title ambitions at Warrington Town in the Buildbase FA Trophy on Saturday.

Singling out their over-worked groundsman as one of the main beneficiaries, Foster tells the review's readers, 'The money we received from the FSIF went a long way to improving the standard of the pitch here at Moss Lane. Our groundsman had to hand water every blade of grass here, as well as using a beaten-up old mower that has been verging on breakdown for a while!'

Henderson said, 'This has provided us with a superb surface for the players to showcase their talents on and will be a great help to the club in their bid for promotion. A big thank you must go to the Premier League for the grant that made all this possible.'

To read the full article click here.

SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL TO MARINE AND COALVILLE

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

Tadcaster were aware from the start that Murray still had great ambition to play at the highest level possible in the Pyramid and were never going to stop him from moving on if the opportunity arose. Twenty-two-year-old Murray recorded one goal and one assist in twenty-four appearances during his short spell at the i2i stadium. He signed for Taddy from Scarborough Athletic after spells with Leeds United, Bradford City, York City, FC United of Manchester and Stalybridge Celtic."

Cumbria's News & Star tells us that "Midfield maestro Conor Tinnion is a slight doubt for Workington Reds ahead of the eagerly-awaited FA Trophy clash with Hartlepool. The talented star has been laid low by an illness this week and unable to train.

But Reds’ co-manager Lee Andrews [says]... 'He has missed training through illness, so we are all just hoping he recovers in time for Saturday. He has been in good form. His delivery for the first two goals last weekend was brilliant. We all know what Conor can do and to be without him would be a massive loss for us.'

Andrews is hoping to keep virtually the same unchanged side... 'We have gone 13 games unbeaten, so we are going into this match full of confidence,' he said. 'It’s hard for the lads who have not been playing but we always say "If the lads are playing well on a Saturday then they will keep their shirt".... It will probably be pretty much the same side we put out tomorrow. We have a whiteboard where I write the team each week and I haven’t had to change it since the Glossop game.'

But he was also full of praise for his players on the bench, who have been boosting the side each week when they get on the pitch. He added, 'These lads are coming on and affecting the game and I do feel for them. They come on and do well but they are still not getting a start because of how well the lads who are starting are playing. But this just shows we may have a small squad but we have a lot of quality there, and the lads sitting on that bench are raring to get on and influence the match.'"

OH BROTHER!

Wrexham negotiated a sell-on clause as part of the deal that took him north of the border and they will now benefit from that. The 25-year-old, it has been confirmed, will be moving to Championship club Preston on January 1 for an undisclosed fee thought to be around £450,000. It’s not known how much Wrexham will net from the deal but it’s a bonus regardless for the Racecourse club".

SHIRT SPONSORSHIP

Sponsors receive a personalized, signed shirt of the player(s) in question at the end of season. So why not help the promotion push and contact the club office on 0161 928 1045 to arrange your sponsorship.

The list of sponsored players and those still available for sponsorship is here.

ALTY FEATURED BY STADIA IMPROVEMENT FUND

Altrincham FC received some excellent publicity with the above double-page spread in the Football Stadia Improvement Fund's 'Annual Review' for 2017.

HALF-SEASON TICKETS

Prices are as follows:

• Adults: £90
• Concessionaries: £60
• Aged 12-16: £25
• Under 12s: £7.50

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

'Scooby' made 57 appearances for the club in the 2016/17 campaign as they won promotion to the Evo-Stik NPL Premier Division, weighing in with an impressive 20 goals in the process... Marshall has worked hard to get back to fitness with club physio Gaz Liversedge, who explained the news, 'An MRI scan has shown advanced arthritis in his hip and some issue with the bone so the orthopedic consultant has confirmed he must retire. There is no surgical solution at this stage for him. It's terrible news for someone so young to give up a sport he loves and had a lot more to give to.

'From only seven months ago scoring the equaliser in the play-off final to having to retire, it shows you that you firstly should appreciate and love your chosen sport you do, as it can be taken away in a instant.'"

Closer to home, the Northwich Guardian tells us that "Carl Macauley has admitted that midfielder Paul Williams could be side-lined for up to six weeks with a knee injury. The midfielder was forced to leave the field early in the second-half during last week’s 3-2 defeat against Grantham...

The 31-year-old was filling in as a defender in the absence of captain Anthony Brown, who is also recovering from a knee complaint.

'It didn’t look good at the time,' said the Witton Albion manager. 'He could be out for four to six weeks, and that’s a big blow for us. That’s why we were careful in the summer to make sure that we have cover in that position.'

Michael Wilson is likely to start at third-placed Shaw Lane this Saturday... Brown has an outside chance of being in the squad for a first meeting with the Barnsley-based side since both teams were promoted from Division One South at the end of last season.

Macauley added...'We’re hopeful that Anthony will train this week.'”

According to the EvoStik League, "Matlock Town's joint boss Glenn Kirkwood is looking no further ahead than Saturday’s trip to Farsley Celtic as the Gladiators embark on a tough five-match schedule to round off the year and head into 2018, writes Ian Richardson.

All of their next five opponents are potential title winners or play-off candidates. A trip to league leaders Altrincham follows on Saturday week before local rivals Buxton are at the DCJ Group Arena on Boxing Day. 2017 ends with a home meeting with fourth-placed Warrington Town and 2018 starts with a visit to second in the table Grantham Town.

More immediately, Farsley are currently seventh, five points ahead of the Gladiators... Kirkwood declared, 'They’ve come up and done really well despite losing their top scorer [James Walshaw to Scarborough Athletic], but they’ve got a good replacement in Nathan Cartman from Darlington. They might have lost their last two matches but they’re a good side. We had a big sticky patch. Farsley will be eager to get out of it and be wanting the win just as we are'...

Striker Ricky German has been recalled by Chesterfield and although nothing can be confirmed yet, Kirkwood revealed there may be a new face arriving in time in for Saturday... 'Jamie Jackson therefore looks likely to partner Shaun Harrad in attack,' said Kirkwood. On the injury front, Ted Cribley’s shoulder injury, which looked likely to see him sidelined for six weeks, is not as bad as first thought but long standing absentee Marc Newsham still looks to be some way off a return...

Kirkwood said, 'We’re hoping Ted can do a bit of training... we’re hoping he’s not too far off a return. Marc’s ankle is taking some healing and it could be some while before he’s back'".

From the East Coast, we learn that at Whitby Town "Midfielder James Risbrough has had his contract terminated... by mutual consent. The attack-minded player has found first-team opportunities since picking up an injury against Grantham Town in August.

Risbrough... signed for the club early in August from Swedish side Ytterhogdals IK, after impressing whilst on trial in pre-season".

NW NEWS

However, in July 2013 the club`s fortunes changed when club official John Cotton noticed an article for the Budweiser Club Futures Programme, a £50,000 regional grant he felt the club could win. Vice-chairman Carl Barratt took up the mantle and fortune struck on Halloween that year, which changed the future of the club forever, when Barratt received the news that he was successful in winning the grant.

This also enabled the club to compete against seven other clubs nationwide for an additional £100,000 in a public Facebook vote during February 2014.

They obtained the most votes and secured the additional funds, both cheques were presented at the proposed new home, Hollyhedge Park, in November 2013 and March 2014 by former Everton player Peter Reid and former Manchester United player Mark Hughes respectively...

The football and cricket clubs` workable relationship in its latter years became strained, and subsequently the Ammies were rendered homeless when evicted by the cricket club in May 2015 after thirty-two years use...

Whilst the [Hollyhedge] project was coming to fruition games were played at Flixton FC and St. Paul’s High School, with hospitality at the Winston Conservative Club and Northenden Social Club. The penning of this crucial chapter recommenced in July 2016 when the club secured funding of £812,000, which included £382,317 from the Premier League and the FA delivered by the Football Foundation, the £150,000 from Budweiser, £146,000 National Lottery, grants from Sport England, Football Stadia Improvement Fund, Wythenshawe Community Housing Group, Manchester City Council, National Sports Centre Trust and Tesco.

