Above: Jordan receives his team-mates' congratulations after scoring on Saturday against Alfreton.

ALFRETON "HORROR SHOW"

The Reds will host St Neots in the FA Cup fourth qualifying round on Saturday (3pm) with Heath’s words ringing in their ears...

'We’ve got to roll our sleeves up now and go back to what we were doing earlier in the season; really wanting to work hard,' said Heath. 'The first 25 minutes was poor to say the least. We didn’t compete anywhere on the park. We didn’t seem to have any presence about us anywhere on the park. We got what we deserved. It was too easy to come through us, too easy to break on us, too easy all round. The game was more or less finished at half-time.'

He added, 'Before the game the warm-up had been good. I always ask certain individuals how the warm-up has gone and they said it had gone well. But we just didn’t do the easy things, not passing the ball, not closing men down, not closing spaces nor just competing. The last four league games have been really poor, but we can turn it round. We’ve had a couple of FA Cup games sandwiched in that’s given us a couple of wins....

'But the League remains massively important... We need to be better; we’ll have a good look at St. Neots in midweek.'”

"BANDY" AT GLOSSOP

Chairman Dave Atkinson said... 'We are determined to get the club moving up the table and feel that the experience and know-how of Pete and Lloyd is the best way to ensure that we retain our Evo-Stik status. Fortunately, there are no midweek games for the next two weeks, so the new managers will have the chance to assess the team and make their plans for the rest of the season.' The managerial duo join the Hillmen after being in charge of neighbours Mossley for almost five full seasons, leaving in March this year."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

'It was abysmal from start to finish,' he said. 'I can’t understand the thinking of the lads, I am a little bit shell shocked, I never saw that coming. The last three weeks you think we have turned the corner, you think we can stick with the same team. It might be my fault for sticking with the same team, but it was baffling and the worst performance since I have been here. The biggest thing that we got them to recognise was that we need to work hard to earn the right to win a game.

'There wasn’t any workrate. We are in a really precarious position and we have got to make sure we get clear of it because confidence is a big thing in this group. Not one of them can put their hand up and say they gave 100%, and that’s worrying. We could barely muster three passes together... Too many out there had the FA Cup next week on their mind when, quite frankly, we are in a dire position in the league. I absolutely hate the mindset. Everyone knows Blyth Spartans love the FA Cup and it’s a big deal to everyone up here, but we can’t have performance like this.

'I have no doubt everyone will show up next week in the cup game, and that’s baffling.'”

NL Daily reports that "Droylsden have announced the signing of FC United of Manchester’s experienced frontman Liam Dickinson. The 33-year-old first made his name in the EFL with Stockport County. Joining County from Woodley Sports in 2005, he went on to score 21 goals in County’s 2007/08 campaign, which ended in promotion to League One...

He went on to sign for Derby County following their relegation from the Premier League but his game time would have to come at Huddersfield Town, Blackpool and Leeds United. Dickinson last scored goals in the EFL for Southend United in 2011/12 before moving into non-league".

The National League "team of the week" comprises -

• Goalkeeper: Tony Breeden (Leamington)
• Defenders: Daniel Shaw (Curzon Ashton), Jamie Curtis (Spennymoor Town), Ben Middleton (Boston United), Cameron McJannett (Curzon Ashton)
• Midfielders: Kingsley James (Guiseley), Edward Williams (Kidderminster Harriers), Mark Anderson (Spennymoor Town), Simon Heslop (York City)
• Strikers: Harvey Saunders (Darlington), Gavin Allott (Boston United)
• Substitutes: Jamie Chandler (Spennymoor Town), Calvin Dinsley (Hereford), Jordan Hulme (Altrincham), Henry Cowans (AFC Telford United), Josh Law (York City)

At Kidderminster Harriers "With Ed Williams among the names attracting big headlines this season, Chairman Colin Gordon says Harriers fans can remain confident about the future of Aggborough’s top talent. Williams, who took his tally for the club to ten for the season with a brace at Bradford on Saturday, has made a blistering start to new campaign, form that has not gone unnoticed.

With media reports ‘linking’ the former Gloucester man with an imminent move away from Aggborough, the Chairman has moved swiftly to ease supporters’ fears... Harriers were, after all, named a top developer of footballing talent in non-league by a Scout 7, part of Opta Pro, earlier this year. It’s this kind of accolade, and the years of work that goes into recruiting new talent that gives the club a very unique position within football...

Colin insisted Harriers supporters should put faith in the club to ensure they’re always looked after... 'The fact that players like Ed Williams are doing so well for us at the moment is the result of the fact that we had been looking at him for 18 months before signing up and because he’s working with a good manager and a good group of players.... That’s the entire philosophy of what we are doing here; to identify that young talent that we think we can further improve and give opportunities to. They don’t go on to bigger and ‘better’ things unless its right for everyone, and that won’t change.

'Never in my time here have we been forced to cash in on a player or to sell them for less than we think they’re worth, and the only instances have moved on in that regard are when we have no control over it; the likes of Arthur Gnahoua and Elton Ngwatala who moved on for free because of their age and contractual situation. When it comes to developing young, talented footballers, we don’t ‘cash in’ and never would'...

He added 'We won’t be losing Ed Williams in the January or the summer unless everything about a deal for him is right; it’s that simple... He knows we’ll do what’s best for him and best for the club. The fact he’s attracting big interest, and isn’t by any means the only player at the club to do so, is a great thing and long may that continue'...

He went on to say '“I remember reading comments when Neil was appointed that we’d gone for someone with no managerial record and who was unproven, but he’s again a perfect example of us being able to identify the right kind of people. He’s had a good start here and works tirelessly, just as John Eustace did before him who everyone else thought was too risky a gamble and look where he is working now. We’ve lost analysts to the EFL and one of our groundstaff to the Premier League, all because we’ve created a platform whereby we can identify people, bring them in, and allow them to do what they’re good at, while we keep on doing what we’re good at'".

Hereford FC tell us that "The new management team of Tim Harris and Marc Richards have been quick to implement some additional sessions to the first team training nights. One of those additions is a strength and conditioning session in the gym at Hartpury, led by Matthew Banks, the resident lead on Strength and Conditioning at the college.

Head of Football, Tim Harris spoke about the new training sessions... 'It’s about building up their core and basically preventing injury.... hopefully we will get a major benefit in the weeks and months to come. It’s another part of the jigsaw, and it’s a very important part in making sure we can protect the hamstring injuries, the groin injuries and the calf strains and the things like that'.

The Bulls are limited to a set time out on the training pitches at Hartpury, so it’s all the more important to get the most out of each and every training session, as Harris explains 'When the lads go out on the football pitch, the players have got maximum time, they don’t have to do the warm-ups because they’ll be ready to go and maximise the time that we’ve got available on training nights.'"

Lincolnshire Live reports that "Boston United boss Craig Elliott hailed the impact of new signing Gavin Allott after the Pilgrims thumped Blyth Spartans 4-0 on Saturday afternoon.

The 32-year-old newcomer from Frickley Athletic marked his debut with United’s third goal in their 4-0 victory and formed a powerful attacking duo with fellow goalscorer Gregg Smith. Elliott said he had no qualms about bringing in the experienced Allott and was confident that he could deliver the goods over a longer period for the Pilgrims. 'Defensively we did really well and we created good chances in the attacking third... I was slightly worried at half-time because we were worthy of being 2-0 or 3-0 in front... There were two objectives; we wanted to score a goal and we wanted to win the game. It was nice to get the goal early and to get a clean sheet was a bonus too'".

A report from the Northern Echo tells us that "Darlington striker Reece Styche played as Gibraltar made history, winning a competitive game for the first time. They beat Armenia 1-0 in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday... with Styche coming off the bench at the weekend to win his fourth cap.

He came on after 70 minutes against Armenia, who had Arsenal midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan in their side. Styche, who missed Quakers’ 2-1 win at FC United of Manchester in order to represent his country, qualifies to play for Gibraltar through a grandparent... Darlington's most capped international is Franz Burgmeier, who made seven appearances for Liechtenstein during the 2008-09 season.

Gibraltar play at home to Liechtenstein tomorrow when they hope to record another win... Meanwhile, Gibraltar say they received an apology from Armenia officials after the wrong national anthem was played before their match. The anthem of Liechtenstein was mistakenly used."

POST-MATCH VIEWS

And the official Altrincham FC site has a brief summary of the above.

JJ RIVALS TT

COMPARING GATES

Gates at the ten National North matches attracted 12,928 spectators, averaging 1,293 per game.

In the South division, four of the ten matches had gates which exceeded 1,000 spectators, whilst Truro City v Hemel Hempstead (at Torquay) attracted just 86 paying customers. The aggregate attendance in the south division was 8,824 or 882 per game.

In the national division of the National League, eleven games attracted 24,744 spectators or 2,249 per game.

A "LUCKY" DATE?

By coincidence, the last outing on that date was, like this Saturday's impending encounter, a match in the FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round. On that occasion, in 2012, Altrincham were looking to extend an eight-game unbeaten run and travelled to Boston United where they won 3-1 in an eventful match.

In that 2012 encounter Alty trailed at the interval, despite playing against ten men for more than half an hour of the first half. Jones had put Boston ahead in the 12th minute when he got a fortunate rebound from a defensive block. But, moments later, an awful challenge on Matt Doughty by Fairclough saw the Pilgrims' man dismissed.

Above: 20 October 2012 at Boston; Danny Hall goes for the ball as Duncan Watmore and Luca Havern look on, with James Lawrie in the background.

However, James Lawrie levelled after 58 minutes after good work by Nicky Clee. Then, a minute later, Weir-Daley saw a straight red after laying out Jake Moult. So Alty faced nine men for the final half hour. And it was Jake Moult who fired Alty ahead from 20 yards or more. Altrincham then played a passing game but Clee finally got a third goal (89 mins).

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Shaun DENSMORE (capt), 3. Matt DOUGHTY, 4. Carl RODGERS, 5. Gianluca HAVERN, 6. Danny HALL, 7. Duncan WATMORE, 8. Jake MOULT, 9. James LAWRIE, 10. Damian REEVES, 11. Nicky CLEE. Subs 12. Scott LEATHER, 14. Patrick LACEY, 15. Simon RICHMAN, 16. Ryan BROOKE, 17. Danny MITCHLEY, 18. Jamie GREYGOOSE.

CLASH OF ALTY'S NEXT TWO HOSTS

Stockport County reported that "The Hatters returned to National League North action at Edgeley Park for the first time in five weeks, and extended their unbeaten run in all competitions to as many games but will be disappointed not to have claimed all three points in a match they largely dominated.

Instead, they had to settle for a share of the spoils against the visiting ‘Bulls’ from Hereford and, even then, could have finished the contest empty-handed but for Frank Mulhern’s equalising penalty 10 minutes before the end.

County took to the field on a blustery, autumnal afternoon in a 4-2-3-1 formation, and showing two changes from the FA Cup starting line-up against Corby a week previously. Both goal-scorers in the Corby tie, namely, Mulhern and Matty Warburton, were handed starts, replacing Jordan Keane, who was still suffering from a hamstring injury sustained in that match, and [ex-Alty trialist] Nyal Bell...

The Hatters started off with plenty of brightness about them... Hereford, deploying five in defence, offered relatively little in attack...

Just six minutes later, the visitors, without an attempt on goal to their name, made a set-piece count. And Dinsley again played his part, heading in Eliot Richards’ delivery from the left to give Hereford the lead.

The visitors proceeded to defend in even greater numbers, as much of the remainder of play was concentrated in their half. But, for all County’s possession, a cutting-edge was still needed in the final third...

With 80 minutes played, the Hatters were thrown a lifeline courtesy of another dead-ball situation – after Stephenson’s cross from the left was handled by Billy Murphy, and Referee Aaron Jackson pointed to the spot. Mulhern stepped up, slotted his kick down the middle as Yates dived right, and a County penalty was successfully converted for the first time in nearly nine months.

More importantly, it had drawn the Hatters level. But try as they might to take the game by the horns in the closing stages, they were unable to hit the Bulls-eye for a second time.

Team: Hinchliffe, Cowan (Minihan, 76), Duxbury, Osborne, Palmer (Capt.), Stott, Thomas, Walker, Mulhern, Warburton (Bell, 55), Stephenson (Dimaio, 82). Unused Subs: Smalley, Ormson.

From the other side. Bulls' News tells us that "Hereford came away from Edgeley Park today with a hard earned and well deserved point. Despite Stockport having 70-80% of the possession, and most of the game being played in Hereford’s half, the Bulls managed to score with their only serious attempt on goal and defended well, if sometimes desperately, throughout the game...

This week’s loan signings definitely made a difference. Yates is one of the smallest goalkeepers I’ve seen for quite a while, but he looked composed and confident... The other Derby County youngster, Ethan Wassall also looked impressive. .. Wassall played as part of a back three along with Smith and Green, with the full-backs pushed up a bit. This seemed to work fairly well... Dinsley and Murphy played in the middle with White and the other new boy, George Lloyd up front. Richards played in behind the front two, a bit more advanced role than previously.

Stockport dominated possession throughout the first half and the Bulls were constantly pressed back. They kept their shape and worked hard... After the chaotic display against Chester it was good to see a team that seemed to understand their roles and were doing the basic things right. If only they could muster an attack...

The second half was more of the same, although Hereford did seem to get forward a bit more, and Stockport, although keeping the pressure up, didn’t get any shots on target. Then something remarkable happened. The Bulls took the lead. A fairly soft foul on White resulted in a free kick out on the left. Richards produced a great delivery which was met by a thumping header from Harvey Smith into the net.

From that point on it was backs to the wall defending as Stockport came forward in waves... Eventually Stockport were awarded a penalty following handball by Green. There wasn’t much protest from Hereford, and Mulhern scored from the spot rolling the ball into the net as the keeper went the wrong way. After that it was ten minutes of last ditch defending... It was an infinitely better performance than the last league game against Chester. If there is to be a recovery it has to be built on sound defending, good organisation and hard work. If that sounds a bit dour, then so be it. It’s hard to know what to think about the new manager, but you have say that he got the tactics right today...

Hereford FC: Yates, Thomas, Wassall, Green, Smith(c), Greenslade, Dinsley, Murphy, White(Jackson), Lloyd, Richards(Liburd). Subs (not used): Bird, Lam, Franklin

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

'It feels like a loss,' said Chorley boss Jamie Vermiglio after the final whistle. 'But we have to take the positives from the game. We’ve produced a superb goal and our unbeaten run is now at 14 games.'

The result was a fair one for a game spoiled in large parts by a swirling gale and a bog of a pitch that seemed intent on sabotaging any quality football. For 70-odd minutes this was the case, with concentration etched on the players’ faces over even the most simple of tasks... The Magpies were slightly fortunate to keep 11 men on the field after Matt Challoner stopped United’s top scorer Daniel Udoh from getting in on goal.

But once Vermiglio released Louis Almond and Alex Newby from the bench midway through the second half the tide turned... And when Almond held off the attentions of Theo Streete to cross superb for Wilson to glance home with seven minutes remaining, it looked like the visitors had done enough for league win number 10. That was until the third minute of stoppage when Cowans was allowed space 20 yards out to fire through a crowd, past Matt Urwin, to earn the hosts a share of the points."

From the Telegraph & Argus we learn that "Bradford (Park Avenue) were downed by two flashes of individual brilliance inside the last eight minutes from Kidderminster Harriers’ Ed Williams, whose side won 2-1 at Horsfall Stadium.

It was third hosting second in the National League North and, after 61 minutes of the contest on Non-League Day, Avenue had leapfrogged their visitors in the table. But Williams is rumoured to be being tracked by Aston Villa and Leeds United and he showed why as his two strikes saw Mark Bower's men slip to sixth place, while Kidderminster remain in second...

Park Avenue boss Bower was visibly disappointed after the game and said, 'I thought we played really, really well for large spells and against a very good side that I think will be up there. We didn’t just match them, I thought we were the better side and created more chances. We were a little unlucky in the second half with some of the chances. We’ve hit the post and been close another couple of times and if we had gone 2-0 up then it’s a different game. But in the last 10 minutes, their full-time fitness probably told to be honest and Ed Williams, the lad has been doing it all season, and at times you’ve just got to acknowledge the individual quality of a player.

'His first one was a brilliant goal and he’s got himself into position for the second but that one got a big deflection and that’s happened a lot to us recently. Deflected shots seem to go in at our end but not at the other when we’re attacking. I felt if anyone had done enough to win it was us but a draw would probably have been a fairer result. We didn’t get the draw, we’ve been beaten but there are enough positives to take from it.'

Avenue suffered a blow days before the game when Nicky Clee and Ben McKenna both picked up injuries in Thursday’s training session. Bower was already aware that Chris Dawson had not recovered from the hamstring strain that forced him off in the previous weekend’s FA Cup exit at Altrincham. Despite being depleted, Avenue had an attacking line-up".

Still in Yorkshire, the Telegraph & Argus adds that "A wind-assisted late winner from assistant player-manager Paul Clayton took the Lions [Guiseley] to within one point of their opponents, who were one of the title favourites in pre-season... The home side took an early lead with a well-worked goal but Brackley... were level soon after.

A good move by the Lions saw Kayode Odejayi in a good position and his final ball picked out Kingsley James, who fired a superb shot past Saints’ keeper Danny Lewis... [A Brackley] corner kick, delivered by Luke Fairlamb swung in on the wind and ended in the net. Guiseley were rocking, in the breeze and from the onslaught by the Saints... Clayton was the home side’s third substitute, replacing Odejayi in the 70th minute, but he made his mark. An 88th-minute free-kick was caught by the wind which wrong-footed the Brackley defence and outfoxed Lewis.

The stopper could not gather it and Clayton pounced to bundle the ball home. Guiseley joint manager Marcus Bignot said 'The wind was awful and it’s obviously played a massive part in two of the goals, their equaliser and our winner, and I’m absolutely delighted that it’s evened out. It’s a big win for us and I’m delighted... Brackley are a good side with some serial winners in their team... So it’s a good gauge as to where we’re at. With the players we have coming back from injury and the players still out, it bodes well".

GREATER MANCHESTER NEWS

In his column for the Portuguese newspaper Record, the United boss's confidant claims Peter Lim wants to buy the Red Devils but feels he would land the club easier if Mourinho was not in charge. 'It is the money-man from Singapore who is managing, controlling and supporting this campaign trying to discredit the man from Setúbal and then buy the club,' Parames wrote. As well as owning 50 per cent of Salford City, Lim also owns Valencia".

ALTRINCHAM 3-1 ALFRETON TOWN

Alty had not scored a first-half goal at home in the league in five previous attempts this season but in this match they were 2-0 up inside nine minutes.

As the game went into its fourth minute Jordan Hulme looked anxiously to the linesman as he latched onto a pass and, with no flag raised, he advanced and put in a low cross from right of goal which loanee Owen Dale converted at the back post to make it 1-0. (Owen's goal is pictured above, whilst Josh Gowling's reaction is shown below, right, as Alty celebrate in the background).

Five minutes later it was 2-0 as Dale found Harrop who scored from the edge of the box.

With the visitors offering nothing in the way of an attacking threat, the score became 3-0 when Dale and Harrop combined to prompt a shot from Hulme which found the back of the net from the edge of the box.

The second half was a disjointed affair with numerous petty fouls and bookings. Somehow Alty picked up four of them, most of them questionable. Alfreton got a goal back after 61 minutes when Peniket got the better of substitute Goulding as they chased a through ball, before beating Thompson with a low shot into the far corner.

Alty defended well after that and emerged deserved winners.

FA YOUTH CUP

WELCOME BACK!

And congratulations go to Altrincham FC's long-term volunteer and former commercial director, Barry Pond, who celebrated his eightieth birthday recently and who sponsored Saturday's game.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE GATES

• Att. 1258 AFC Telford United 1 - 1 Chorley
• Att. 1123 Altrincham 3 - 1 Alfreton Town
• Att. 1081 Boston United 4 - 0 Blyth Spartans
• Att. 529 Bradford (Park Avenue) 1 - 2 Kidderminster Harriers
• Att. 1978 FC United Of Manchester 1 - 2 Darlington
• Att. 751 Guiseley 2 - 1 Brackley Town
• Att. 705 Leamington 0 - 1 Curzon Ashton
• Att. 1149 Southport 1 - 2 York City
• Att. 708 Spennymoor Town 5 - 0 Ashton United
• Att. 3646 Stockport County 1 - 1 Hereford

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

According to York Press "York City boss Sam Collins admitted he has rejected approaches from clubs for Tom Allan after using the defender for the first time in his nine-game tenure.

Allan was introduced as a 32nd-minute substitute during the Minstermen’s 2-1 victory at Southport, despite not even making the seven-strong bench for the previous weekend’s FA Cup win against St Ives Town. In fact, the 23-year-old centre back, who netted nine times for Alfreton last term, had only made one of Collins’s last seven matchday squads, prior to the Merseyside trip.

But the former Huntington Secondary School pupil helped shore up a City defence side that had fallen behind to an eighth-minute Dion Charles penalty, as the team switched from a back three to a four-man defence and subsequently claimed maximum points following Jordan Burrow and Simon Heslop efforts.

On Allan’s return from the cold, Collins enthused, 'He was outstanding and it’s really difficult for defenders to come into games. They’ve got to get used to the speed of the game and we weren’t playing very well either when he came on. He’s had to bide his time and we’ve had quite a bit of interest in him from clubs, but I think there’s a player in there, because he’s still young, he’s 6ft 5in, has good pace and is left-sided, so what I’ve told him is that I will batter[?] him in terms of defensive work, as I think I can turn him into a player.'

Wing-back David Ferguson was sacrificed in the first-half reshuffle, but Collins also praised the former England C international for his reaction to that decision. It’s not nice when that happens to you and Dave has done really well for me so far, but we had to do it because, if we hadn’t, we could have been in for a really tough day as we didn’t look organised,' Collins reasoned. 'I spoke to Dave at the end of the game and he said "It didn’t matter, because we won the game," which is exactly what I wanted him to say.'

Ex-Hull and Huddersfield defender Collins went on to confess his team were not at their best against the Haig Avenue strugglers... 'We produced our only two really moments of quality for the goals. But it was a great result to dig out and the biggest thing was we won the game by just hanging in there'...

Heslop’s 84th-minute winning goal, meanwhile, was the kind of spectacular strike that Collins declared is his trademark in training... The result saw Collins’ reign as a permanent successor to Martin Gray get off to a winning start...

'The players played a massive part in me getting the job and it was a very difficult period for them as everything was up in the air,' he pointed out".

Elsewhere, Blyth Spartans "suffered their ‘worst performance’ under the stewardship of Alun Armstrong in a humiliating 4-0 defeat at the hands of Boston United. Coming into the fixture on the back of three straight wins, confidence was high in the Spartans' ranks, but it would be fair to say all that confidence will be gone after a display that mustered just three attempts on goal, none of those testing Willis in the Pilgrims' goal.

Gregg Smith gave the hosts the lead on 13 minutes, with the hosts adding three more in the second half thanks to Nicky Walker, Gavin Allott and Brad Abbott.

Spartans now sit just one point and one place outside the relegation zone and now must prepare for an FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie against York City next Saturday.

Blyth looked to pick up their first away victory of the season in the National League North on the back of three straight wins in all competitions, naming an unchanged lineup for the third successive game. But it was the hosts – who hadn’t scored at home in four straight games, losing them all 2-0, who dominated from start to finish...

An appalling performance from Spartans".

On the other hand the Boston Standard tells us that "Craig Elliott was full of praise for his Pilgrims as Boston United ended their home hoodoo...

'There were two objectives today; one was to score a goal at home and the other was to win the game,' he said. 'We did both. It was important we worked and improved today, a lot of pressure but the players handled it... We’ve had a half decent start,' Elliott added. 'As much as I’d like us to have more points, we have a decent points total and it’s another win. I’ve always targeted 20 wins for the season, so we’re getting closer to that.'”

In the Shropshire Star manager "Gavin Cowan insisted his Bucks won't be getting too excited after more than matching unbeaten leaders Chorley in today's 1-1 draw.

Despite Telford arguably having the better of the play, former striker Josh Wilson headed home in the 83rd minute and it looked as if the leaders would take the spoils back to Lancashire. However Henry Cowans fired home from the edge of the box in injury time to rescue a point.

Boss Cowan heaped praise on his side... He said, 'Pro clubs would struggle to match our work in the week and the result was for the lads they deserve that. We've gone up against what is the best team in the league and more than matched them. We had a game plan and had to stick to it, but we don't get too excited when we do well and don't get too down when we don't.'

The Bucks converted their formation today, switching to a back three with young Zak Lilly slotting in on the left side. Daryl Knights and John McAtee played behind Daniel Udoh, and Cowan admitted he may look at the system again in the coming weeks.

He said, 'We wanted to match them up and get Daniel spinning in behind. I've been looking at it for a couple of weeks, and we played two tens and told them to drive and dribble and they did but the final ball evaded us in the first half'".

The Stoke Sentinel informs us that "Port Vale owner Norman Smurthwaite has explained his role in Nuneaton Borough amid fears the non-league club could fold.

Smurthwaite bought Nuneaton Borough's Liberty Way ground in the summer, but the FA, EFL and National League rules restrict the involvement he can have in the running of the club because he is already owner and chairman of the Valiants. He has spelled out the possibility of Borough closing, says he believes the next week to ten days is the most critical time the club has ever faced and has appealed to the Nuneaton community for help as the football club looks for investment.

Nuneaton club captain Cameron Belford has spoken out about the club's problems this week, saying there has been no training kit, no training facilities and no hot water. He also says he understands there is no money for staff or players' wages at the end of the month.

Now Smurthwaite has spoken about the situation in a statement to the Nuneaton Borough Supporters Co-Operative... Smurthwaite said 'In the absence of anyone being able to or choosing to I thought it appropriate that I clarify the position of both myself and the football. I was originally approached in April this year by Lee Thorn to see if I would consider buying the stadium, as an option to save the football club to stay within the Conference North competition.

'The other two interested parties at the time were Nuneaton Rugby Club and The Nuneaton Borough Co-Op. I was approached again just before the National League AGM that those two options could not or would not be completed within the timescales. I then agreed to and purchased Borough Stadium Limited, with the sole intention of enabling Nuneaton Town, as was, to continue to play their fixtures at that venue.

'I also agreed with Lee Thorn that I would endeavour to act as a facilitator to try to bring together a new body to acquire Borough Leisure Limited, the holding company of the football club, in order that Lee could extract himself from his involvement. At that time we agreed that all directors’ loans would be cancelled. He also requested and gave me authority to approach and negotiate with the existing unpaid creditors of Nuneaton Town which has been a work a progress since that time.

'Lee Thorn was and is the 100% beneficial shareholder of Borough Leisure Limited. Due to undertakings provided by myself to the EFL with regard to purchasing Borough Stadium Limited and the stringent rules laid down by the EFL, National League and the FA regarding dual ownership, I could not and will not be able to have any shareholding in any existing or new business or provide any financial support to such a business.

'However, it was agreed and understood that I can help and use my experience gained over the past six years of owning an EFL member football club as long as I do not breach any rules or regulations laid down by any of the aforementioned bodies.

'One of the biggest challenges I encountered in dealing with the above was the non-desire of the obvious key business parties within Nuneaton, with the true interests of the club at heart, who would not engage with Lee Thorn, even with me acting as an intermediary, in order to satisfactorily conclude the transfer of ownership to a new entity.

'As time went by Lee decided that things were not progressing quickly enough for him and he ultimately resigned as a director and severed all contacts with the regulatory bodies, creditors and the football club. This resulted in the Club being unable to access the bank account, operate the payroll and other obvious legal requirements of running a limited company which resulted in the National League placing an embargo on Nuneaton Borough FC on the 3rd October 2018.

'I have had several meetings and numerous discussions with the National League and latterly with the FA... The rules of both bodies allow certain changes to enable the transferring of the membership of the National League to a new company or body, subject to meeting all the necessary rules and requirements laid down. This enables new parties to now become involved, create a board and produce the necessary financial budgets to take the Club forward. Sadly over the last few days the appetite for this has become splintered amongst several of the people who were to become involved.

'The amount owed to existing creditors is quite small, which is unusual in this situation and, in fact, the biggest creditor is Borough Stadium as no rent has been paid, but this would be waived in the current circumstances. The current monthly payroll of the players is circa £25,000 per month but with the gates as they are the monthly shortfall of the Club is between £17,000-£19,000 per month. Here lies the major operational issue of Nuneaton Borough in whatever guise going forward.