This allowed enabling work to start, but work began in earnest in February 2017 for a clubhouse, new pitch, drainage, car park and fencing when a new long-term lease was finally agreed. In March 2017 the club became a Community Benefit Society and the stadium was completed in September 2017 – the first match being played on 30th, drawing 1-1 with Hindsford in the Manchester League – the 32-year-old record attendance was broken with 277 in the ground.

The hard work now begins for the Ammies over the next few months to comply with Ground Grading H by 31st March 2018."

DESIGN A SHIRT WINNERS

"Christmas came early for three children in Altrincham this week as they were unveiled as winners of Altrincham FC’s design a shirt competition.

It was launched in October alongside the Club’s new Inclusion Strategy and local primary school children were invited to design a football shirt that celebrates the differences within our community. Entry forms were distributed by eight primary schools, Altrincham and Hale libraries as well as art charity, Art with a Heart whose director Karen Wroe, also a member of the judging panel, encouraged children to be creative during the Autumn half-term holiday.

Sponsored by Altrincham based company Smart Storage, the competition captured the imagination of the town’s children as hundred of entries were received with a variety of themes bringing Inclusion and Diversity to a young audience.

The winners Emily Bennett (right, on photo), aged 6, from Oldfield Brow Primary School, Holly Sachro (centre, on photo), aged 7, from Heyes Lane Primary School and Joseph Slater Snape (left, on photo), aged 10, from Willows Primary School had their designs turned into Altrincham FC replica shirts by The Robins' kit supplier SK Kits (pictured). There were also six runners-up who also won season tickets for themselves and a parent.

The presentation took place on Saturday afternoon with the first team squad after the Evostik Premier Division table-toppers had their match against Shaw Lane FC postponed.

Paul Whittaker from Smart Storage said, 'Smart Storage were delighted to get involved with this fantastic initiative and support Altrincham FC and their Inclusion programme. I was personally honoured to be part of the judging panel as, not only the number of entries, but also the high quality astonished me, it was certainly no easy task choosing the winners'.

Jordan Tyms, Altrincham FC Inclusion Co-ordinator, added 'I would like to thank Smart Storage, Art with a Heart and the primary schools that helped to support this project and would like to congratulate all of the children that took part especially Emily, Holly and Joseph for their fantastic designs'.

If you would like to get involved or require further information regarding Altrincham FC’s Inclusion and Diversity programme please send me an e-mail.

The runners-up were:

• Zayed Elgergawy (5), Broadheath Primary School
• Leo Glasspole (6), St Vincent's Primary School
• Reuben Snape (7), Willows Primary School
• Yara Ali (7), Broadheath Primary School
• Travis David Millar (10), Navigation Primary School
• Nicolette Anakwe-Umek (10), Broadheath Primary School

LADIES' WIN

Keith adds that "The girls came back from a goal down to win 4-3. Real winter weather did not spoil the entertainment as both teams played their hearts out. Goals from Laura Dodds (2), Megan Rowley and Kye Brown secured a great victory against a tough team.

Well done to all. Also a big thanks tot all the supporters who braved the weather and massive thanks to Michael Ripley Photography who took some awesome photos, as seen above".

ALTY TEAM NEWS

"Altrincham’s big Evo-Stik Premier clash with Shaw Lane was postponed on Saturday, as the match referee deemed the pitch unplayable when he carried out a ten o’clock inspection. Whilst there had been snow overnight, the heavy rain earlier in the week meant that parts of the pitch were waterlogged and Alty were denied the opportunity to stretch their advantage over their Barnsley-based rivals, who remain three points behind the table-topping Robins with two games in hand.

Only two Evo-Stik Premier Division fixtures survived with Workington continuing their improved recent form and establishing themselves as genuine challengers with a 3-0 victory over Mickleover Sports, that moves the Cumbrians into a Play-Off position.

Phil Parkinson’s team are back on the Buildbase F.A. Trophy trail on Saturday, travelling to Cantilever Park to take on fellow Evo-Stik Premier title contenders Warrington Town in a First Round clash. Alty have already come through three Qualifying Rounds, defeating Clitheroe, Ramsbottom United and Alfreton, winning £12,250 prize money in the process and there is a further £6,000 up for grabs on Saturday for the victors.

The teams drew 0-0 in a league encounter in October, on a freezing cold and exceptionally wet afternoon at Warrington and the conditions could be similar on Saturday. The Robins dominated that game but couldn’t find that elusive goal on the day to take all three points.

Mason Walsh will miss the game due to his suspension for being sent off at Mossley in the Integro League Cup but James Poole has recovered from his thigh injury, sustained in the last round at Alfreton and Sean Miller has returned from his successful loan spell at Colne F.C.

Two of the emerging young players from the Reserves have gone on a month’s loan to gain first team experience. Darius Palma (winger) joins Kidsgrove Athletic, whilst Tom Westall (left-back) has signed on dual registration with Alsager Town".

ALTRINCHAM FC MONTHLY DRAW

LAST SATURDAY'S GATES

• Att. 239: Whitby Town 2-2 Coalville Town
• Att. 387: Workington 3-0 Mickleover Sports

NORTHERN NEWS

Supporters already part with hard-earned cash through the turnstiles, plus sundry expenses with refreshments and programme sales, and the club appreciate that. Now they are asking those who can to contribute to a war chest for a promotion push, should it be needed. Avenue manager Mark Bower said, 'We have a very small squad but they're all good players and all in very good form and that's why we're doing well. We're in a good place in the league and we're trying to make hay while the sun shines and bank as many points as we can while everyone's fit and on top of their game. It's a case of fingers crossed every week though, because one or two injuries could really make a big difference.

'We have only signed two players all season, Mark Ross and Graham Kelly, and one of them (Kelly, on loan from Port Vale) has gone back. There are clubs in the relegation places in our league, like Boston United, who are signing players and paying transfer fees. That option isn't available for us but it is for at least three-quarters of the clubs.'

An announcement on the Avenue website this week said, 'The directors are today launching a new initiative to assist the manager in strengthening his squad for the rest of the season. With our principal financial benefactor, Gareth Roberts, covering the running costs of the club, the directors are appealing to fans to raise money to strengthen our play-off chances. The proposal is that fans donate as much as they can on a weekly or monthly basis or as a one-off payment towards the players fund. All donations will be ring-fenced for Mark to build his squad for the rest of the season...

A massive thank you to the fans who have already donated £1000. Don't worry if you cannot afford a regular donation, we will have a bucket in the club shop at home games. To kick-start the initiative, several directors have already signed up to donate'...

Bower added... 'If the chance comes to strengthen the squad at a critical time in the run-in and we're not in a position to do that, then we'd be kicking ourselves'".

SATURDAY RESULTS

The EVO-STIK Premier Division

• Altrincham P-P Shaw Lane (snow and waterlogged)
• Barwell P-P Grantham Town (frozen pitch)
• Halesowen Town P-P Nantwich Town (frozen pitch)
• Hednesford Town P-P Buxton (snow and ice)
• Matlock Town v Rushall Olympic (frozen pitch)
• Stafford Rangers P-P Lancaster City (snow and frozen pitch)
• Stourbridge P-P Farsley Celtic (frozen pitch)
• Sutton Coldfield Town P-P Marine (snow & ice)
• Warrington Town P-P Stalybridge Celtic (frozen pitch)
• Whitby Town 2-2 Coalville Town
• Witton Albion P-P Ashton United (snow)
• Workington 3-0 Mickleover Sports

MATCH POSTPONED

Altrincham Reserves' game at home to Knutsford, today, has also been postponed. Their next scheduled match is away at Denton Town next Saturday.

"POP-UP" ALTY SHOP

Before the Shaw Lane fixture, a wide range of Altrincham FC merchandise, including replica kits and leisure wear supplied by Ian Senior's SKkits, will be on sale in the foyer of the Club offices at the junction of Moss Lane and Golf Road.

So, please come along and make your Christmas purchases before watching the game! The "pop-up" store will be open from 11am until c.1pm.

FOODBANK APPEAL STILL ON

Jacqui Forster explains that "The Altrincham FC Inclusion & Diversity Group has teamed up with Trafford South Foodbank and a collection of items and monetary donations will take place on 9th December.