'Having now established a process to save the football club the new board was to be interviewed by the National League next week, pass the appropriate fit and proper tests and be in situ, having met all necessary requirements before the 1st November being the next board meeting of the National League. On leaving the meeting on Monday I was confident that this timescale was achievable but, at the time of writing this statement, I am far from confident that this will now be the case.

'For my part, I purchased the stadium to give a lifeline to the football club in an area to which I have a personal affinity. I have had very healthy dialogue with the Chair of Nuneaton Rugby Club and, although a ground share agreement was not taken up by them, we have tried to work as neighbours as best as possible in the circumstances. I am still pursuing the legal process of obtaining the appropriate access within the stadium currently being denied by the rugby club and this will become clear in due course.

'As you are no doubt aware there is a skeleton staff employed at the football club who have done an unbelievable and admirable job to try and deal with both the administration of running a football club and the challenges which appear to be raised to deflect that on a daily basis. Understandably the players are concerned regarding their livelihood but the contractual position is that they remain players registered until Nuneaton Borough FC defaults on its contractual obligations, i.e. not meeting the payroll; 14 days after such a breach they are free to terminate their contract.

'I now turn to the fans and the wider Nuneaton community. The next week to ten days is the most critical time I believe this club has ever faced. I feel that the club needs to engage you all in trying to avert the sad closure of the football club's doors. As I now do not believe that the parties who originally expressed an interest in wishing to create a new board and take the club forward on their own, there are both the operational issues of still creating a new vehicle and trying to find funding to meet the club's financial obligations.

'If the town wishes to keep the heritage and the football club alive it now needs your immediate assistance. I will endeavour to help within the constraints the regulatory bodies have imposed upon me and hope that a solution can be found to what are some serious challenges in front of the Club and the town as a whole'...

Since Smurthwaite bought Nuneaton's ground, the Valiants have played a friendly there and loaned the National League North club midfielder Mike Calveley and striker Dior Angus".

In the EvoStik League, the following players have recently moved out of the Vanarama North...

• Liam Dickinson from FC United of Manchester to Droylsden
• Nic Evangelinos from Ashton United to Ramsbottom United
• Daniel Singleton from Southport FC to Skelmersdale United
• Jake Whiley from Southport FC to Skelmersdale United

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• AFC Telford United 1-1 Chorley
• Altrincham 3-1 Alfreton Town
• Boston United 4-0 Blyth Spartans
• Bradford (Park Avenue) 1-2 Kidderminster Harriers
• FC United of Manchester 1-2 Darlington
• Guiseley 2-1 Brackley Town
• Leamington 0-1 Curzon Ashton
• Southport 1-2 York City
• Spennymoor Town 5-0 Ashton United
• Stockport County 1-1 Hereford FC

BEFORE THE GAME: ALFRETON TOWN

Mike Garnett's statistics tell us that in previous matches against Alfreton Town, the outcomes have been as follow. Strangely, not only do both teams have a better record on their opponent's ground when playing against each other but both Alfreton and Altrincham have better records this season when playing in the league away from home.

• P5-W1-D1-L3-F7-A5
• P6-W3-D2-L1-F10-A4
• P11-W4-D3-L4-F17-A9

The visitors, Alfreton Town, report that they "travel to the J Davidson Stadium to face Altrincham... on Non League Day.

It's been another successful week in the FA Cup for the Reds who banked another £15,000 following progression past Mickleover Sports last Saturday. The Reds led 2-0 at half time thanks to goals from Jordan Sinnott and Richard Peniket, a late Sports penalty set up a tense final ten or so minutes, but Alfreton defended well and progressed into the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

Attention turns back to the league where the Reds will be looking for an upturn in form. After three straight league defeats (Bradford PA, Chorley, Guiseley), Alfreton head to Altrincham looking to change their recent league fortunes and avoid that number becoming four. The Reds away form in the league has seen us win three of the last four away league games and, including the FA Cup away trips, the Reds have tasted defeat just once (Chorley) in their last six away outings in all competitions.

Although all three defeats have seen fine margins, where a lack of goalscoring touch failed to see off Guiseley, mistakes cost us at Chorley and one laspe in concentration also proved vital against Bradford, the Reds will be looking to iron out mistakes and get back on the winning trail in the league.

Alty also progressed last weekend in the FA Cup after a 4-2 home win over Bradford (Park Avenue). League form has seen just one win in the last five league games although form at the J Davidson Stadium has been mixed with the hosts yet to register three points in the league at home, the two home fixtures in the FA Cup have seen two wins however."

Twitter has an interview with Reds' manager, Billy Heath.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

It follows the announcement that the club, which has been in the town since the 1930s, is on the verge of folding. Much has been played out on social media but, in a post on Twitter, the Nuneaton-born player has explained how the team fear not being paid at the end of the month and how they have been advised to look for other clubs.

It reads, 'I've had a few people message me and seen many more fans asking on social media what is going on at the club so I feel it's only right to let them know what I know from a players point of view. From what we understand, there is no money for staff and players wages at the end of the month or the foreseeable future, so effectively we are continuing to give our all for this club with the uncertainty of not being paid for it. For everyone, it's been difficult from day one and the signs have always been there!...

'There has been no training kit, no training facilities, no hot water and constant talk of the money situation. The playing squad have also been told that it would be in their best interests to seek employment elsewhere for the good of themselves, their families and their long term future due to there being zero security from the club. We feel that we are building something special on the pitch, the lads and the staff have been in this together from the start and will continue to do so until the day comes when we are told otherwise.

'I have fond memories and a stronger connection than most with this club having been born and raised in the town and I certainly don't want this club to die! It's at a critical stage now and I hope somebody or even better a group of people can be found who can help save the club and the community as this town without football is a travesty. Football is more than just a game, it's people's lives and passions'...

He is not a lone voice from the club, assistant manager Lee Fowler has claimed in a tweet that the club is under a transfer embargo... He says 'Another embargo again when it rains it pours'...

Even former players have joined the call to save the club, including [Jake's brother] Louis Moult. The Preston North End striker tweeted 'Hope Nuneaton Borough can pull through, a great club that helped me get my career started'...

A campaign has been mounted to try and save the club by the Nuneaton Borough Supporters Co-operative".

Boston United "made their second attacking acquisition of the day with the capture of versatile performer Josh Hine. The 27-year-old, who has been a regular against the Pilgrims over the years, has linked up with Craig Elliott's side following stints with Chorley and Marine.

He has also appeared for the likes of Salford City and Southport".

And "Boston United have completed the signing of former Sheffield United and Blackburn Rovers striker Jordan Slew. The 26-year-old, who commanded a £1.1 million transfer fee in 2011, has linked up with Craig Elliott's side following a successful trial spell at the club. Slew has other Football League experience with the likes of Chesterfield, Cambridge United, Plymouth Argyle and Rochdale".

In addition, "Boston United manager Craig Elliott hopes to have playmaker Andi Thanoj back in contention for the visit of Blyth Spartans on Saturday afternoon... as they chase a first home victory since August 14 against Nuneaton Borough. Thanoj's anticipated availability will be a major boost for Elliott who has three gaps in the matchday squad on duty at Curzon Ashton a fortnight ago following the departures of substitutes Ahkeem Rose, Jordan Gough and Adam Marriott.

All eyes will be on who fills the other slots with Nathan Arnold and Yusifu Ceesay also on the move since the Curzon clash. Jay Rollins remains United's only definite absentee with adductor and hip issues. "

Elsewhere, Hereford FC "have strengthened the squad ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Edgeley Park... We’re delighted to confirm that goalkeeper Matt Yates and defender Ethan Wassall have both arrived on loan from Derby County... on initial one-month loan deals.

Yates, formerly on loan at Gloucester City this season, is the son of former Derby County defender Dean Yates. The 19-year-old ‘keeper joined The Rams Academy at the age of nine, and has progressed through to the U23 squad. Matt has been a regular starter for the County Academy sides up until his loan spell with The Tigers at the start of this season.

Wassall, a 20-year-old central defender previously captained the Derby County U18s before progressing into the U23 squad. Ethan is the son of former Hereford United loanee Darren Wassell who made six appearances for The Bulls in 1987."

Over at Bradford (Park Avenue) "The owners of two of Bradford’s iconic professional sporting clubs have today announced an innovative strategic partnership. Gareth Roberts, owner of Bradford Park Avenue, and Andrew Chalmers, owner of Betfred Championship Rugby League Club The Bradford Bulls were excited to announce the Partnership:

'We’ve been in positive dialogue for a number of months regarding our respective clubs and how best to serve our supporters and the community in future,' said Gareth Roberts who has provided substantial financial support to Bradford Park Avenue over the past few years. He continued, 'Our management team and players have done a tremendous job to reach deep into the playoffs last season and have begun the 2018/2019 season strongly again. Like many National League clubs, however, we have required constant underwriting financially to fund our endeavours and that is not a sustainable model in perpetuity. By utilising the expertise of the Bulls management we can get a best practice evaluation of our off-field and front office operations and access their wider resources and experience in raising our game commercially and operationally'.

Andrew Chalmers added 'There is a wonderful synergy in returning to a partnership which was in place from 1863 to 1907. Our two clubs are traditionally family, and with both on a strong growth and performance trajectory there is so much common sense in sharing our services and resources to reduce costs and improve performance'. In 1863 Bradford Football Club was formed and in 1907 the club split when the Bradford Northern was formed in order to continue playing Rugby League whilst the slight majority of members chose to pursue Association Football forming Bradford Park Avenue AFC...

The concept of multi-sport shared management and services models, and the associated cost and efficiency benefits it brings is something that both Club Chairmen are interested in exploring further. The Partnership will see Damian Irvine from The Bulls take on the wider remit of overseeing the day to day operational and strategic management of Bradford Park Avenue. Irvine, who is a vastly experienced Football and Rugby Chief Executive, led the financial turnaround of top-tier Cronulla Sharks in his native Australia before delivering commercial success and award-winning engagement and marketing campaigns at EFL clubs Notts County and Wycombe Wanderers".

The Shropshire Star informs us that "With their confidence knocked from back-to-back defeats, AFC Telford United are in for a huge test tomorrow. National League North leaders Chorley are visiting the New Buck's Head and, given how things have gone for Gavin Cowan’s charges recently, it would be fair to state the clash has come at a bad time...though, it could be a blessing in disguise for the Bucks.

Inflicting a first loss of the term on the Magpies would make up for the previous couple of games... Chorley have won nine and drawn two so the vast majority expect them to bag the win... Bucks' keeper Max Bramley insists that...'There is pressure on them, of course, but I’d say that most of the pressure is on us as we’re the ones at home... We just haven’t been quick out of the gate. The mood among the squad, naturally, hasn’t been as good as it was when we were winning but it’s nothing negative'...

The big positive for the Bucks ahead of the encounter is that they are unbeaten at home... And they have everybody fit and available. Top scorer Daniel Udoh should lead the line after taking his tally to 11 in all competitions last time out. But it is a toss-up as to who will partner him in attack. Amari Morgan-Smith, Andre Brown and Matthew Barnes-Homer have all had game time up top as of late, but none have managed to get on the scoresheet.

Cowan may be inclined to hand Shrewsbury loanee John McAtee a start as a second striker, to support Udoh when Telford have possession and help out the midfield when off it in an attempt to stifle the dominant Magpies.

Chorley have a few former Bucks players in their ranks. Winger [and ex-Alty loanee] Elliot Newby joined them from Telford in the summer for an undisclosed fee while Josh Wilson, who was the under Rob Smith two seasons ago, and shot-stopper Matt Urwin have been a regular starters for Jamie Vermiglio, another ex-Buck."

Huddersfield Town "Academy has formed a new working relationship with Southport FC. The clubs have come together over the last few months to exchange ideas on best practice and to discuss how the development of Town’s promising young players could potentially work in tandem moving forward.

Huddersfield Town fan Phil Hodgkinson is the link between the Town Academy and The Sandgrounders. Phil is Chief Executive Officer of the Academy... and is also a Director at the highly ambitious non-league club... A delegation led by Southport Chief Executive Natalie Atkinson recently visited the John Smith’s Stadium to meet with their Town counterparts to learn about Premier League operations and take lessons back to their Club.

That process will continue, whilst Southport’s football staff will meet regularly with Town Academy Manager Leigh Bromby to discuss best practice and the potential for Town’s promising young talents to move to the Merseyrail Community Stadium to experience senior men’s football...

Southport Director and CEO of PURE Business Group Phil Hodgkinson commented... 'We have huge ambition at Southport FC and to be able to share the knowledge of a Premier League club like Huddersfield Town in all areas with their incredible staff will help to accelerate our own journey up the football pyramid... I am incredibly proud to have been able to put together with Sean, Leigh and the team what I believe is a ‘non-league first’ and to be able to do this with a Premier League club of Huddersfield Town’s stature demonstrates both our ambition for Southport FC, but also Town’s belief and trust, in our ambition and methods.'"

From the Lancashire Evening Post we learn that "Neil Reynolds is determined to push all the off-field distractions to one side this weekend when Bamber Bridge travel to face top-of-the-table Scarborough Athletic. The Brig boss has been the subject of intense scrutiny over the past week after news broke that FC United of Manchester had made him their No.1 target to become the new manager at Broadhurst Park.

The Red Rebels’ approach for Reynolds was rejected by the Brig board, who are determined to hang on to him. Reynolds has admitted he is extremely flattered by FC United’s interest in him, but will not break the three-year contract he signed in May. It remains to be seen whether FC United return with a new and improved offer to tempt Brig into parting with Reynolds...

'To be mentioned in the same breath as FC United is a huge compliment to me,' said Reynolds. 'But I am Bamber Bridge’s property and that is what it is. I am contracted and I have a job to do'".

TWO GO TO WINSFORD

BERNARD'S FUNERAL

Tributes, which included several humorous recollections of episodes in Bernard's life, were delivered by Vic Green, a great friend of Bernard and a former Alty kitman, by Bernard's nephew, Dean Grayson, and by former Altrincham FC chairman, Mark Harris, currently the chairman of Witton Albion.

The coffin was borne by members of the extended Taylor family, all wearing replica shirts of Bernard's other footballing love, Manchester City. On its way to the Church, the funeral cortege paused outside the J. Davidson Stadium in Moss Lane. Amongst the mourners were former Altrincham manager, John King, and the club's record appearance-maker, Stuart Coburn.

JAKE'S 300

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

City have spoken to other 'high-quality' interested candidates during the last ten days but have decided to promote the former youth-team coach, who has also been caretaker boss of Hartlepool three times in the past. Collins, 41, has been at the Bootham Crescent helm since mid-August following Gray’s dismissal five games into the National League North season. During that period, he has won four home matches out of five, while drawing all three of his fixtures on the road....

A 3-0 reverse to Kidderminster has proven the biggest disappointment under Collins...

A statement from City’s board of directors read, 'We are delighted to appoint Sam Collins as first team manager of York City Football Club. Over the past few weeks, Sam has displayed the ability to take the club forward and fully warrants the opportunity.... This important decision was reached after conducting a lengthy interview process. There has been significant interest in our vacancy and the board has interviewed some high-quality candidates. Sam Collins has impressed with his organisational skills and work-ethic, his tactical flexibility, and his ability to implement an attractive style of play.

'He has also shown a willingness to promote youth and has galvanised the club's playing staff. We firmly believe that Sam has all the necessary attributes to develop into a top young manager and the board will support his efforts in every way possible as he strives to lead the club to success this season.'

Former Middlesbrough defender Stuart Parnaby, who has been acting as Collins’ assistant during his temporary tenure, has also been unveiled as the full-time number two."

Unconfirmed reports say that Nuneaton Town have advised all of their players that they are free to look for other clubs.

NON-LEAGUE DAY AT THE JDS

BERNARD'S FUNERAL TODAY

Altrincham supporters are reminded that the funeral for Bernard will be held today (Thursday 11th October) at 1.45pm at St Vincent's Church, Bentinck Road, Altrincham WA14 2BP, followed by cremation at Altrincham Crematorium at 3pm. The funeral reception will take place at the Masonic Hall, Clay Lane, Timperley WA15 7AB. The Taylor family has indicated that all friends and acquaintances of Bernard will be welcome at all three parts of the afternoon and they would be delighted to see as many people as possible attending on the day.

The funeral cortege will pause for a minute at the J. Davidson Stadium at 1.30pm, on its way to St Vincent's Church.

Above: Bernard and his team enjoy an open-top bus parade through Altrincham with the many trophies won during the 1998-1999 season. And, of course, Kenny Palin had a front-row place on the bus, too!

REDS RENEW ACQUAINTANCES

Right: Former team-mates Jake Moult and Craig Hobson warm up before Alty's game with Alfreton in April 2017. They will oppose each other on Saturday.

For that game, "A draw was ultimately a fair outcome in this battle between the division's two most porous defences. The visitors had the better of the first half against an Alty side which had recurrent difficulty in clearing its defensive lines. Alfreton took a deserved lead in the 39th minute when Westcarr's cross was met by Monkhouse's header past Deasy.

The goal had arrived just minutes after Altrincham had made a tactical change, replacing left-back McWilliams with Shaun Densmore. Densmore initially slotted into a left-sided midfield position but, after the break, he assumed a central role and he was a significant factor in the improved second-half performance by the hosts.

But, although Densmore was instrumental in scoring the 56th minute equalizer, the goal might well be credited to Alfreton keeper Spiess. The keeper fumbled the Alty midfielder's whipped-in cross from the left and, in attempting to retrieve the situation, only succeeded in carrying the ball over the goal-line.

Until the closing stages, when Alfreton got forward again, it was Altrincham who had the better of the second half but the final whistle left the hosts with just one home win in their league campaign this season".

The line ups were:

ALTRINCHAM 1. Tim Deasy 2. Chris Lynch, 3. Andy McWilliams, 4. Laurence Taylor, 5. Sam Heathcote, 6. Jake Moult (capt), 7. Simon Richman, 8. Kyle Brownhill, 9. Micah Evans, 10. Damian Reeves, 11. Nicky Clee. Subs: 14. James Lawrie, 12. Shaun Densmore, 15. Clayton McDonald, 17. Craig Hobson, 16. Sam Patterson.

ALFRETON TOWN 1. Fabian Spiess, 2. Jordan Richards, 3. Ryan Wilson, 4. Niall Heaton, 5. Callum McFadzean, 6. Paul Marshall, 7. Mark Shelton, 8. Wesley Atkinson, 9. Adam Priestley, 10. Craig Westcarr, 11. Andy Monkhouse (capt). Subs: 12. Liam Hearn, 14. Jordan Wright 15. Ellis Evans, 16. Oliver Cox, 17. Thomas Allan.

This time around Altrincham go into the game lying 15th whilst the Reds are five places and four points ahead of their hosts.

As previously reported, ex-Alty players likely to figure for Alfreton on Saturday are striker Craig Hobson, for whom the match would be his club debut, and midfielder Jordan Sinnott.

Alfreton will also renew acquaintance with two of their former players. One of these is Alty captain Jake Moult. Jake was signed from Alfreton by Altrincham by Jordan's father Lee Sinnott, initially on a 93-day loan in late August 2012. The other Alty man who has turned out for Alfreton Town is John Johnston who had a loan spell there, from Crewe Alexandra, in late 2014 before he signed for the Derbyshire club in January 2015.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Murphy, founder of Chester-based business rates firm Exacta Plc, approached the Blues earlier this year, following the news of their financial trouble in January, and pledged £1m over a three-year period to be invested into the club's infrastructure. With the club so heavily reliant on match days for income Murphy wants to help the fan-owned club be sustainable and avoid financial situations such as those that arose in at the start of the year when the club was brought to its knees before fans rallied around to raise the necessary funds.

When Murphy, who splits his time between Majorca and the UK, spoke to the Chester Chronicle earlier this year he stated that the donation could even surpass the £1m pledged depending on what the projects were, and the businessman has been presented with ideas from the club as well as working on his own vision, with the plans hopefully unveiled to fans in the coming months.

Said Harrington-Wright 'We have an infrastructure working group as we wanted to sit down with Stuart and give him some ideas of what we think about the business case for the club and developing additional income. His mantra is that for every pound invested there should be a return of £2 to £3 back to the club in sustainable income. Obviously things like resurfacing the car park have been mentioned but that is a big job and it's not going to generate us money in the short term.

'We need to look a whole range of things, from redeveloping parts of the ground, possibly filling in some of the corners of the stadium to redeveloping the Blues Bar, the Legends Lounge and the shop. We're well underway with that and some plans were presented to Stuart earlier this week which he has gone away to look at. He has got his own team coming up with his vision. They are big capital expenditure and build[ing] programmes and he is wanting to get on with that as we are already six months on from when we first started to talk to him.

'He was talking about a three-year timescale so, if there is planning to be done and building work to be done, an ideal time to do that is during the close season or towards the end of the season, but how quickly can these things be done to start generating an income? We are also looking at what other uses are there for the land around the stadium. Yes there was Stagecoach once upon a time that was talked about that never went very far and we were approached by another company that probably isn't going to go anywhere because of the amount of work required on the car park for something like that.

'Is there an opportunity to put some buildings on the car park that could be rented out? I don't know but these are all in the mix with Stuart to look at to generate income for the club... I would hope... that we would be in a position by January/February at the latest to be saying to the fans this is the blueprint and what we are going to do first, second and third and that we are underway, we're going to planning and come down and have a look and we'll do a presentation on it so that everyone can see and have their say and get behind us'...

One blueprint that has stood out is that of AFC Fylde, whose Mill Farm complex and the additional revenue streams they have available give the Coasters a sustainable model despite their limited crowds. Fylde's home came about thanks to heavy investment from their owner, David Haythornthwaite, and cost several million to come to fruition. And while imitating that model will be beyond the resources Chester have available there are elements of what they have at Mill Farm that could be implemented at the Swansway Chester Stadium.

Harrington-Wright said, 'Stuart has looked at AFC Fylde himself along with us and it is a brilliant model. £1m is fantastic but when you start building it doesn't go as far as you'd think and then you start looking at £2m, £3m or £4m. If we are looking for a return of £2 for every £1 spent then where would we generate £8m to £10 from in a five-year period? How are we going to get people here? It's not for the 25 match-days a season, this is a massive piece of estate here and we have to have the facilities so that the bar and the lounge is used away from matches so that we aren't relying on them so that we can generate £100,000-£200,000 a year that doesn't rely on football.

'If you go to other stadiums like the Britannia Stadium (Stoke City) or Bolton Wanderers then those stadiums are used for conferences. We have a great venue here for that and we have a big car park, a massive resource with the estate around us but we could offer something completely different on that side of things'".

Meanwhile, on the playing side, Cheshire Live adds that "In-form Chester FC winger Dan Mooney has been recalled by parent club Fleetwood Town. The 19-year-old has been excellent for Chester in recent weeks and netted a brace in the FA Cup third qualifying round loss to Dunston UTS on Saturday to take his total five goals in 11 appearances in all competitions.

Since joining on loan during the summer, initially until January, Mooney has established himself as a key part of Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley's starting XI and impressed with his direct approach in the final third. He has been recalled by parent club Fleetwood, but it's anticipated that his return to Highbury will be a short one. Fleetwood had a Checkatrade Trophy game at home to Rochdale last night and wanted Mooney involved as they have one eye on an important home clash with Shrewsbury Town on Saturday... But he is set to resume his loan spell at Chester on the agreed terms of the original deal following the last night's game and will be available for the Blues, who are without a game for the next two Saturdays, when they get back to National League North action at home to Alfreton Town... Mooney's loan deal at Chester is set to run until January with the option of an extension."

According to the Shropshire Star "Boss Gavin Cowan has told out-of-luck AFC Telford United striker Andre Brown to back himself as he bids to solve his goal woes. The speedy 22-year-old, signed from Kidderminster, has gone five matches without finding the net... The Bucks were beaten 2-1 at Warrington Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.

'He’s got to find a way,' said Cowan. 'On Saturday, as a team, we needed to find a way to win but we didn’t. With Andre, we can’t do that bit for him. We’ve given him all the tools, like all the players, to go out there and do it. It’s up to them when they cross that white line. It’s very difficult to control that (as a manager). You can tweak it but it’s up to them at the end of the day. It’s the same with Andre. He’s got to find it within himself to get that goa'...

Brown joined Telford from National League North rivals Kidderminster Harriers in the summer, having turned down fresh terms at Aggborough, and has scored twice for the Bucks. Daniel Udoh has been the main man up front for Cowan and is the top scorer having struck 11 times across all competitions. Brown, Amari Morgan-Smith and Matthew Barnes-Homer have been battling it out for a starting spot alongside Udoh. All three have had game time in recent weeks but have not netted.

Brown’s last goal was at Leamington on August 27. Morgan-Smith’s one and only strike came in the season-opening 1-0 win against Southport. Barnes-Homer is goalless. Brown has now made seven starts and five appearances as a substitute, and Cowan added 'Initially, you’ve got to find the courage, haven’t you? It’s the courage to keep getting in positions when it’s not quite coming off. Obviously we really want that for him, but he’s got to go and earn it.'

Brown was released by Crewe Alexandra, where he played alongside Udoh, a couple of years ago and has also had spells at Worcester City and Rushall Olympic. He had a trial at Premier League outfit Leicester City a couple of campaigns ago as well."

Boston United "have completed the signing of experienced striker Gavin Allott. The 32-year-old has arrived at The Jakemans Stadium from Frickley Athletic, having previously played under United manager Craig Elliott at Shaw Lane. Fellow striker Adam Marriott, meanwhile, has linked up with King's Lynn Town on a permanent basis. The 27-year-old scored once in nine outings for the Pilgrims".

KIng's Lynn News adds that "The capture of Marriott on a two-year deal represents a real coup for the Linnets... The 27-year-old has been snapped up hot on the heels of Chris Henderson's arrival from Lowestoft Town after having his contract cancelled by the Pilgrims."

Bradford (Park Avenue) "take on fellow high flyers Kidderminster Harriers on Saturday... The club are confident that with the game coinciding with Non-League Day, and with the absence of any Premier League or Championship fixtures, they will be able to double their average attendance on the day. To encourage attendance on the day supporters who present a season ticket at the turnstile – regardless of club or sport – will get in for just £5.

Chief Executive, Rob Stanley, said 'Hopefully we will have around 800 people here cheering the team on, as Kidderminster look like one of the teams to beat this year.'

In a further boost, Bradfordian Gareth Roberts, the club’s owner who now lives in Texas, will be flying over for the game at Horsfall Stadium. The club would also like to announce that after the game in clubhouse there will be an open fans' forum with club owner Gareth Roberts and Chief Executive Robert Stanley."

On Tuesday night Guiseley "were made to fight for the right to host Stourbridge in the Fourth Qualifying Round of the Emirates FA Cup by a resilient Cleethorpes Town side at Nethermoor this evening with a Will Hatfield penalty and a Kayode Odejayi header cancelling out Jon Oglesby’s stunning equalizer.

The Guiseley management kept faith with the eleven that had started on Saturday but with the addition of Kaine Felix and Tabish Hussain on the bench. Belying their bottom of the table position two divisions below Guiseley Cleethorpes, having learnt from Saturday’s encounter, chased and harried the home side to try and disrupt their flow and for the first twenty-five minutes it worked as the Lions struggled to sustain any rhythm and produce a final killer ball.

During this spell Town forced a series of corners that culminated in Paul Walker’s shot being cleared off the line and Brody Robertson struck the base of the post with Joe Green beaten before the ball went behind for a goal kick.

As the Lions finally found some momentum... Curtis Morrison replaced Kingsley James on the restart... The home side's pressure finally paid dividends just before the hour as the lively Scott Smith was felled in the area and Hatfield stepped up to take the resulting spot kick which Parkin parried only for the midfielder to follow up and tuck the loose ball home... The home side suffered a setback on 72 minutes when Ogelsby conjured an equalizer out of thin air, firing home with a low shot from the apex of the penalty area that gave Green no chance.

However, the lead [?parity] lasted all of four minutes as Morrison, marauding down the left delivered a pinpoint cross for Odejayi to power a header past Parkin and restore the Lions' advantage. The visitors were then reduced to ten men as Oli Donald was shown a second yellow card... Stourbridge now stand in the way of the Lions and a place in the First Round Proper for the second successive season".

ALTY OLD BOY

Mulholland returned at the beginning of last week from a one-month loan spell with Hyde United, where he picked up some much-needed game time after struggling for that at Holker Street, following his summer arrival from Colwyn Bay. Now back in the fold, he was given his bow by Barrow boss Evatt when he replaced Tyler Smith in the 88th minute of the 2-1 victory over the U’s.

Evatt said, 'We’re a tight group, small squad and with injuries, suspensions and illnesses, etc. throughout the season, people are going to get chances. It’s down to those players to take the chances because there’s no God-given right to wear the shirt. You have to earn the right to play for that badge... Astley came on and did OK on Saturday and it’s good to have him back involved; it’ll give him a boost and hopefully he can kick on now'".