The local foodbank will be in attendance in the J. Davidson Stadium to take your donations and they will be able to distribute items to people just in time for Christmas, so please make somebody's Christmas a happy one and ensure that local families do not go hungry this year.

Please bring either the following items, or donate money to the collectors so that they can buy food in bulk, which is cheaper and they can check the best before dates: cordial and fruit juice, UHT milk, sponge puddings, biscuits and chocolate, crisps, nuts and sugar. Also, all toiletries, including shower gel, soap, shampoo, toilet rolls, deodorants. No fresh foods please.

Thank you in advance to all generous Altrincham FC fans and let’s make all local families have a wonderful Happy Alty Christmas!"

PHIL'S FRIDAY UPDATE

"There is a pitch inspection, by the match referee at ten o’clock on Saturday morning to see if our vital top of the table league clash against Shaw Lane can go ahead with a three o’clock kick off.

There is snow forecast for Saturday morning but we are all desperately hoping that we can get this game on, as we have such good momentum at the moment, on the back of a really good win at Mickleover Sports last Saturday. Shaw Lane are three points behind us but have played two games fewer, so there’s not much between the teams over the best part of half a season.

They had a really impressive win last Saturday, leapfrogging Warrington by scoring five times against Paul Carden’s side, without reply and they are certainly one of the teams that we are expecting to be involved in the shake up at the top of the league at the end of April.

It’s good that we have had a free week to prepare and focus on this very important game and Neil Sorvel and I have good selection options for this game. We took Tom Hannagan off midway through the second half of the 2-1 win at Mickleover, as a precaution and he has come through training well this week. James Poole has also trained and comes back into the equation for this game, after sustaining a thigh injury, early on, in the win at Alfreton in the Buildbase F.A. Trophy a fortnight ago.

Sean Miller is back with us now, following a successful month loan at Colne, where he scored three times. Sean has looked really sharp in training and will come in for the suspended Mason Walsh on the bench.

Simon Richman has completed his three match suspension, which is further good news as Simon has been such an important player for us since the start of the season.

There is also good news regarding Lewis Short, who has started training again this week.

Darius Palma has joined Kidsgrove Athletic for a month and Tom Westall is going to Alsager for a month. Darius and Tom are both young players who need to gain first team experience a league or two lower, to bring them on so that they can challenge for a first team place in the future.

We are expecting a big crowd on Saturday, particularly with the two big Manchester clubs not playing ahead of their big game on Sunday. It’s only £5 admission for season ticket holders of both clubs and it would be great if a good number of United and City fans turn up and help boost not only the numbers at the game but also the vocal support, which has been so good in recent games, most of which have been away from the J.Davidson Stadium".

CHRISTMAS TREATS

This should keep us all warm over the festive fixtures!"

TROPHY OPPONENTS RE-GROUP

However, Carden has called on his players to remember what has got them to fourth place in the Evo-Stik Premier Division and execute it against the Celts at Cantilever Park. 'We’re disappointed, but we can’t forget how the lads have been doing,' he said. 'We don’t just want to rip everything up and think it’s the end of the world. It was a poor, tired performance and a hurtful defeat, but we need to move on without forgetting about it. We’ll have had two sessions to get the lads back at it and ready to face Stalybridge.'

Yellows are facing something of a defensive crisis ahead of Saturday’s game, with centre-half Jack Higgins suspended and Adam Carden struggling with a hamstring injury. Jay McCarten only played at Sheerien Park after coming through a late fitness test on a back problem. However, Carden hopes younger brother Adam will be fit to return at right-back for Saturday’s game.

'Rory McKeown has played every game, Jack Higgins has been in and out and doesn’t help himself with the red card, Jay McCarten had a fitness test as well,' he said. 'Liam Goulding has been excellent at centre-half for us, but we’ve had to shift him to right-back where he’s a bit less comfortable. We haven’t got a lot of defensive cover at the moment so we’ll have to see where that takes us. Hopefully we’ll have Adam fit again so Liam can go back to centre-half, where he’s been quality. That would give us the composure at the back which I thought we lacked on Saturday'.

Yellows face a Stalybridge side that have struggled since being relegated from the National League North last season. They sit in the relegation zone and have picked up just one point from a possible 30 away from home this campaign, but Carden says... 'I keep seeing Stalybridge’s results and that they’ve been beaten but even those teams who have beaten them have said what a good side they are,' he said. 'Sometimes, as we’ve found out ourselves, its fine margins between winning and losing,' he said.

'They have got a squad of quality players throughout and a very experienced management team. I’m sure they will get an upturn in results, but we don’t want it to start with us'".

TOM SIGNS DUAL FORMS

OLD BOY

Kyle is also pleased to return saying, 'It is great to be back. Hyde have real quality in the squad and I am looking forward to helping them to achieve promotion. All the family are buzzing to be back too. Briea, Dad and Grandad!'"

LOCAL REFEREES NEEDED

We are seeking people who are interested in refereeing on a regular basis and want to develop their man management and decision-making skills. Individuals who are either at school, are ex-players or adults who want to get involved are all welcome to apply.

The FA Referees Course will be held at Ashton on Mersey School on the following dates:

• 12th February 2018 9-5pm
• 13th February 2018 9-5pm
• 15th February 2018 7-8.30pm (Next Steps Event, at Altrincham FC)

Candidates should register their interest by e-mail to the Cheshire FA. The cost of the course is £130".

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

Speaking in the week, Adam Stevens was delighted with the win.'Witton is never an easy place to go to. I thought we weathered their early pressure, got ourselves in front and then, up until the 85th minute, we looked like we’d be the only winner'.

Jordan Hempenstall’s two goals, took him into double figures in all competitions for The Gingerbreads.

Barwell haven’t won in 7 league matches. The last however was at home to Shaw Lane, who at the time topped the table. Adam Stevens isn’t expecting an easy afternoon. 'We know what Jimmy Ginnelly’s sides are all about. We’ll need to work probably harder than normal, and stick to our jobs'.

Apart from Luke Shaw, there are no injury worries for The Gingerbreads. However, Jordan Hempenstall is unavailable for selection due to personal commitments. Stevens is hoping that there will be plenty making the trip into Leicestershire. 'I can't praise our supporters enough. Home or away they're there, backing us. It's fantastic. If you watch Saturday's highlights at Witton and then the highlights from the club's last visit there, you can see the same faces celebrating".

From the News & Star, we learn that "Creative midfielder Rob Wilson will be back in the Workington Reds' fold tomorrow, after recovering from injury. Wilson pulled up with a groin strain during the warm-up for the Glossop FA Trophy replay and missed Saturday's hard-fought win over Stourbridge...

Says co-manager Lee Andrews, 'It is a massive bonus having him back in the squad,' said Andrews, whose Reds side are set to welcome Mickleover Sports to Borough Park. 'It was really unfortunate for Rob that he just got his place back in the team when this injury happened. So now he has to be patient again as it is hard to change the team after the last couple of performances.... At the moment the team is virtually picking itself but it is still nice to have options on the bench,' he added...

'When your side is playing well it is the easiest job in the world to prepare them as you just ask them to repeat the previous week's efforts'...

Andrews is expecting another tough test for his players [against Mickleover], although with more football on display. We know it will be tough but it will also be completely different to last Saturday,' he said. 'It may play into our hands a little bit more as they like to get the ball down and play football, which we are fine with. The most pleasing thing for me from last week was how our lads stuck to it'".

And Workington add that "The visit of Mickleover Sports will mark the half way point of the 46 match league programme. Compared to the same stage last season, Reds are better placed having scored more goals, conceded fewer, lost fewer games and have more points in the bag....

The Derbyshire outfit [Mickleover] have obtained more points on the road than they have at home, winning at Shaw Lane, Buxton, Witton Albion, Farsley Celtic and Stalybridge Celtic to date... Last season, Dav Symington netted an eight minute hat-trick in the 4-1 home win with Tyler Blake netting three as Sports won the return 4-0".