FA CUP

Kidsgrove Athletic 2-1 Workington a.e.t. (Kidsgrove are away to Hartlepol United in the next round).

"Gateshead will feature live in the FA Cup later this month, and it’s a very important tie financially. Their 4th Qualifying Round match away to Dunston UTS of the Northern League is the BBC’s feature[d] game. The game will be broadcast on the BBC Sport website and via the red button.

While this is the Heed’s first game in the famous competition this year, the Step 5 club have already come through four rounds... They beat Chester 4-3 last weekend... Fourth Qualifying Round winners now get to bank a cheque for £25,000."

TONY JUMPS TO IT

Goalkeeper Tony Thompson's impressive standing-jump grabs the attention of one of the mascots before kick-off last Saturday at the J. Davidson Stadium.

ALTY TAKE PART IN FANS FOR DIVERSITY TOURNAMENT

Pictured, right, is the Altrincham team which participated in the tournament.

EMIRATES FA CUP REPLAYS

Tuesday 9 October 2018:

• Guiseley 2-1 Cleethorpes Town - winners at home to Stourbridge
• Coalville Town 3-3 St Neot's Town - St Neot's won 4-3 on penalties aet. Winners away to Alfreton Town

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Nathan Arnold claims broken promises are the reason his time at Boston United has come to an end. The Pilgrims announced on Friday, October 5, that the 31-year-old had agreed to leave the club by mutual consent, a little over four months after he joined the club...

He said 'I have enjoyed my time at Boston – obviously things haven’t worked out the way I would have liked. In the summer I was told I would be the assistant manager, but that hasn’t proved to be the case. 'I am not the type of player to make the manager’s or the club’s life difficult. I am an honest and respectful person who wears his heart on his sleeve. I thought it was beginning to have an impact on me playing well so I thought this was the best thing to do.'

After arriving in the summer on a free transfer from Lincoln City, Arnold went on to score three goals in ten appearances for the Pilgrims. The team as a whole has struggled for consistency... And while Craig Elliot has questioned the performances of some of his players, including Arnold, the wide-man says he holds nothing against the club.

'When I signed, I was looking forward to the challenge,' he said. 'It is what it is. There are a lot of good people at the club. I was the joint-top goal scorer upon leaving. I don’t feel I have to justify myself to anyone as I have had a fantastic career and there is more underneath the surface.'

The player is currently enjoying visiting schools to give talks and run workshops on topics such as mental health...

'I have got an agent and have had a few offers, but I want to take my time. I don’t want to go club-to-club; I want to be in control. I don’t want to go somewhere where I am doing myself, football and the club a disservice'. He added 'In the last few years or so in football a few people from the outside looking in have wondered whether my heart is still in it. I am completely happy with where I am in my life and the career I have had. I want to re-evaluate myself and weigh up my options, but right now I am enjoying investing in myself.'”

NORTH-WEST NEWS

The series starts with Vauxhall Motors, a club which "not surprisingly adopted the Vauxhall badge as their emblem". The story however covers the legendary Fulk's griffin, a cross between a lion and an eagle, and explains how "Fulk's Hall, became corrupted over time to “Vauxhall”.

COUNTY IN THE CUP

Mike Garnett's records reveal the historical record in other competitions since County's CVA (Company Voluntary Arrangement) in 2009:

• Home: P3-W1-D0-L2-F8-A7
• Away: P2-W0-D1-L1-F0-3
• All: P5-W1-D1-L3-F8-A10

Altrincham have not scored at Edgeley Park since County's post-CVA reformation, having drawn there 0-0 in April 2014 and lost 0-3 in December 2016.

One of the familiar faces at County this season is 21 year-old striker Nyal Bell (right), who joined Altrincham on a month's loan from Gateshead on 19 August 2016. A 6ft 2in. forward, Bell had earlier in summer 2016 joined Gateshead from Rochdale and penned a two-year contract with The Heed. He had made three appearances for Rochdale's first team but was also loaned to Droylsden and Chester FC in 2015-16. He made three appearances for Chester, just as he did for Altrincham.

Another player to have worn both County and Alty shirts is midfielder Paul Turnbull (29), who turned out six times for Altrincham whilst on loan from County. He is pictured, left, in Alty colours in 2008. He had joined County at the age of 11 and had made his first-team debut for County as a 16 year-old near the end of the 2004-05 season. He was thus the youngest player ever to appear for the club's first team in a league match. He made his Altrincham debut in central midfield against Torquay United on 29 March 2008.

The sides last met in a pre-season friendly played under the floodlights at Moss Lane on 11 July 2017, when County won 2-1. In that match James Jones made his home debut as an Alty trialist, whilst playing against his former club were Alty striker Josh Amis, now at Warrington Town, and midfielder Sam Sheridan.

Alty's squad for that friendly comprised: 1. Tim DEASY, 2. John DISNEY, 3. Kyle BROWNHILL, 4. Chris LYNCH, 5. Sam HEATHCOTE, 6. Jake MOULT (capt), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Sam SHERIDAN, 9. Josh AMIS, 10. James POOLE, 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs: 12. Lewis SHORT, 14. James JONES, 15. Laurence TAYLOR, 16. Jerome WRIGHT, 17. Shaun DENSMORE (second-half captain), 18. Joel BEMBO-LITA, 19. Billy HASLER-CREGG, 20. Tony THOMPSON (gk).

HOBSON TO FACE ALTY?

Alfreton Town add that they "are pleased to confirm the signing of forward Craig Hobson...for the rest of the 2018/19 campaign. Hobson has had spells at Stalybridge Celtic and Stockport County in 2012 where Craig made 26 appearances for the Hatters, scoring six times.

A brief spell at Guiseley followed in 2014 before making the move to Chester where Craig remained until 2016 and the expiry of his contract. Hobson scored 14 times in 82 games in all competitions for Chester. Further spells at Altrincham and Aberystwyth Town came in 2017 before Craig moved to Ashton United ahead of the 2018/19 campaign and has featured throughout the Robins start to the National League North season.

Manager Billy Heath said 'Craig is an experienced striker who has been at a wide variety of clubs all at a high level, he is a good age for the role we have and he gives us a focal point and excellent competition for places. Craig comes in to strengthen our forward line and he is a great character to have at the club, he’s the right kind of player for us; he works hard and will fit straight into the group. He is an honest individual who will work hard and strengthen our attack".

Craig (30), joined Altrincham in early June 2016, from Chester, a club he had joined in March 2014 from Guiseley two years previously. Before that he had been with Lincoln City and Stockport County in 2012-13. He made his Altrincham debut on 6 August 2016 at home to Darlington but missed much of the season through a broken foot so made only nine starts and a further eight appearances from the bench. He scored just one goal but racked up seven yellow cards and was released at the end of the season.

Also likely to be facing Alty next Saturday is Jordan Sinnott who joined Alfreton this season from Chesterfield.

THE CAMERA DOES NOT LIE

ALTY'S SPONSORS TO SUPPORT MNDA

Now Footy Accumulators, together with Altrincham Football Club want to help the MND Association in their battle against the illness with a current Robins' hero.

Altrincham director Lawrence Looney, who was a key player in setting up the sponsorship deal, said, 'This innovative collaboration is the first of its type for Altrincham Football Club and represents a very real opportunity to create, develop and grow commercial opportunities for both partners'.

For every goal that Jordan Hulme scores this season, Footy Accumulators will donate £50 to the MND Association via their official JustGiving page".

Footnote: Pictured, right, Mark Maddox featured in an MNDA campaign to draw attention to the disease.

MORE ON OUR NEXT OPPONENTS: ALFRETON TOWN

First half goals from Jordan Sinnott and Richard Peniket proved enough, as Alfreton Town navigated the challenge of local rivals... Billy Heath made just the one change from the previous weekend's defeat to Bradford PA in the league, James Clifton came in with Declan Bacon dropping to the bench.

With a brilliant atmosphere at the Don Amott and FA Cup fever in the air, the hosts started with expected brightness and both Josh Gowling and Luke Shiels had to be alert to deny ex-Red Garnett through on goal... With the local derby descending into congestion in midfield, the Reds were looking to utilise the flanks... There were some tasty tackles coming in with Shiels fouling Cribley on the touchline before Bobby Johnson was bundled down in the centre of the park.

Sinnott tested King from range but the effort was saved well by the Sports goalkeeper... With 24 minutes gone, the Reds were given a penalty as Curtis Bateson was tripped in the box. Johnson stepped up but a fantastic save from King denied the Reds midfielder before the Mickleover keeper denied the follow up shot also.

But with 32 minutes gone, a second penalty came the way of the Reds when Peniket appeared to have been tripped on. Although the striker didn't go to ground, contact was made following Peniket's movement on the ball and the Referee gave the penalty. Sinnott stepped up this time and sent King the wrong way.

The game soon reached boiling point with Ramsbottom denying Garnett in the box before Peniket went down under an apparent elbow, the Mickleover players were furious and protested to the officials which included pushing and shoving with Reds players.

With the arguments subsiding and the first half entering the last seconds, Alfreton extended the lead when a short corner from Bobby Johnson found Sinnott whose effort across goal found Peniket who toe poked in a second...

With ten minutes to go, the hosts were given a penalty themselves when Gowling looked to have dragged down Garnett in the box. Marselia stepped up and converted to set up a grand-stand finish.

But the Reds held on and defended solidly throughout the last nine minutes, defending crosses and Sam Ramsbottom providing safe hands in late moments of pressure. A toughly fought cup tie saw the Reds through...

ALFRETON: Ramsbottom, Clackstone, Wilde, Hotte, Gowling, Shiels (c), Sinnott (Clarke 87), Clifton, Bateson, Peniket, Johnson (Platt 75). Subs Not Used: Nicholson, Chettle, Bacon, Riley, Middleton."

After the match the Derbyshire Times reported that "Alfreton’s FA Cup progress will help to improve the squad, much to the delight of manager Billy Heath. His side overcame Mickleover Sports at the weekend to book a fourth qualifying round spot at home to either Coalville Town or St Neots Town...

Heath was, mostly, a happy man after the 2-1 derby cup victory on Saturday. 'Happy in patches, first half was decent, happy to be two up, overall happy that we got through, which is the main thing,' he said...

Beating Mickleover handed the Reds £15,000 on top of the £9,000 they had already earned. Heath said...'The FA have doubled the prize money, so it goes into the coffers and will help improve the squad, so that can only be a massive plus'.

Cup glory aside, it hasn’t been an easy period of late for Alfreton, without a win in three National League North games, and Heath wants a return to form in that competition this weekend at Altrincham.

'For the first time in a while l’m enjoying a Saturday at five o’clock because we’ve won,' said Heath. 'We’re still a fledgling team coming together, we went on a great run early on, found ourselves in a great position in the league, but last three games we’ve lost by the odd goal, nothing in it. We know it’s fine margins, so next week we’ve got to get back on the winning trail in the league. We want to be in and around the play-offs. Hopefully, this time next week we’ll be sat back in the play-offs.'"

CHESHIRE NEWS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

The defeat, as well as denying Chester £15,000 in prize money and a place in the fourth qualifying round, means that Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley's side now have a near three-week break between matches. Chester's scheduled National League North clash with Nuneaton Borough had already been rearranged owing to international call-ups for Nuneaton, and the following weekend (October 20) is when the next round of the FA Cup is set to take place.

Chester had been pencilled in to travel to York City initially, but the Minstermen saw off St Ives in their Cup clash on Saturday meaning that it will be the home encounter with Alfreton Town that will be the next time the Blues take to the field. The break does at least give the management duo chance to get some more players back in contention after they suffered more injuries in the build-up to the Dunston trip.

Jon Moran was sidelined while Anthony Dudley is still not 100% despite having come off the bench. Dominic Smalley (dislocated shoulder) is another couple of weeks away while George Green (lower back) remains on the casualty list.

Said Johnson after the Dunston loss, 'There would have been a bit of a break anyway. If we would have got the result we'd have been playing the FA Cup in two weeks... We were looking forward to the two-week break and getting some of the injuries back as we picked up another couple this week. It's an enforced break now and we've almost lost that momentum, but the result has killed our momentum anyway. Let's not be saying that the break of two or three weeks is what will kill it, it's the result that has done that today.

'The important thing is we don't want to stand here and say we're going to rip everything up and start again. As I said, the result is the most disappointing thing. But in terms of where we at in the bigger picture and somebody would have offered us that at the start of the season then we would have snatched people's hands off. But that doesn't take anything away from what has happened (at Dunston)'...

Johnson insisted that there was no complacency on Chester's part on Saturday in terms of the way they approached the game and the mindset of the players. And the Blues joint-manager... said, 'You can't be 2-1 up at half time and question complacency about it. We believe we did our due diligence and we've had the scouts up here. What has done us is 10 minutes of the second half where our own poor play has cost us... We walk away with our tails between our legs. It's not good enough from us as a football club'".

Ashton United report that "A single moment of quality was enough to send Ashton into the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup after an entertaining encounter in Norfolk where finishing was at a premium. The decisive strike came on 72 minutes as Ramirez Howarth, making his debut from the bench just 8 minutes earlier, swept home Matty Chadwick’s square pass after a combination with Bradley Jackson.

With Craig Hobson departed, Chadwick was leading the line for the Robins and captain Mark Lees was restored at right back...

Team: Pilling, Lees, Regan, Baines, Chalmers, Sheridan, Sangha (Ashworth 74), Jackson, Chadwick, Anghel (Howarth 64), McHail (Hill 72). SNU: Jones, Turner".

NL Daily reports that "York City are hoping skipper Joe Tait will recover from a hamstring problem in time for next weekend’s trip to Southport, say York Press. Tait was substituted in the first half of the weekend’s 3-0 FA Cup third qualifying round home victory over St Ives Town, with Russ Penn replacing him and Josh Law moving back into defence after starting the game as a midfielder.

A second Jake Wright goal in as many games had earlier given the hosts a ninth-minute lead, while Jordan Burrow bagged a second-half brace to put the tie to bed.

On the prognosis regarding Tait, City caretaker boss Sam Collins said 'I think it was more tightness in his hamstring than anything else, but we’ll need to assess it. We’ve got good options though and I thought Russ Penn did really well when he came on.'”

Bottom of the table FC United of Manchester, whose only win this season came at Moss Lane, "are pleased to confirm the extension of loan signings Lewis Mansell and Lewis Thompson. The Blackburn duo, who have featured regularly in the first team since their arrival, are set to remain at the club until Saturday 10 November".