Over at Whitby Town, "Lewis Maloney has transferred his main registration to Whitby Town from Guisborough Town. The attacking midfielder, a product of the Middlesbrough academy, was previous dual-registered between the two clubs, with the Priorymen having priority. Maloney, however, has now made the switch permanent following impressive displays for both teams".

The EvoStik League says that "Farsley Celtic will be looking to get back to winning ways as they make the trip to Stourbridge FC on Saturday.

The Celts head into the game follow back-to-back defeats to Sutton Coldfield Town (1-0) and Hednesford Town (2-1). A trait that has developed this season has been conceding early goals, and Farsley found themselves a goal down inside two minutes in both games. The Celts have conceded in the first five minutes of six games in the league this season, going on to win just one, so Adam Lakeland will be looking for a much improved opening to games.

Prior to those defeats Farsley had been four games unbeaten, including victories over Brighouse Town (2-0) and Stafford Rangers (2-0) and will be looking to recover that form heading in to the festive period. Adam Lakeland has added to his squad with the signing of forward Dan Cockerline on loan from Southport, however Nathan Turner and Richard Marshall are doubtful.

Stourbridge have also lost their last two games, and are without a win in their last four league games. Stourbridge have drawn with Witton Albion (0-0), and lost to Shaw Lane (3-1), Workington (2-1) and Nantwich Town (2-0), a run of games which has seen the Glassboys drop to 11th in the league... Stourbridge's home form has also been sketchy this campaign, with just three wins out of ten. They have no apparent injury concerns."

PITCH INSPECTION TOMORROW

DARIUS'S DUAL REGISTRATION

LADIES' VIEW

Keith adds that "We also have been invited onto the sports programme on Trafford Sound radio, on Saturday, 9th December, around 2pm, to follow up on how we are doing and our plans".

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

The Warrington-born, 6ft 3in striker spent his youth career at Sheffield United before joining Barrow AFC in the summer of 2016 from Northwich Victoria. He was loaned out to Stalybridge Celtic in December 2016 but picked up an injury that ruled him out of the rest of that season.

He returned to the Bluebirds for his rehabilitation and made his several appearances as a subsitute earlier this season, as well as starting away at Solihull Moors.

He switched to Southport in September and has made nine league appearances so far this season".

INTEGRO CUP DRAW

• Atherton Collieries or Bamber Bridge v Scarborough Athletic
• Mossley v Ramsbottom United
• Warrington Town or Lancaster City v Workington or Marine
• Cleethorpes Town or Tadcaster Albion v S Shields
• Basford United v Kidsgrove Athletic
• Stafford Rangers v Coalville Town
• Matlock Town v Hednesford Town
• Mickleover Sports v Witton Albion

MALCOLM BAILEY'S FUNERAL

FLOODLIGHT REPAIR

As the adjacent image shows, repairs have taken place to one of the floodlight pylons at the J. Davidson Stadium. This was a two-person job which involved swivelling the upper section of the pylon to ground level. A burnt-out part needed to be replaced but everything is now fixed, ready for Saturday's match. Altrincham FC is grateful to Bob Large and his colleague, Kurt, for their efficent repair work.

ALTY OFFICE OPENING HOURS

However, please note that the Football Club will still be open on Saturday 23rd December and Monday 1st January for our home fixtures with Matlock Town and Witton Albion, respectively. Over the Christmas closure period, we will do our best to respond to all emails and voicemails. However, we suggest that any requests or enquiries that you may have are made in advance of this period.

Also, from Tuesday, 2nd January to Monday 8th January, 2018, the Community Sports Hall will be closed to the general public. The offices will remain open but we are having essential maintenance works carried out throughout the facility, hence the closure of the Hall.

As an aside, we’ve had new phone line options installed this week, so we hope these help with regards to the out of office hours and closures in the future".

NEW CSH SESSIONS FOR 2018

Disability Football is now moving to Tuesdays from 1.30pm to 2.30pm at Broomwood Community Wellbeing Centre, starting from Tuesday, 9th January

We are also introducing training sessions for a local Cheshire FA Ability Counts League team, on Tuesday evenings. Please e-mail or ring 0161 928 1045 for further information

Sports & Social is starting on Thursday, 11th January, every week from 12 noon to 3.00pm at Altrincham FC Community Sports Hall

Please e-mail or ring 0161 928 1045 for further information.

The last session of 2017 for Sporting Memories (see above) will be on Thursday 14th December, which is the third month of the event at the Community Sports Hall.

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

Cole, who signed from Newcastle Town earlier on in the week, came on as a second half substitute and within ten minutes had doubled the Dabbers’ lead with a fine long range effort following Harry Clayton’s first half finish.

Manager Dave Cooke made two changes from the weekend’s defeat to Coalville Town as Curtis Strong and David Forbes were brought in for skipper Sam Hall and Steve Jones. The Dabbers started brightly from the off and required a close range save from visiting keeper Matt Gould after five minutes as Clayton McDonald headed goal wards from Matt Bell’s in-swinging corner.

It was all the home side early on... Forbes and Clayton were linking up well in attack and the pair’s good play allowed winger Joe Mwasile an opportunity to fire an effort on goal, but his left footed shot sailed over the crossbar.

But the Dabbers didn’t have long to wait for the opener as on 20 minutes Bell’s through ball found Clayton in on goal, and the former Kidsgrove man calmly slotted the ball past Gould to give the home side the lead. The visitors were struggling to create anything of note and were relying on their physicality and Tom Tonks’ long throw...

The second period continued to see the Dabbers in the ascendancy... Manager Dave Cooke then made a double substitution as debutant Cole replaced Forbes while Jamie Morgan came on for Clayton McDonald who looked to have pulled up with an injury. It didn’t take long for Cole to make an impact as within ten minutes of coming on he latched onto Clayton’s neat flick, before firing into the bottom corner from 25-yards.

The goal was nothing more than the Dabbers deserved... The Dabbers comfortably saw out the game as they claimed all three points and moved up four places to 18th in the table".

Up in Cumbria, the News & Star reports that "Workington Reds boss Lee Andrews is expecting a totally different type of game when Mickleover Sports head to Borough Park on Saturday. After a rough and tumble encounter with Stourbridge at the weekend, Andrews believes a lot more football will be on display this weekend.

Reds clinched an injury-time winner over Stourbridge to bag three crucial Evo-Stik Premier League points, and Andrews hopes they can continue their form against Mickleover.

'Mickleover are a team that like to get the ball down and play,' said Andrews. 'The manager still plays and he likes to get it down and pass the ball, so that might suit us a little better... We’ve got a good run of home games now so, if we can get a decent points return from that, it potentially sets us up nicely going into the New Year,' added Andrews. 'Then, we can kick on and try and do better than we did last season'. Andrews said the team spirit in the Reds camp was high after the Stourbridge win...

'We knew Stourbridge were going to be a strong, physical team and when they put the ball down, they were in the middle of the pitch for most of the game,' Andrews said. 'But our two centre halves were fantastic. They dealt with most things and were battered and bruised after the game. We have a few battered and bruised bodies which you expect after a game like that but we have a week to recover'".

Stalybridge Celtic "are pleased to announce the signing of [ex-Alty] goalkeeper James Coates from Droyslden. Coates, an experienced keeper, will be available for selection ahead of the weekend’s trip to high-flying Warrington. The news comes following the departure of on-loan keeper Joe Slinn, who has been recalled to cover for the first team at parent club Port Vale".

Off the field at the Bower Fold, "The Football Club is delighted to announce that [ex-Alty man] Alex Meecham has joined the back room staff as Assistant Manager. The former Forest Green Rovers Striker, has experience of being a player-Assistant Manager at Barrow and Telford, also holding a caretaker manager role at Barrow. 'Meech' of course played for the club across two spells between 2007 and 2009, scoring 11 goals across 42 appearances.

Steve Burr said, 'I'm delighted to bring Alex in. He met the lads at training last night and I know he will bring a lift to the whole club. He knows this football club, which is always a useful, and played under me back in 2008'".

OLD BOY

Manager Rob Smith decided to shuffle his squad around in the second game of a busy December with Joe Fitzpatrick, Sam Oji, Charlie Gatter, Edji Mbunga and James Lawrie all coming into the starting line-up from Saturday’s team which defeated Farsley Celtic.

The Pitmen made the perfect start to the game as they took the lead in just the fifth minute when the ball rebounded off the crossbar into the path of Lawrie who was able to fire home into an empty net...

Hednesford would find that second goal in the 20th minute and, when an initial shot was well blocked, the ball fell to Lawrie who steered his effort into the back of the net to double his and Town’s tally... The home side did manage to reduce the arrears in the 41st minute... Hednesford would take just two minutes to restore their two-goal lead though when Jordan Graham played in Lawrie who placed his shot into the top corner to complete his hat-trick...

The first half blitz from the Pitmen would be enough to see them progress and extended their winning run to four matches".

PERFORMANCE ANALYST REQUIRED

The Stats Zone are looking to recruit 2-3 individuals to analyse and scout players and teams across the north of England on behalf of Altrincham Football Club.

You will attend matches as designated by TSZ and produce reports on players and teams in a timely and accurate manner. TSZ will provide a clear guidelines on the criteria for analysis and you will be expected to meet the high standards we expect.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of this position are:

• Attend matches and produce regular scouting and/or opposition analysis reports adhering to the criteria outlined by TSZ
• The administration and delivery of a comprehensive Scouting Analysis service.
• Work closely with TSZ scouting analysts to develop and monitor specific technical benchmarks for comparative analysis
• Apply numerical values to abilities and skills using TSZ’s technical definitions

Experience

The successful candidate should possess:

• A B.Sc. (Hons) degree in sports science, performance analysis or a similarly related degree with a minimum 2:1 classification
• Relevant vocational qualifications and experience that provide an understanding of the technical and tactical demands of Professional football
• Formal training in research methods
• Experience of working in a professional football club
• Excellent organisational skills and an ability to work with total discretion
• Experience in using performance analysis systems and software
• Be computer literate, familiar with Microsoft Office or similar packages
• Ability to work on own initiative, unsupervised and as an effective team member
• The ability to make sound decisions in a timely manner and practical approach to problem solving
• A willingness to work flexible hours in accordance with the demands of the role
• Full driving license
• A commitment to driving forwards continuous improvement in their working environment
• Sound personal qualities such as communication skills, the ability to work in a team environment, self-motivation, enthusiasm and ability to work under pressure

About You

We are looking for students of sport... individuals who are not just armchair fans, but interested in delving further into what is happening, and why it happens. We are looking for individuals who are constantly striving to take analysis to the next level. We are not looking for members of the old boys’ network who have done the same thing for the last 10-20 years. You should be comfortable with data as much as analysis.

The Detail

This is a part-time role on a contractor basis. You are responsible for declaring what you earn to the relevant authorities.

Payment is made on a per game basis. You will be assigned matches within a reasonable distance from where you live. Fees are paid promptly on a monthly basis.

You should be able and willing to travel to matches, and please outline in your application the teams closest to you and the distances from where you are based. Matches will be assigned on a weekly basis.

For more details on how to apply, visit The Stats Zone.

MIDWEEK FIXTURES

The EVO-STIK Premier Division

• Nantwich Town 2-0 Stourbridge

The Integro League Cup 17-18 - Second Round

• Coalville Town 5-1 Stamford

Birmingham Senior Cup

• Rushall Olympic 3-1 Coventry City
• Solihull Moors 1-3 Hednesford Town

Cheshire Senior Cup

• Cammell Laird 1907 3-2 Northwich Victoria

Derbyshire Senior Cup 17-18 - Third Round

• Buxton 9-0 Holbrook Sports
• South Normanton Athletic 1-3 Mickleover Sports

Sheffield & Hallam Senior Cup 17-18 - Third Round

• Shaw Lane 7-1 Wombwell Main FC

Friendly

• RAF Senior Representative Team v Halesowen Town, to be played at RAF Cosford

Walsall Senior Cup 17-18 - Second Round

• Stafford Rangers 3-1 Boldmere St Michaels

Wednesday 6 December 2017 Lancashire FA Challenge Trophy 17-18 - Quarter Final

• AFC Darwen v Lancaster City

North Riding Senior Cup 17-18 - First Round

• Redcar Athletic v Whitby Town

Liverpool County FA Senior Cup 17-18 - Second Round

• Tranmere Rovers v Marine

OLD BOY'S SUCCESS

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

Midfielder Canavan, who initially signed for the Glassboys in July 2008, has found appearances hard to come by this season and has turned out for Stourport Swifts... He has played a total of six times for the Glassboys this term, three of those from the bench, taking his total to 416 appearances and 48 goals...

Canavan said, 'Due to work commitments and playing opportunities, it hasn’t worked out this season hence my decision to sign for Bromsgrove Sporting'...

Striker Ryan Rowe has linked up with neighbours Lye Town. Rowe, who returned for his fourth spell with the Glassboys in the summer, has scored 3 goals in seventeen appearances for Stourbridge this season. He is one game short of bringing up 200 appearances and during his time with the club, he has netted an impressive 93 goals. As both Canavan and Rowe have joined clubs in the Midland League, Stourbridge will retain their Evo-Stik registrations."

Closer to home, Nantwich Town report that the Dabbers "can confirm the signing of Newcastle Town forward Jordan Cole on a two-month loan with a view to signing permanently. The 23-year... has scored nine goals for them [Town] so far this season... Cole has been with 'Castle since he was a youngster and played a huge part in the team’s run to the 2014/15 play-offs scoring 25 league goals and being voted in the League’s team of the year.

The striker began his career as a youngster at Port Vale before progressing through the ranks at 'Castle".

Meanwhile, Witton Albion‏ "are pleased to announce that Owen Dale has agreed to extend his loan from Crewe Alexandra with us for a further month".

Elsewhere, he only joined the club recently but Cantilever Catch Up has tweeted that "Billy Paynter has left Warrington Town. He has left to possibly gain a contract with League Two side Crawley Town".

And the "Warrington Guardian adds that "Warrington Town 'caused their own problems' in Saturday’s 5-0 hammering at Shaw Lane, manager Paul Carden says.

Yellows fell to defeat in a Saturday afternoon match for the first time this season in a game that also saw defender Jack Higgins sent off for a two-footed tackle.

'We encouraged them to do the things they are good at,' Carden said. 'The pitch was shocking but we were still trying to play across it, which invites trouble anyway. They didn’t open us up or pass the ball, they just put the ball in areas for us to defend and we didn’t cope with it. We’ve probably approached the game as we did against Tamworth, looking to play, but we’ve overdone it and caused our own problems.'

The Ducks were playing for the first time in two weeks in what was new manager Paul Quinn’s first game in charge at Sheerien Park. Carden admits it was 'the wrong time' for Yellows to come up against their promotion rivals...

'We looked a bit shell-shocked with the start we made and we never really recovered,' he said. 'At 2-0, we threatened a little bit but after that, I think everyone connected with Warrington was hoping for the final whistle. It was evident with the performance that we weren’t going to get a result. They’ve had a couple of weeks without a game, which allowed their new manager six or seven sessions with his squad before his first game in charge. We’ve probably gone there at the wrong time for us and the right time for them'".

And Shaw Lane "are pleased to announce the signing of goalkeeper Myles Wright, who was last with Buxton. Wright made his Football League debut on 4 October 2014, coming on as a 42nd-minute substitute during Chesterfield's 3–2 League One victory against Sheffield United... following Tommy Lee's red card.

On 29 August 2015, Wright joined Bradford Park Avenue on an emergency loan. He made his début the same day in the club's 4-4 draw with North Ferriby United. In May 2016, Wright was released by Chesterfield. He joined Buxton following his release."

PHIL'S VIEW OF THE MICKLEOVER GAME

Given how Mickleover were throwing everything at us in the final few minutes, and the fact that Shaw Lane showed what they're about with a 5-0 scoreline against Warrington, that was a massive win for us, wasn't it?