At Darlington "striker Reece Styche is training with the Gibraltar squad this week ahead of their double header in the UEFA Nations Cup. The club's top scorer came on as a sub twice last month, and he's in line for possibly more caps against Armenia (away) on Saturday and Liechtenstein (home) next Tuesday 16th October in the new competition".

AFC Telford United went out of the FA Cup to lower level opposition as "The Bucks were bundled out of the Emirates FA Cup by Evostik League leaders Warrington Town in a display where they failed to put the home side under any real pressure until the game was effectively decided.

Gavin Cowan made four team changes, with Steph Morley and Amari Morgan-Smith restored to fitness and also the starting eleven. The early stages of the game were cagey. Warrington looked to use the early ball to utilise former Buck Tony Gray’s ‘little and large’ partnership with Bohan Dixon, whilst the Bucks' closest efforts came from John McAtee... with the Bucks not creating much to test Tony McMillan...

Just before half-time. McQuilkin was involved in a nasty incident, home full-back Alex Whittle using unnecessary force in a challenge which saw the Bucks midfielder thumped against the perimeter boards, taking a blow to the head. The Bucks collectively took issue with Whittle, and after the flashpoint died down referee Richard Aspinall booked the Warrington man... The home side won a corner in first-half injury time, and although initially dealt with they were able to return the ball from the right where Dixon leapt highest to connect and loop a back-post header back over Max Bramley and into the far corner...

On 64 minutes, the tie was effectively sealed. Warrington’s Robbie Evans, a midfield dynamo, burst forward to win a corner on the left; the Bucks didn’t clear it effectively, and when the ball found Evans’s midfield partner Ben Garrity around the penalty spot he somehow was able to wriggle free of a crowd of Bucks to turn and beat Bramley to his left. Collectively the Bucks’ heads dropped a little, facing an exit at the hands of a lower league side... The prospect of an inglorious defeat, sparked the Bucks’ best spell of the afternoon...

Already into injury time. McMillan spilled a catch from a corner, when he appeared to have matter under control, and in the resulting scramble Daniel Udoh poked the ball home from within the six-yard box... The visitors despondently applauded their followers... To say the Bucks performance was flat would be to take credit from the home side, who aren’t top of their division without good reason. Whether they raised their game on the day is something that’s hard to judge, but the Gavin Cowan’s side didn’t match them".

SALUTING BERNARD

The funeral for Bernard will be held on Thursday 11th October at 1.45pm at St Vincent's Church, Bentinck Road, Altrincham WA14 2BP, followed by cremation at Altrincham Crematorium at 3pm. The funeral reception will take place at the Masonic Hall, Clay Lane, Timperley WA15 7AB. The Taylor family has indicated that all friends and acquaintances of Bernard will be welcome at all three parts of the afternoon and they would be delighted to see as many people as possible attending on the day.

FA CUP DRAW

Nine clubs from our Division remain in the draw for this Round at which the National League national division joins the competition. The draw is still regionalised at this stage.

POST-MATCH REACTION

From across the Pennines, the Telegraph & Argus says that "There will be no FA Cup run this season for Bradford (Park Avenue) and no potential dream tie against Football League opposition next month after a 4-2 defeat in the third qualifying round... For a second time this season, the Robins beat Avenue..

The visitors broke the deadlock before the half hour mark. Avenue striker Jake Beesley was fouled in the area by Tom Hannigan [as the match video shows, Beesley dived as Jake Moult came in to challenge] but he got up to take the resulting penalty and fired it past Thompson... Connor Hampson forced home the Robins’ first equaliser after a 35th minute cross was not cleared.

Left: A smiling Phil Parkinson with Tom Hannigan and Elliot Wynne at the end of last Saturday's game.

Avenue re-took the lead when skipper Shane Killock converted a Nicky Wroe corner at the back post but Alty responded just before the break when a speculative shot from Jake Moult took a big deflection and looped over Drench.

Avenue manager Mark Bower was forced into a half-time substitution as centre back Luca Havern succumbed to an injury... Bower was re-jigging his side again just seven minutes into the second half as Chris Dawson limped off after treatment.

The home side were back in front just after the hour mark when James Jones converted a 62nd minute corner and a wonderful strike from Jordan Hulme six minutes from time ensured their place in the fourth qualifying round draw.

Bower was far from impressed with a tight call that went against his side when they were ahead and he said 'We were 2-1 up, looking pretty comfortable and an appalling refereeing decision has done us again. Ben McKenna is breaking and we’re two on two when he gets pulled down but we got nothing and that kind of sums it up at the minute. And then they go on and a deflected shot ends up in the back of our net. I thought that was a real turning point.

'Obviously losing two players to injury, one at the break and one early in the second half, didn’t help us, but I’m disappointed because we didn’t play as we have been playing recently.'"

NEXT OPPONENTS: ALFRETON TOWN

• P5-W1-D1-L3-F7-A5
• P6-W3-D2-L1-F10-A4
• P11-W4-D3-L4-F17-A9

The match on Saturday will be Altrincham's sixth attempt to win a home league match this season and also to score a first-half goal in a league match at the J. Davidson Stadium.

If the above data suggest that Altrincham face a tough time on Saturday, Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records, (which give us the details of previous matches played by Altrincham on Saturday's date, 13 October), are more encouraging. We have not lost any of the club's last nine fictures on this date.

LADIES BEAT VIXENS

WALKOVER FOR YOUTH TEAM

GOALS AT BOTH ENDS

So far this season, in thirteen league and cup matches, Altrincham have netted 29 goals, but have also conceded 23. Nine of the goals scored by the Robins have come in two FA Cup matches; five against Whitley Bay and four versus Bradford (Park Avenue). The only two goals conceded in the FA Cup this season are seen below, in images from the match against Bradford (Park Avenue).

Above: Tony Thompson goes the right way but cannot quite reach Jake Beesley's penalty, won by the BPA striker's dive, as the match video clearly shows (link above).

Above: Shane Killock (no.5) nets Bradford's second goal, despite a heavy presence of Alty players. The ball can be seen just behind the Alty keeper in the above image.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Jerome Wright netted a penalty for Ramsbottom United, whilst our neighbours Trafford beat Clitheroe 2-1 with Aaron Burns scoring for the Shaw View club past visiting goalkeeper Cameron Terry, who was an Altrincham Youth keeper.

EMIRATES FA CUP ROUND-UP

In the Chester Standard, "Paul Carden hailed his 'outstanding' Warrington Town as they upset higher league Telford United to reach the Fourth Qualifying round for only the third time in their history. Goals from Bohan Dixon and Ben Garrity handed the Yellows, who featured ex-Wrexham trio Rob Evans, Jack Mackreth and David Raven, as well as former Chester duo Tony Gray and Luke George, control of proceedings...

The former Chester captain said 'It’s up there with our best displays of the season. To a man, we were outstanding at both ends of the pitch. We supported each other, made blocks and there was no question about who deserved the win. You can see there is a fit, strong organised bunch of lads here. Whatever changes we make, they understand what is needed and they all back each other. They are running through brick walls for each other and they know everyone at the club is behind them.'

Former Chester boss Neil Young also pulled off a cup upset as Marine defeated Kevin Wilkin's Brackley 3-2. Young, who saw his side race into a 3-0 lead, said 'I would just like to thank all the fans that travelled to the game for their magnificent support, all the staff and players really appreciate it. A special mention must go to all the supporters behind the goal who never stopped singing from the minute they entered the ground until after the final whistle.'

Ex-Wrexham manager Wilkin was brutally honest about his side's display. 'The way we played in the first half and the attitude we showed from the outset was really poor,' he said. 'It is one thing being confident and another being arrogant and I thought we were in the first half. It’s a strong word to use but credit to Marine because they were sharper than us, they made better decisions, their finishing was sharper.'"

And after another upset, Kidderminster Harriers manager "Neil MacFarlane admitted in the wake of Saturday’s FA Cup exit at Stourbridge that the team should never have 'gifted' the hosts a way back into the game at 2-0 down. Harriers, looking to exorcise some Cup demons at the War Memorial Ground following two horror shows three years ago, looked to be well on their way to a victory this time around.

By the time they’d gone 2-0 up thanks to an Ed Williams goal and Joe Ironside’s penalty, they’d had enough chances to have been out of sight... After costly errors presented the Cup specialists with a way back into the tie, the surge of momentum carried the hosts over the line as they saw out the final stages with alarming ease at 3-2 up.

'Ultimately I’m really disappointed with the result, it’s a really sore one for us,' said the boss, speaking at full-time. 'We had total control of the football match and had the game won, and we just gifted them a way back into it. It’s a harsh lesson for our young defenders today... We were cruising at 2-0 and had numerous chances to put the game to bed... but we gave them a moment that enabled them to get back into the game.'...

Harriers were backed by around 600 supporters at Stourbridge. MacFarlane knows how they’ll be feeling... 'I’ll stand up to it and take the responsibility as that’s the Manager’s job, but I have said to the group that we are all together, as we have been when we’ve been winning, it’s the same when we’re losing'".

From Bradford's Telegraph and Argus comes news of another club which let a two-goal lead slip. However, "Guiseley will be in tomorrow’s draw for the fourth qualifying round of the FA Cup but only just, after they were held to a 2-2 draw by a side from two divisions below them.

The Lions’ third qualifying round hosts were Cleethorpes Town and they too will be in the hat after coming back from two goals down inside the last six minutes at the New Linden... The Vanarama National League North outfit had taken a firm grip of the tie with two goals in a five-minute spell midway through the second period. The home side booked a replay at Nethermoor this Tuesday though with strikes in the 84th and 89th minutes...

Lions’ joint manager Russ O’Neill said, 'We’re absolutely devastated; they feel like they have won the tie and we feel as though we’ve lost it but we do live to fight another day and we go to Tuesday. But, with six minutes to go, we were 2-0 up and cruising and we could have been three or four up. We had created chances but, similar to the York City game last weekend, we didn’t take them and when you’ve got to stand up and be strong, they change their shape, go long and hit things more direct and they get their reward.

'If it had gone on another five minutes I think they might have got a winner but hopefully we’ll get the job done on Tuesday.'”

The EvoStik league reports that "Managerless National League North strugglers FC United of Manchester were dumped out by Northern Premier League Premier Division side Witton Albion at Broadhurst Park. The visitors took the lead in the 9th minute through James Foley... It was 1-1 just past the half-hour mark when Jack Bannister tried his luck from 20 yards and the ball flew past Albion 'keeper Greg Hall.

But on 38 minutes, FC United were reduced to ten-men when Kurt Willoughby was adjudged to have elbowed Billy Smart. The visitors went 2-1 up after 63 minutes when Rob Hopley poked home after a goalmouth scramble. The on 85 minutes, the home side were reduced to nine-men then Harry Winter was shown a second yellow card. And in stoppage time, FC United ended the game with only eight on the pitch as sub Elliot Simoes was shown a red card, seemingly for two yellows after kicking the ball away".

ALTRINCHAM 4-2 BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

Max Harrop is chaired by Jake Moult after the Alty captain had scored on his 300th appearance for the club. Director Bill Waterson watches from behind the goal.

Altrincham levelled three minutes later when Hampson advanced and fed Hulme, who was clearly being held in the box but kept going. His ball across the goal was turned in at the back post by Hampson who had continued his run forward. Five minutes later Alty fell behind again when, despite having all ten outfield players back to defend a corner, they left defender Killock unmarked and he scored with a low shot.

Moult made amends for his lapse over the penalty, in the 44th minute, when he scored with a deflected shot from the edge of the box.

Altrincham finally got their heads in front in the 62nd minute when James Jones emulated Killock by scoring with a low effort from a corner. The score became 4-2 in the 82nd minute when Hulme battled past a challenge before planting the ball past Drench. Altrincham dominated the closing stages to secure the £15,000 prize money and a place in Monday's draw.

A consequence of the result (and Chorley's win) is that Alty's league clash at Chorley, set for 20 October, will now be postponed as that is the date for the Fourth Qualifying Round.

BRADFORD VIEW

After a first-half that failed to separate the sides, the visitors leaked two... Altrincham had two early opportunites to open the scoring, but Steven Drench held on to a flicked effort from Jordan Hulme and Sean Williams’ deflected effort struck the post. After the ball cannoned off the woodwork, it fell at the feet of John Johnston but the winger was thwarted by the Bradford stopper.

Drench remained busy in the early exchanges and his palms were stung by a long-range piledriver from Max Harrop... [BPA] began to ask questions of their opponents... McKenna rattled the post with a thunderous effort... They were soon rewarded for their pressure when Beesley was hauled to the ground by Jake Moult inside the 18-yard box. The forward stepped up and converted, giving Bradford a thoroughly deserved lead.

An acrobatic effort from McKenna then drew a magnificent save from Tony Thompson... However, Bradford were sucker-punched as Hulme found Hampson with a low cross, enabling the defender to bundle over the line in the midst of a scramble.

Despite the blow, it took barely two minutes for the visitors to regain the lead. Wroe delivered a corner that found Shane Killock, who struck past Thompson.

The drama continued as stunned supporters witnessed another goal on the stroke of half-time. Jake Moult’s speculative strike from distance took a deflection that wrong-footed Drench and put the Robins back on level terms.

Mark Bower was forced to shuffle his pack during the interval as Gianluca Havern was forced out of the action with injury... Bradford then made another enforced change, replacing Chris Dawson with veteran Danny Boshell.

The second-half didn’t quite reach the entertainment levels of the half that preceded it... Drench was unable to prevent James Jones steering home from Moult’s corner delivery and edging the Robins ahead.

Despite having a deficit to overturn, Bradford struggled to break the hardy hosts down... With just six minutes remaining, Altrincham extended their lead and deflated their opponents. Hulme cut in from the left before unleashing a vicious strike that rendered Drench helpless."

CSC OPPONENTS: CONGLETON TOWN

Their opponents, Padiham added that "Our players were removed from the pitch today due to racial abuse aimed at our goalkeeper and several players' wallets being emptied in the changing rooms during the game. The players and staff at Congleton FC have acted with class and we’ll act together to ensure this is eradicated from our game".

EMIRATES FA CUP

And you couldn't begrudge the Ebac Northern League Division One side their success as they went toe to toe with the Blues to end the National League North's eight-game unbeaten run in a game where everything that could go wrong for the Blues did.