A: Yes, it was huge. It was vital we came here and took the points, because Shaw Lane, Warrington, Stourbridge, Workington and others like them are not going to take their foot off the gas, but we have demonstrated today our ability to come away from home and do what is required. We were in complete control, but then they get a goal back, and it makes for a very nervy ending. Full credit to the lads, though; they have put their heads in where some wouldn't put their feet and defended resolutely to finish with a thoroughly deserved victory.

They are a strange side, Mickleover, aren't they, because they look there for the taking one minute then quite dangerous the next?

A: I said in my pre-match notes that they are a very unpredictable team, with the ability to beat any side in the league, especially here on their own ground. They are far stronger home than away, and they have a lot of experience, with the likes of McGrath abnd Mills keeping them ticking over and going right to the bitter end.

We had to be on our mettle, and you only needed to look at the reaction of the players and fans at the end to appreciate how important it was we saw the job through. We were under a lot of pressure near the end, and we had to dig in and show our togetherness and defensive resilience. We have shown that all season, but it was particularly good to see it in such a tough, physical battle where we had to stay strong.

There were one or two off-the-ball incidents I wasn't happy with.

John Johnston got flattened in one, and Josh Hancock (right) got booked in another when he was the one on the receiving end. But we have shown overall we can play pretty football, as we did in the first half, and still win ugly, which we did in the second half. Tempers flared a bit at the end, but I'm just glad my players conducted themselves properly and pulled themselves away from it. They just got on with their cool-down, then came in and celebrated what was a great win. You could see they were bouncing in there.

The first half was ideal, wasn't it, the way we controlled the game, kept them out with ease and struck with two well created and well-taken goals, particularly the one by Jordan Hulme?

A: That is what Jordan (left) does. I have set my expectations of him, but that will remain between me and him. He is always in the right place at the right time, and that is something you can't coach. Apart from the goal, and he nearly had another at the back post, he ran his legs off all game. He is giving us everything at the moment, and I couldn't be more pleased for him or for Altrincham FC to have Jordan Hulme. It's a fantastic repayment of my faith in him, after a tricky start when he was down in the dumps a bit over what happened at Salford.

He came good, as I knew he would. He is a fantastic character and brilliant player, and he will help Alty go on to the next level. He is getting the accolades for his goals, but he gives us so much more, in terms of fantastic endeavour, work-rate and hold-up play. He was up against a 6ft 5in monster but more than held his own. There was another, the other side of him, but Jordan held it up more times than he didn't. Huge credit to Jordan for the way he plays and looks after himself, and the shape he's in.

I always knew he was going to be a goalscorer for us, and he's certainly been that so far. In fact, I think he said he's never scored this many before at this stage of the season, but I think that's largely because we are playing a certain style of football that suits him down to the ground.

Did you feel Ben Harrison (right) and Jake Moult were key figures today?

A: It goes without saying. They held us together at the end, when we were defending for our lives. For those last five minutes or so, the ball was being put in our box time and again, which is why we sent an extra defender on in Joel Bembo-Leta to help cope with it. They were being extremely direct, sending the centre-half up front alongside an already big frontline, so Joel went on, and it worked. We saw it through, and I was made up for the lads that they were able to do that.

Tom Hannigan went off in the second half - is he all right?

A: It was a precaution. We have to be mindful of minutes on the pitch with Tom. I'm communicating constantly with him to make sure we are able to nip it in the bud before he does anything that could keep him out, in terms of wear and tear from time on the pitch. People see him playing and just think he's fine, no problem. But you've got to remember fatigue comes into it, and when it does, that is when you're risking injury most of all.

So, at 2-0 up, I thought it was the right time to bring him off. Maybe that played a part in them getting a goal back, maybe it didn't. It doesn't matter in the end, because we saw it through and won 2-1.

Does giving James Poole a little more recovery time from his slight thigh twinge increase his chances of being fit for the Shaw Lane game next Saturday?

A: I hope so. Shaw Lane have had a massive win today, 5-0 against Warrington. Some victory, that. I need us to be as strong as possible, going into Saturday, but we've had a great win ourselves today, so it gives me a nice headache to think about as the week unfolds".

UNBEATEN LADIES' DEVELOPMENT TEAM

"The Altrincham FC Ladies' Development Team continued their unbeaten start to the season with a 3-2 victory over a dogged and competitive Sale United.

In a game of contrasting styles Alty stuck to their system of playing good passing football, against what some might consider a more robust and physical opposition.

Despite the relative youth of a good number of the Altrincham team they gave as good as they got, refusing to allow themselves to be pushed around.

Alty took an early lead courtesy of Maddy MacKay before bossing the game for long periods, having two plausible penalty appeals declined.

Sale seemed more inclined to play a more direct style, looking to exploit their physicality, particularly at set pieces and it was from one such that they earned a somewhat harsh looking penalty. However Hollie Doyle's well struck penalty struck the crossbar before ricocheting to safety.

Again the Alty girls played their football and it was arguably against the run of play when Sale equalised in the fifth minute of stoppage time, Hollie Doyle finishing the chance..

Half-time having been reached with the scores level, and following wise words in the dressing room, the teams emerged to resume the action.

Again Alty showed themselves to be the better footballing side, although the ball seemed determined not to go in partly due to an excellent goalkeeping performance and partly due to a number of interventions by the goalframe, one particular volley by Nat Thornley, which smashed off the crossbar, being a case in point.

Nat was not to be denied however and, shortly after, hammered a shot past the keeper at her near post from just outside the box.

Alty's third came courtesy of good footwork and a great finish by Courtney Williams, who tucked a fine left-footed shot just inside the post.

As time ran down, in fact with what proved to be the final significant action of the game, Hollie Doyle again finished well to give the scoreline a somewhat unrepresentative close conclusion.

All in all, it had been a superb performance by an Alty team who had, as always, given their all to the cause.

The Altrincham team was Lucy O'Dwyer, Nicole Grainger (Captain), Summer Breed, Courtney Williams, Emma Quigley, Bethany Johnson, Megan Lord, Natalie Thornley, Abbie Barber, Maddy Mackay, Sabrina Hoystead. Substitutes, all used, were Jessica Harding, Heather Scott and Ella Copeland. Manager's Player of the Match was Natalie Thornley and Players' Player was Maddy Mackay".

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

RESERVES' REPORT

YOUTH WIN MAKES IT FOUR

Above, left to right: Alty's Will Hall, Fergus Grogan and Reiss Hughes in action against Chorley on Sunday, with five-goal striker Bailey Richardson in the background.

A comprehensive 7-1 win for the Youth team in the Neil Thomason Trophy and a 3-2 win for the Ladies' Development team against Sale United meant that there were four Alty victories at the weekend. The Reserves won on Friday night and the first team were victorious at Mickleover on Saturday.

A report on the youth team game is here. The next youth fixture is currently listed as being on 17 December, at home to Southport in the North West Youth Alliance Open Cup, Round Two.

TOM PEERS INTERVIEWED

SUPPORTERS' TRAVEL

As with the league game, we won't be running transport to Warrington in the Buildbase FA Trophy as it's so close and impossible to provide a service that is cost effective for travellers. The turnout at that game proved this to be a good decision so it will be repeated.

However, the recent upturn in coach support also means that we will definitely be able to run a coach to Marine on Boxing Day and to Coalville Town on Saturday 30th December so look out for details of those trips on the website soon."

LADIES' FIXTURE

This Sunday in the Cheshire Women's & Youth Football League, Altrincham FC Ladies Development defeated Sale United Ladies 3-2. They are now top of the table, although other teams have games in hand.

NEXT OPPONENTS: SHAW LANE AND WARRINGTON

Our next two opponents met last Saturday and Shaw Lane report that "Newly installed Shaw Lane boss Paul Quinn was in dreamland when his new team dominated throughout against fellow high-flying Warrington. Not many would have predicted what turned out to be a comfortable victory for the home side.

Star Man: Chib Chilaka.

Shaw Lane (4-4-2): Stewart 6, Austin 6 (Reeves 64, 5), Gordon 6, Lugsden 7, Pollard 8, Norris 9, Byrne 8, Harris 8 (Whitehouse 56, 6), Clayton 8, Chilaka 9, Walker 9 (Orlando-Young 75, 6). Subs Not Used: Abadaki, Bennett.