Liam Brooks's early goal, a Mark Fitzpatrick brace including one from the spot, and an Andrew Grant-Soulsby header booked Dunston a place in the fourth qualifying round.

Chester came back from 1-0 down to lead at the break thanks to a Deane Smalley header and a Dan Mooney strike, with Mooney making it 3-3 in the second half after Danny Livesey saw red for tripping the excellent Fitzpatrick when through on goal...

Dunston had yet to taste defeat this season, just like City of Liverpool in the last round... Chester's last trip to the North East was one that ended in abject failure after they were trounced 8-1 at Blyth Spartans back in August...

Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley made three changes from the team that beat Hereford 3-0 on Tuesday with Matty Thomson handed his first start of the season in place of the injured Jon Moran who dropped to the bench, and Deane Smalley also started for the first time with Matty Hughes ruled out and there was a return to the starting XI for Gary Roberts in place of Iwan Murray.

Luke Jordan was cup tied but winger Dan Mooney was included despite the Fleetwood Town loanee being ruled out of the last FA Cup clash at the request of his parent club. That situation had now changed and the Cod Army agreed to Mooney appearing for the Blues in this year's competition".

According to the Grimsby Telegraph "Scott Vernon strikes late as Cleethorpes Town earned [an] FA Cup replay against Guiseley. The former Grimsby Town striker denied his former boss Marcus Bignot as the Owls came from 2-0 down at the Linden Club.

Cleethorpes Town are set for an FA Cup replay after a 2-2 draw... Marcus Bignot's side did take the lead in the 62nd minute, as Hatfield tapped into the empty net after a good ball across goal from Smith. The visitors doubled their lead in the 66th minute thanks to a powerful effort from Kingsley James...

In the 84th minute, the Owls managed to pull one back... The Owls then pressed for an equaliser and they managed to find it with just two minutes left on the clock. The goal was largely to do with the quality of North; the striker took the ball into the box before finding Scott Vernon with a perfect ball who headed in the equaliser".

Bulls' News tells us that "Hereford crashed out of the FA Cup with a 2-0 loss at home to Welling United. Injuries to Lewis Hall, Martin Horsell and Mike McGrath scuppered the game plan and the Bulls miss out on £15,000 in prize money.

The ever-present Harry White was dropped to the bench along with Jamie Bird to make way for Calvin Dinsley and Billy Murphy. Nasty-looking head injuries to Mike McGrath and Martin Horsell saw the pair taken to hospital before the end of the first half...

In the 28th minute Welling broke the deadlock, at the same time as a nasty clash between McGrath and Horsell saw Hereford's keeper leave the field on a stretcher... In the midst of trying to defend the free kick, Horsell and McGrath collided. Hereford's keeper was carried off after several minutes of medical attention, with McGrath able to walk off in a blood-stained shirt. The injury to the Bulls' stopper led to a baptism of fire for Brandon Powell, who's International clearance only came through earlier this week.

It had already been a tough afternoon for Hereford's new Head Coach Marc Richards after going his side went a goal down and then being forced to use all three substitutions before the break, but then in the 70th minute Welling doubled their lead".

In an afternoon of upsets, Kidderminster Harriers also bowed out of the FA Cup as the Stourbridge News reports. "Glassboys boss Gary Hackett was full of pride after his players fought back to beat Kidderminster Harriers in the FA Cup. Stourbridge came back from 2-0 down to win 3-2 at the War Memorial Ground.

A Kaiman Anderson double and a Aaron Forde penalty sent their neighbours from National League North crashing out.

Hackett said 'It was an amazing cup tie. Don’t get me wrong, first half Kidderminster were excellent and they play some great football but I said at half time that I was absolutely delighted to come in only one down. I said at half time that I was going to change my formation completely and I did and we matched up their two wing-backs, who were getting far too much space, and Luke Benbow came on and he was fantastic.

'When he’s on it he’s as good as anything around. I though Kaiman Anderson was excellent all game and we got ourselves back in the game. Once we had gone 3-2 I think we rode out the last 15-20 minutes pretty comfortably... It’s an amazing achievement... When you get moments like this you’ve just got to enjoy it.'”

Another Midlands team not in Monday's draw are the subject of a report in the Shropshire Star."A below par AFC Telford United display saw them dumped out of the FA Cup at one-division-lower Warrington Town.

The Bucks did not get going in this third qualifying round tie at Cantilever Park until the final few minutes. It was too little too late. Bohan Dixon and Ben Garrity struck for the Northern Premier leaders. Daniel Udoh scored in second half added-on time for the Bucks but, ultimately, the Yellows were well worth the win and the £15,000 prize money.

Warrington enjoyed the lion's share of possession early on. Telford, whenever they got the ball, went direct, looking to find top scorer Udoh or his strike partner Amari Morgan-Smith with high balls downfield...

The Bucks, probably following some harsh words from boss Gavin Cowan, began the second period with a bit more energy, but still could not cause the Yellows any significant problems. And the hosts doubled their advantage shortly after the hour mark. They were caught cold from a clever corner, Garrity taking advantage with a powerful drive...

The Bucks then pumped several balls into the box in search of a leveller, but the crosses lacked quality".

FA CUP GATES

• Att. 780: Altrincham 4-2 Bradford (PA)
• Att. 371: Brackley Town 2-3 Marine
• Att. 255: Cleethorpes Town 2-2 Guiseley
• Att. 1234: FC United of Manchester 1-2 Witton Albion
• Att. 428: Gainsborough Trinity 1-2 Blyth Spartans
• Att. 505: Mickleover Sports 1-2 Alfreton. (Jordan Sinnott scored one of Alfreton's goals)
• Att. 543: Warrington Town 2-1 AFC Telford United
• Att. 558: Workington 0-0 Kidsgrove Athletic

ALTRINCHAM 4-2 BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

Jordan Hulme is submerged under his team-mates after scoring his goal.

SATURDAY FA CUP FIXTURES

• ALTRINCHAM 4-2 Bradford (Park Avenue)
• Stourbridge 3-2 Kidderminster Harriers
• Curzon Ashton 1-2 Southport
• Stockport County 3-0 Corby Town
• Hereford FC 0-2 Welling United
• Brackley Town 2-3 Marine
• Warrington Town 2-1 AFC Telford United
• Peterborough Sports 0-3 Chorley
• Dunston UTS 4-3 Chester FC
• FC United of Manchester 1-2 Witton Albion
• Cleethorpes Town 2-2 Guiseley
• King's Lynn Town 0-1 Ashton United
• Gainsborough Trinity 1-2 Blyth Spartans
• York City 3-0 St Ives Town
• Mickleover Sports 1-2 Alfreton Town
• Kettering Town 4-0 Hednesford United

BEFORE THE GAME: BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

He enthused, 'It's not a distraction from our league form because it breeds confidence. There's teams at our level without a game this weekend, which isn't ideal this early in the season. Maybe further down the line with FA Trophy and County Cup games it could prove difficult, but the FA Cup is massive and we know how important it is. A good run will raise the profile of the club and boost our finances, while the players would love to get through to the first round and maybe face a league club. It's been our number one priority this week and the only thing we're thinking about.'

Avenue lost to Altrincham 3-2 in the Vanarama National League North last month, but Bower insists that tomorrow's third qualifying round tie offers a new challenge.

He said, 'Football works in funny ways. You could play the same team twice in two days and end up with a totally different game. Altrincham probably felt fortunate to beat us in the league but then they played well at Kidderminster last week and lost 3-2. They're confident on the ball and they don't mind passing it around in tight areas. They have a good pitch which suits their style of football too. They have a decent FA Cup tradition but if we play like we have in the last two games, we'll have a chance.'

Bower's side won 1-0 at Alfreton Town in the league on Saturday, with Steven Drench making some fine saves, Shane Killock a rock at the back and defender turned midfielder Conor Branson netting the winner... Bower opined 'We've been a bit up and down defensively but we've tightened up and kept teams out in the last couple of games. It's not just the defenders. It all starts with Jake Beesley up front working his socks off. Conor actually got our winner playing in midfield but he has that sense for defending as he naturally plays as a centre half'...

The game itself at Alfreton was a close one... He said 'It was a tight game and with the long grass at Alfreton, it's difficult to play good football... I felt we deserved to win'".

Altrincham FC has pre-match news.

YOUTH CUP

Tadcaster Albion, founded in 1892, play at a stadium behind the Joihn Smith's Brewery in the Yorkshire town. Indeed the club is believed to have been originally formed as John Smith's FC with the Albion name not being adopted till 1923. Before 1960 they played at the Ings ground, close to the Samuel Smith Brewery before moving to the nearby ground at The Park..

From 1982 they were members of the Northern Counties East League. They remained in Northern Counties East Football League Division One before earning promotion to the Premier Division in 2010.

For another club in our division there was a remarkable Youth Cup match this week as NL Daily reports that "Nuneaton Borough crashed out of the FA Youth Cup despite five goals from Luis Corcoran and holding a 7-2 lead with less than 30 minutes to play. Halesowen Town came from behind and progressed 9-8 thanks in part to two Emlyn Tudgay goals in stoppage time.

At 7-2, Dan Danks bagged his second for Halesowen just after the hour mark, and the visitors made it interesting with two goals in the 70th minute through James Griffiths and Tad Mutasa.

Bruce Tsinonis was punished for a handball with 20 to play and Danks sealed his hat-trick from the spot as a result. Corcoran added an eighth for the Boro’ with seven minutes to play to give the hosts some breathing room but it wasn’t enough as Josh Beard pulled it to 8-7 in the 86th minute and two goals from Emlyn Tudgay in stoppage time put the visitors through."

BERNARD TAYLOR'S FUNERAL

Right: Bernard is pictured with Chris Timons after the match at Guiseley which concluded the title-winning 1998-99 season.

FA CUP PREVIEW

We start our preview with Kidderminster Harriers who travel to Stourbridge looking to avoid the kind of upset the home side inflicted on Leamington in the previous round. After putting seven past their last opponents, local side Mickleover Sports could spring a surprise against Billy Heath’s Alfreton Town.

An early kick-off for the National League North’s runaway leaders Chorley, who make the journey to Peterborough Sports for the BBC’s featured live match. Guiseley travel to the Lincolnshire coast but won’t have time for sand or sea as they look to overcome Cleethorpes Town.

Staying in Lincolnshire, Blyth Spartans are also in the county as they face relegated Gainsborough Trinity... Chester travel to Dunston UTS in fine fettle... Witton Albion are in town for FC United of Manchester with neighbours Stockport County also at home as they face Corby Town.

Hereford faced a seven-goal thriller to beat Truro in their replay... Ashton United have three wins on the spin and will head to King’s Lynn in good spirits. The same can’t be said for Curzon Ashton and Southport who face each other with just one league win between them in September. AFC Telford are in the north west looking to end Warrington Town’s FA Cup dream...

One of six all National League ties takes place between Phil Parkinson’s Altrincham and Bradford (Park Avenue) with both sides looking to improve on recent league results".

TOP SCORERS

It’s been a great start by some of the newboys to the division who are already showing they know where the net is. Altrincham’s Jordan Hulme has seven to his name, as does Kidderminster midfielder Ed Williams, playing in the South last season. Ashton United were in the Evo-Stik League last term but having earned promotion, Matt Chadwick has taken it by storm with six so far.

National League North scoring charts:

• 7: Jordan Hulme 7 (Altrincham), Ed Williams (Kidderminster), Daniel Udoh (AFC Telford), Glenn Taylor (Spennymoor)
• 6: Matthew Chadwick (Ashton United), Adam Blakeman (Chorley), Tom Denton (Alfreton), Jimmy Armson (Brackley), Lee Ndlovu (Brackley), Matthew Stenson (Leamington)
• 5: Mark Anderson (Spennymoor), Dior Angus (Nuneaton), Ashley Chambers (Kidderminster), Reece Styche (Darlington), Kurt Willoughby (FC United)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Perhaps their best performance and result of the season came against Hereford last weekend. Ainsley said the 3-0 away win against the Bulls would live long in the memory. The National League’s longest serving manager was quoted earlier in the month saying 'We are always likely to score goals'. How right he was. They averaged over two goals per game in their September fixtures and are now the third highest scoring side in the division."

And the National League also says, "What a month it’s been for Harriers’ midfield maestro Ed Williams. With Kidderminster sitting proudly in second, the 23-year-old’s form also piqued the interest of England C manager Paul Fairclough, who selected Williams for their upcoming friendlies this month.

Harriers may have lost for the first time this season during the past few weeks, but elsewhere it’s been a perfect month. An impressive 12 points from 15 has been backed up with a resounding win in the FA Cup. Williams has more than contributed with six goals in five games throughout September".

Hereford FC "confirm that Jennison Myrie-Williams has been released. Jennison joined Hereford in February 2018 and went on to make a total of 23 appearances for The Bulls, scoring eight goals during his spell. The former Bristol City, Hereford United and Newport County player picked up the Hereford FC Goal of the Season award last term...

However, this season he has seen his first-team opportunities limited, having made just 9 league and cup appearances so far. The attack-minded player, has yet to find the net this term."

And NL Daily tells us that "Former Lincoln City man Nathan Arnold, 31, has left Boston United. "He joined the Pilgrims in June after spending the latter part of last season on loan at Salford City. The club say he signed his cancellation papers... and is now free to pursue other opportunities. Arnold... netted three times in ten for Boston."

It is reported by NL Daily that "Hyde United manager Darren Kelly has turned down the chance to manage FC United of Manchester. The former Oldham Athletic boss spoke to officials at the Vanarama National League North club yesterday, Hyde have confirmed, but Kelly has opted to stay with the Evo-Stik Premier newcomers. FC United have been without a permanent manager since player-boss Tom Greaves left last month. Greaves then went on to sign as a player for Hyde.

The Tigers say that Kelly is committed to building a team that is successful in both the short and long-term."

Boston United "Full-back Jordan Gough has left The Jakemans Stadium to join Tamworth. The 28-year-old, who arrived from Chester FC in the summer, has linked up with the Lambs following the submission of a seven-day approach from the Staffordshire club.

Gough made six appearances in amber and black."

According to the Lancashire Evening Post "Jamie Vermiglio could utilise the full depth of his Chorley squad this weekend when they travel to Peterborough Sports in the Third Qualifying Round of the FA Cup.

In the last round against Leek Town at Victory Park, the Magpies boss gave run-outs to several players who had been on the fringes...Players like Dale Whitham, Jake Cottrell, Steve Jordan and Adam Anson were handed starts while young Jordan Lussey, signed from Bolton, came on as a substitute in the second half... and Vermiglio admitted he will have no qualms about giving his fringe players another chance against Peterborough, who are two levels below them in the football pyramid...