Warrington Town (4-4-2): McMillan 5, Goulding 5, McKeown 5, Jennings 5, McCarten 5, Higgins 4, Williams 6, Barnes 4 (Barrigan 28, 5), McDonald 5, Gray 5 (Bakkor 54, 5), Vassalo 5 (Paynter 46, 6). Subs Not Used: Milne, Ascroft.

• Shots on target (Shaw Lane/Warrington) 9/1
• Shots off 1/2
• Corners 2/2
• Offside 3/1
• Fouls 19/13
• Yellow 3/3
• Red 0/1

Two early goals put the visitors on the back foot and The Ducks didn’t look back from then on.

'It was important to get that first win under the belt,' beamed Quinn after his first match in charge. 'I thought the application and attitude was superb from the start today and I’m absolutely delighted.'

The opening goal came after just five minutes when Nicky Walker latched onto a ball by Alex Byrne. Walker weaved into the box past Liam Goulding and Walker’s squared ball towards the penalty spot was tucked away by in form striker Chib Chilaka. Veteran midfielder David Norris made it two on 16 minutes...

Warrington couldn’t break through the back line of Shaw Lane throughout the game... Top scorer Paul Clayton added to Warrington’s woes with a third eight minutes before half time.

Chilaka’s effort from the edge of the box was parried by Anthony McMillan to the feet of Clayton who needed to dink it over the keeper from close range. The introduction of former Leeds and Doncaster player Billy Paynter didn’t invigorate the Yellows in the second half.

It was Spencer Harris’s turn to get on the score sheet three minutes from the restart... Frustration crept in and on 53 minutes Jack Higgins was given his marching orders for a needless high tackle on Clayton. Three minutes from full time Rob Orlando-Young found himself fouled in the area and Byrne beat McMillan on the rebound after the keeper saved the initial penalty.

'From minute one I thought Shaw Lane had nous and know how,' accepted Warrington boss Paul Carden. 'They probably won’t play another game where it’s an easier victory for them and that’s massively disappointing as we’re supposed to be a side up there challenging.'"

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

The teenager, who has been in and around the first team in recent months, became the the EVO-STIK League Premier Division club's eighth graduate and the NPLFA’s 26th overall, when he turned out in their 3-2 win over Grantham Town at Station Road in the second round of the Integro League Cup...

Two NPLFA students have also graduated to the pro game since its foundation, Yohan Rutty-Smith leading the way with a move to Notts County in February 2015 at the age of 16 and Matlock Town's Max Hunt following in his footsteps in July 2016 when he signed for Mansfield Town at the same age."

LADIES' FIRST-TEAM GAME POSTPONED

MICKLEOVER SPORTS 1 ALTRINCHAM 2

Match report here

SATURDAY GATES

The EVO-STIK Premier Division

• 143 Ashton United 2 - 1 Rushall Olympic
• 270 Buxton 1 - 1 Barwell
• 225 Halesowen Town 3 - 1 Whitby Town
• 304 Hednesford Town 2 - 1 Farsley Celtic
• 258 Lancaster City 1 - 2 Matlock Town
• 260 Mickleover Sports 1 - 2 Altrincham
• 209 Nantwich Town 1 - 3 Coalville Town
• 221 Shaw Lane 5 - 0 Warrington Town
• 415 Stafford Rangers 1 - 4 Marine
• 131 Sutton Coldfield Town 2 - 0 Stalybridge Celtic
• 237 Witton Albion 2 - 3 Grantham Town
• 383 Workington 2 - 1 Stourbridge

SATURDAY FIXTURES

The EVO-STIK Premier Division

• Altrincham v Shaw Lane
• Barwell v Grantham Town
• Halesowen Town v Nantwich Town
• Hednesford Town v Buxton
• Matlock Town v Rushall Olympic
• Stafford Rangers v Lancaster City
• Stourbridge v Farsley Celtic
• Sutton Coldfield Town v Marine
• Warrington Town v Stalybridge Celtic
• Whitby Town v Coalville Town
• Witton Albion v Ashton United
• Workington v Mickleover Sports

RESERVES WIN AT JDS

Alty had taken a first-minute lead when Will Smith scored. The visitors had planty of the ball before half-time and, six minutes after the break, they levelled the score their burly no.5 headed home a corner.

Walters's winner came from an excellent Max Pouncey freekick.

Report to follow.

HALF-PRICE PLAYER SPONSORSHIP

Sponsors receive a personalized, signed shirt of the player(s) in question at the end of season. so why not help the promotion push and contact the club office on 0161 928 1045 to arrange your sponsorship.

Sponsorships still available are:

• Home – Sean Miller
• Away – Tim Deasy, Shaun Densmore, Tom Harrigan, Ben Harrison, Tony Thompson, Josh Hancock, Jordan Hulme, Max Harrop, Josh Amis and James Jones

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

Following their impressive midweek FA Trophy victory over Tamworth, second placed Warrington travelled to Yorkshire with confidence. But they were humbled by five unanswered goals, the second time the Yellows have been hit for five this season, having lost 5-1 at home to Stourbridge, also fancied to be a promotion contender, back in September.

It was 3-0 by half time, goals coming from Chib Chilaka, David Norris and Paul Clayton.

The embarrassment didn’t stop there, as Spencer Harris and Alex Byrne added second half goals, the latter coming from a rebound after Tony McMillan had saved his penalty.

Warrington ended a miserable afternoon with 10 men after Jack Higgins was given a straight red for a two footed tackle on Clayton."

At Grantham Town "Adam Stevens's men survived 8 minutes of injury time and a fight back from Witton, to take all 3 points on the road.

Jordan Hempenstall opened the scoring on 21 minutes when he rose up to head home Curtis Burrows's cross. He doubled the lead 11 minutes into the second half. He raced clear of the Witton defence and fired home under the goal keeper.

The Gingerbreads went 3 up on 75 minutes, when Stefan Galinski head home at the back post.

With 5 minutes left it all became a bit nervy. Witton pulled one back and then the referee indicated 8 minutes of injury time.

In the 97th minute it was 3-2, The Gingerbreads held our and took all 3 points."

We learn from the Express & Star that "Luke Shearer’s goal in the 87th minute looked to have given the ten-man Glassboys a vital draw in a packed play-off race but Phil McLuckie grabbed Workington's winner in the fourth minute of stoppage time.

It meant a disappointing end for Stourbridge in a game that saw ever reliable midfielder Broadhurst clock up his 700th game in red and white... The home side... took the lead four minutes before the break...

Stour’s task was made harder in the 80th minute as Benbow was shown a straight red for what was deemed a studs-up challenge on Gari Rowntree.

Shearer, who had missed two good chances in the second half, equalised with three minutes left as he fired in Forde’s cross... Workington had the final say, however, deep into added time. Matty Douglas’ shot through a crowded area was parried by keeper Matt Gould and McLuckie was in the right place at the right time to poke the ball home."

Also from the Express & Star we read that "A Ben Bailey goal ten minutes from fulltime saw Hednesford Town claim all three points and move into ninth position in the league table after defeating Farsley Celtic in the first ever meeting between the two sides.

The Pitmen made the perfect possible start to the game when they were awarded a penalty in just the third minute when James Fitgibbon was fouled in the area. Up stepped Danny Glover to confidently convert from 12 yards and give his side the lead...

Bailey was called into action to make a fine block to deny the visitors in the 49 th minute but this would only be a temporary reprieve as they drew level five minutes later... Cartman was left with the simple task of firing home into an unguarded net...

It would be Hednesford that would edge ahead though... when a deep corner from Darren Campion picked out Bailey and the centre half was able to turn the ball home from six yards out...

Hednesford Town: Wren, Curley, Campion, Bailey, Mendez-Jones, Laurence Taylor (Fitzpatrick 68), Graham (Oji 85), Thorley (Gatter 84), Glover, Butlin, Fitzgibbon Subs not used: James Lawrie, Mbunga".

And, finally, the Express & Star also tells us that "Stafford Rangers suffered a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Marine.

The Liverpool-based visitors took the lead after just four minutes with Florian Da Silva capitalising on a defensive mix-up. Marine were two goals up after 16 minutes...

The visitors fortunately secured the points after 54 minutes thanks to a Michael Calveley own goal. Liam Tongue added further misery waltzing his way through the defence before netting a fourth.

Substitute Alex Fletched netted a spectacular consolation goal but Rangers were easily beaten."

MICKLEOVER SPORTS 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

Above: Alty line up before kick off on a gloomy afternoon at Mickleover.

What had promised to be a routine win when Alty had taken a 2-0 lead inside half an hour, ended with the Robins defending in depth for much of the latter stages, which included some six added minutes, after Mickleover had pulled back a goal in the 85th minute.

Match report here

SATURDAY'S FIXTURES

• Ashton United 2-1 Rushall Olympic
• Buxton 1-1 Barwell
• Halesowen Town 3-1 Whitby Town
• Hednesford Town 2-1 Farsley Celtic
• Lancaster City 1-2 Matlock Town
• Mickleover Sports 1-2 Altrincham
• Nantwich Town 1-3 Coalville Town
• Shaw Lane 5-0 Warrington Town
• Stafford Rangers 1-4 Marine
• Sutton Coldfield Town 2-0 Stalybridge Celtic
• Witton Albion 2-3 Grantham Town
• Workington 2-1 Stourbridge

BEFORE THE MICKLEOVER GAME

"I was disappointed to go out of the Integro League Cup on Tuesday night at the Second Round stage. Leading 3-2, with just a minute of added time to play, we conceded a goal that certainly looked well offside and then lost 5-4 on penalties. The positives were Josh Hancock’s hat-trick and the performance of Connor Hampson at centre-back but some of the young lads, who had performed so well against Ashton United in the first round and in the Cheshire Senior Cup against Chester, didn’t do as well at Mossley.

We are back to Evo-Stik Premier League action today, travelling to Derbyshire for the second successive Saturday to take on Mickleover Sports. Last Saturday’s Buildbase F.A. Trophy 2-0 win at Alfreton was a terrific performance and we will be looking for something similar today.

Right: Sean Miller

Mickleover will be tricky opponents. They are a bit inconsistent but very capable on their day. They are quite dogged opposition but can play with a bit of style as well and they benefit greatly from the experience and quality of Pablo Mills and Player Manager, John McGrath.

James Poole came off early in the win at Alfreton with a thigh injury and is not likely to feature today, but James Jones is available again, having recovered from his hamstring strain that he sustained at Sutton Coldfield a fortnight ago.

Today’s game is the last of Connor Hampson’s month loan spell from Stockport County, but I am delighted that we have been able to agree, with Jim Gannon, to extend his stay for a further month and Connor will be with us until the New Year at least, which is great news, as he has fitted in really well and Lewis Short is not likely to be ready for action for a little while yet, with his calf injury.

Training on Thursday night was particularly positive and it was good to have Sean Miller and Josh Amis, who are both out on loan at Colne, involved. Sean looked very sharp and, with Mason Walsh being suspended after today’s game, having been sent off for two yellow cards at Mossley, Sean will be back with us next week and available for the home game with Shaw Lane. Josh Amis still has a couple of weeks of his loan spell remaining but he is very much part of our plans for the season and a player who I think can do a good job for Alty.

Laurence Taylor has gone to Hednesford for a month, which will be good for him to get some games for a team in our division and there is the possibility of one or two of the younger players going out on loan in the near future, as going out of the Integro League Cup means that first team opportunities are likely to be very limited for some of our younger players that are coming through".

MICKLEOVER SPORTS v ALTRINCHAM: LIVE COVERAGE

Brian Flynn announces that "Radio Robins, sponsored by Ashley Mowers Garden Machinery, is providing full live commentary of Saturday's game. The commentators are Mark Simpson and Ian Wilkinson and the match summariser is Dave Stringer. Coverage starts at 2.40pm.

Guidance for Listening to Radio Robins

There will be 4 ways to listen to Radio Robins via Mixlr

• a) The Radio Robins website. Open the page in any web browser and the broadcast should start automatically. Please note that the 4 Player Options (Windows Player | Real Player | Quick Time | Winamp ) will not work now.
• b) Download and install the Mixlr app on Android devices from the Google Play Store - start the app and search for 'Radio Robins'.
• c) Download and install the Mixlr app on Apple devices from the Apple Store - start the app and search for 'Radio Robins'.
• d) There is a temporary WIX website here.

RESERVES WIN AT THE JDS

Alty had taken a first-minute lead when Will Smith scored. The visitors had plenty of the ball before half-time and, six minutes after the break, they levelled the score when their burly no.5 headed home a corner.

Walters's winner came from an excellent Max Pouncey freekick.

Report to follow. Next up is a home match at Egerton Sports Club against Knutsfod, next Saturday.

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS

Thanks to the new sponsorship with the Frank Whittle Partnership (FWP) for the NPL's historic 50th anniversary season, the clubs are now in the running for a share of more than £5,000 in prize money the Northern Premier League hands out annually to the campaign's overall fair winners to promote sportsmanship and fair play and back the Football Association's ongoing Respect campaign.

As in previous campaigns, the winners in each division will collect £1,000 with the runners-up banking £500 and the third placed clubs £250 each. The most sporting club with the lowest disciplinary score across the EVO-STIK League's three divisions will also be presented with the Peter Swales President's Cup by FWP at next June's annual awards night in Blackpool.

November's winners topped the fair tables generated by a totting up of red and yellow cards divided by the number of fixtures clubs have played each month. Clubs must play at least four league games to be eligible for the monthly honours and, where tied on points, marks awarded by referees for behaviour in the technical area by managers and coaches are taken into account.

To earn their first fair play accolade of the 2017-18 campaign, Nantwich Town manager Dave Cooke saw his side post the lowest disciplinary average in the top flight of 0.50 for the two cautions they collected in four outings. Lancaster City lead the way in the season's overall table for a third successive month with an average of 0.80 from 20 games with Witton Albion close behind in second spot on 0.92 and the Dabbers up into third with 1.05".

Meanwhile, "Former West Bromwich Albion defender Callam Mendez-Jonesmade is looking forward to making his first start in the EVO-STIK League for Hednesford Town on Saturday after making his debut in the Integro League Cup" reports the EvoStik League.

The 21-year-old product of the Baggies' youth academy is set to feature in the League's top flight for the first time against Farsley Celtic after playing at right-back in the Pitmen's win over Newcastle Town at Keys Park on Tuesday night.

Mendez-Jones, who has also represented England at under-18 level and trialled with Cheltenham Town earlier this season, didn't make a first team appearance at the Hawthorns but played in the Football League during a loan spell with League Two side Accrington Stanley in 2016. The defender was snapped up by Pitmen boss Rob Smith to boost his injury depleted squad on Tuesday before going straight into his squad for the 1-0 victory in the second round of the Integro League Cup".

RESERVES AT JDS

OVER-50S' CHRISTMAS DINNER SOLD OUT

The afternoon will include a quiz, raffle and auction in which there will be an extra special prize! And the meal is followed by complimentary coffee and mince pies".

SUPPORTERS' TRANSPORT TO MICKLEOVER

MORE ABOUT MICKLEOVER

As for their history, "Mickleover Sports F.C. was founded in 1948 as Mickleover Old Boys playing in the Derby & District Senior League... In 1982 they embarked on an ambitious campaign to develop their own football and cricket facilities on meadow land at the end of Station Road in Mickleover. During the next ten years dedicated club members led a serious fund raising drive, raising over £30,000 and work on the new ground finally began early in 1992, with the facilities formally being opened later that year.

Following development of the new facilities the ambitions of Mickleover Sports F.C. were increased and an application was made to join the Central Midlands Football League. This was successful and in 1993 Sports officially entered the non-league Pyramid for the first time".

Admission prices are:

• Adults £10
• Concessionaries and students £6
• 10-16 year-olds £2
• Under-10s FREE

EVO-STIK PREMIER NEWS