'I don’t see them as fringe players, so I don’t like using that word. I just see it as a strong squad; lads who have maybe not had as many opportunities as other players. I said to them before the game, the most difficult decision for a manager is to leave players out and I said to them before the game to make it hard for me'...

Last year’s run to the First Round Proper, where they were ultimately beaten by Fleetwood Town 2-1 live on television, earned the club a six-figure sum. And as Vermiglio knows full well... 'Winning breeds confidence, so we want to win every game we play no matter what the competition is,' he said. 'I think Peterborough will be a bigger test for us than Leek.'”

OLD BOYS

Stockport Town have signed Gavin Salmon, who was a pre-season trialist at Moss Lane and is pictured, above, scoring for Alty in the friendly at Radcliffe Borough on Saturday, 23 July, 2005.

Also in the Hallmark Security (NW Counties League), former youth keeper Daniel Havern has joined New Mills.

OLD FOES

The 64-year-old has been in charge since 2013, his second spell at the helm. But chairman Jim Parmenter says he couldn’t allow their struggle to continue and confirmed he took action. Parmenter said, "He has been highly successful with us, but football is changing. There have clearly been some poor player recruitment decisions taken during closed season, which is something we will be addressing. There are also a number of issues around training and our ways of working, which we will be looking at. We have a good setup at the club, a decent playing budget and supporters who want to be proud of their team".

LAST TIME AT THIS STAGE

In front of 658 spectators, Reeves, Miller and Richman were the scorers against Morpeth. That match was Damian Reeves's 300th appearance for the club whilst, coincidentally, this Saturday's game should witness Jake Moult's 300th appearance for the Robins. Jake also played in the match against Morpeth but he and Tom Hannigan are likely to be the only survivors from the 2016 match to play for Altrincham on Saturday, as Simon Richman was ruled out of Altrincham's last fixture with a hamstring problem.

Alty's squad against Morpeth comprised 1. Andrew DAWBER 2. Sam PATTERSON, 3. Alan GOODALL (c), 4. Tom HANNIGAN, 5. John CYRUS, 6. Charlie JOYCE, 7. James LAWRIE, 8. Jake MOULT, 9. Greg WILKINSON, 10. Damian REEVES, 11. Sean MILLER. Subs: 12. Craig HOBSON, 14. Simon RICHMAN, 15. Phil MARSH, 16.Harry CAIN, 17. Danny HATTERSLEY, 18. Josh DOHERTY, 20. Tim DEASY (gk).

Right, we see Charlie Joyce in action against Morpeth Town in October 2016..

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Without someone stepping in, the Boro is at real risk according to Mark Axon, acting chair of Nuneaton Borough Supporters' Co-operative. He had a meeting with Norman Smurthwaite, the Port Vale owner and Coventry-born businessman, who owns the ground, on Monday...

'Norman felt that the Boro was at a critical stage in its future,' Mr Axon said. 'There is a sizeable interest in the Boro in the town and area, however the football club needed clear leadership and to re-engage with the town, its businesses and community,' he added... 'He [Norman] said that any potential new owners/investors would need to see an increase in support coming through the turnstiles on Saturday (October 20) versus Bradford Park Avenue'...

Lee Fowler, Boro’s assistant manager, agrees they need leadership at the helm but insists he and boss Nicky Eaden will not walk away... 'If things keep going on the way they are, I genuinely don’t know what the future is for the club,' Fowler said. 'Things are looking bleak right now and the fans deserve better, the players deserve better and Nick and myself deserve better. The fans have invested financially and emotionally into this football club over the years. I feel for them. I am not sure they realise the severity of the situation we are in.'

Fowler says, without anyone at the helm, the management has already taken steps to turn the club part-time. 'The previous regime, full-time football with a buy-to-sell policy, is just not sustainable,' he said. 'The reality is we can’t even pay part-time wages, which limits your recruitment strategy. We have to take some steps by having the players in part-time on a Tuesday, Thursdays, Friday and for games. We are doing our best to manage things between the four of us to keep things going...

'Something needs to happen quickly at the top. Right now, we are working on a day-to-day basis and I genuinely don’t know what the future is,' he added. 'But Nicky and I will not walk away. We will keep going'...

CoventryLive contacted Lee Thorn but he was not available for comment."

According to the Leamington Observer "Boss Paul Holleran slammed sloppy defending as Leamington handed Ashton United their first home victory of the National North season at the weekend. Brakes took the lead after just 30 seconds... Ashton levelled in the 18th minute when Bradley Jackson thumped a first-time strike into the roof of the net from the edge of the area after Leamington’s defence failed to clear Matthew Regan’s cross.

With the game heading for a 1-1 draw, Ashton snatched all three points in added time when Liam Martin bundled the ball home from close range when a seemingly harmless cross was allowed to reach him through a sea of bodies in the penalty area.

Brakes followed their league defeat with a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Sutton Coldfield Town in the Birmingham Senior Cup on Tuesday night after the two sides were locked at 1-1. Goals in the final few minutes against Hereford and Spennymoor (twice) have seen Brakes lose games they should have taken a point from, while a late goal for Guiseley turned a potential three points into one.

Also, two late goals for Bradford Park Avenue made a three-goal cushion briefly look very precarious. It is certainly becoming a big headache for the manager and he will be growing tired of reinforcing the point concentration needs to be maintained right until the final whistle if his side are to fulfil their potential this season.

'To end up with nothing on Saturday, it’s hard to put into words,' said Holleran. 'We struggled with the conditions but we needed a bit more quality at times. You then get to a point where you’re thinking, it’s a tricky away trip, let’s just take the point and get back on the bus. However, to get to the 92nd minute again (and concede). We were sloppy. It’s not a good cross and it’s gone through so many people. It’s just difficult to understand how we haven’t dealt with it... To say we were disappointed it an understatement'".

YOUTHS PROGRESS IN FA YOUTH CUP

Altrincham's starting eleven was: Culkin, Sowerby, Savage, Menta, Preston, Butchart, Barratt, Ryan, Elliott (c), Evans, Gabidon.

ALTY'S FA CUP RECORD

Altrincham may have seventeen Football League scalps in their FA Cup history but the only defeat of a League club in the last 24 years was that of Barnsley in 2015/16.

Last season Alty went out at the Second Qualifying stage with a 1-0 defeat at Shildon of the Northern League. That followed the need for a replay to overcome Abbey Hey in the First Qualifier after a 3-3 draw in Gorton.

Ironically, it was in the disastrous league season of 2016-17 that Altrincham last reached the First Round when they were unfortunate to go out 2-1 at Lincoln City, after overcoming Matlock Town, Morpeth Town and Gainsborough Trinity in earlier rounds.

Above: A section of the Altrincham support at Colchester in December 2015.

In 2015-16 Alty last reached Round Two and were very unlucky to lose 2-3 at Colchester United having overcome Barwell in Round One and Chester FC before that.

2014-15 witnessed a win at Barwell before Alty suffered a 4-1 thrashing at Blyth Spartans.

ALTY OLD BOYS

With only a minute left on the clock, Marine were awarded a penalty of their own after Danny Mitchley appeared to be elbowed. Craig Carney converted the spot-kick... Credit simply has to fall on the shoulders of Neil Young who took the pressure off Mitchley by telling Carney to take the penalty after the skipper failed to convert the last couple he’s taken".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

Speaking about this important appointment, Hereford FC’s Head of Football, Tim Harris, who has played a key role in the recruitment process, said, 'We were inundated with excellent applications for this role and drew up a shortlist of four candidates to interview. All of them were very impressive and had skills which would fit with the new football strategy that the club is moving forward with. However, after lengthy discussions, it was felt that Marc was the best candidate overall and that he would be offered the role. We are delighted he has accepted it.

‘Marc is a highly respected coach and an intelligent, progressive, forward-thinking young man. I believe he will prove to be an excellent fit for this football club and for all we are looking to achieve.

‘As well as his most recent role managing Gloucester City FC in the National League South, he has considerable experience in the National League North, and is also Assistant Director of Elite Sport at Hartpury University and Hartpury College. Marc has a Masters in Coaching Science, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Further Education, a BSc (Hons) in Sport & Exercise Science and holds the UEFA A Licence.

‘He has helped develop many players over the last decade who are now playing professional football. These include Ghanaian international, Abdul Majeed Waris, who played in the 2014 World Cup for his country and is currently on loan at Nantes from FC Porto, and David Accam, who has so far been awarded 10 international caps for Ghana and is currently playing for Philadelphia Union in the MLS after previous spells with Ostersunds FK, Helsingborgs and Chicago Fire.

‘Closer to home Marc also featured heavily in the development of Jimmy Oates, who he first met when playing out in Australia, and Mustapha Bundu, two names that will be very familiar to Bulls fans. Ed Williams at Kidderminster Harriers and Scott Wilson at Macclesfield Town are two other players who have progressed into the professional game following spells under Marc’s leadership at Hartpury.’"

The National League tells us that "Sam Collins says it’s the mark of a good side to come away with something when they haven’t played well. York City’s caretaker manager watched his team twice come from behind to pinch a point at Nuneaton Borough. Jon Parkin salvaged a 2-2 draw for the Minstermen...

'In the end I’m happy with the point,' he told the National League’s Oli Osborn. 'We didn’t play as well as we did recently, so to come away with a point after twice being behind? We’re pleased with that. It’s probably a good result. We weren’t great, but we showed character and I am delighted with that. We didn’t create anything in the first half so we decided to change the style. I have been working on us trying to adapt when we need to adapt. We know we’ve got goals in the team and we showed we can pull something out of the bag.'

He says a strong bench can make all the difference and added 'I’m really fortunate to know we’ve got those kind of options to come on... People call me inexperienced as a manager, but I’ve been coaching for 12 years. Since day one the players have been great with me.'"

According to the Shropshire Star "Boss Gavin Cowan admits finances played a part in the decision to let goalkeeper Sheridan Martinez leave AFC Telford United. The 25-year-old seemed on course to be the Bucks’ No.1 before the start of the season but Leicester loanee Max Bramley has been first choice. Andy Wycherley came in too and, due to an injury, Martinez ended up behind him in the pecking order.

Cowan was firmly of the belief he needed to get minutes under his belt and, explaining the decision to let him depart the club rather than go out on loan, the Telford chief said 'Our budget will be one of the bottom five in the league, we have to remember that. Ultimately, having three keepers just isn’t feasible. With Shez, we’ve got to be cruel to be kind. He needs to play games. He could easily be our No.1 but he picked up an injury and we’ve got two other very good goalkeepers in Max and Andy. It’s just been unfortunate for him.'

Martinez re-joined Telford in the summer after a spell last campaign in which he did not play at all. He made two appearances for the Bucks this term; the 1-1 draw at Guiseley and the 2-1 victory over Brackley Town, dislocating one of his fingers in the latter...

'His attitude has been excellent, he’s been a credit to himself,' he said.... 'I wouldn’t be surprised to see Shez go out and prove himself, and come back. He’s proved he’s good enough for this level so the door is certainly not closed on him. If he goes anywhere, I’d like him not to sign a contract. An opportunity could come up again for him here.'

Telford have also cut Dan McKenna’s loan spell from Wolves short. The midfielder was due to stay with the Bucks until January but has returned to Compton after failing to make an appearance. 'He’s another fantastic young man. He came in and worked really hard,' added Cowan. 'He just couldn’t get near the squad because of the form we’ve been in. We’re not in the business of killing careers, harming the development of a young player. He needs to go back to an amazing environment at Wolves and continue to be nurtured.'”

Southport confirm that "Non-League Day returns on the club’s first home game for a month when York City visit on Saturday 13 October 2018, and Southport Football Club are pleased to announce that the fixture will be dedicated to the work of Kick It Out.

Scheduled to coincide with the upcoming international break, Non-League Day has been an annual event for nine years, backed by Premier League and Football League clubs to get fans to support the local community through visiting their local non-league side. The event is also a platform for the club to promote the importance of affordable volunteer led community football.

As Kick It Out marks its 25 years of campaigning for equality in football seven teams, including Southport FC, will be dedicating fixtures to football’s equality and inclusion organisation, a record number, which is also the same number of years the organisation has supported this initiative".

Nuneaton Borough "were pegged back twice by mid-table York City in an entertaining encounter at Liberty Way. Dior Angus twice gave Boro’ the lead only to see the visitors respond and hang on for a scarcely deserved point.

Angus broke the deadlock with a spectacular bicycle kick from close range that left Adam Bartlett no chance in the visitor’s goal. The chance came from a corner that York City couldn’t clear, Mike Calveley won a header that presented Angus with the chance to score his fourth of the season... Boro’ had chances to extend the lead... It should have been 2-0... McGurk headed powerfully in to the back of the net, only to see the Assistant Referee raise his flag...

Jake Wright punished Boro’s lack of ruthlessness with his header from a ball from the right hand side in the 74th minute.... An early candidate for goal of the season came when Angus twisted in and out on the left and drove to the edge of the box before curling a beautiful strike inside the right post. There was more drama to come though as Jon Parkin’s shot took a wicked deflection that diverted in to the bottom corner".

FC United of Manchester "are pleased to announce signing of goalkeeper Jordan Perrin on loan from Wigan Athletic. Perrin, who is 19 years old, will join FC for a short 28-day loan period to act as cover for the first team. Having signed for Wigan, from Arsenal in 2016, having also represented Charlton Athletic, the Kent-born keeper has already demonstrated great potential".

At Chorley "Jamie Vermiglio has given chorleyfc.com an injury updated as eight first teamers continue to nurse a knock or two. Matt Challoner (fractured hand), Stephen Jordan (calf), Josh O’Keefe (wrist ligaments), Dale Whitham (head), Kieran Glynn (head), Louis Almond (hamstring), Alex Newby (calf) & Wes Fletcher (ankle) are all doubts ahead of the weekend, but the gaffer remains upbeat about the team’s chances.

'It’s a little unfortunate with the amount of injuries we are carrying at the moment,' he explained. 'Some of these issues have been going on for a while, and although it’s not ideal, the players have been dealing with it and doing their best to either play their part regardless, or with the more difficult injuries rest up and let them heal. Not that we want to make the injury list an excuse. We see it as an opportunity for other players to come in and show what they’ve got. Our entire squad has been doing that since day one, which is why we’ve been able to maintain our unbeaten start into October. Our aim is for our excellent start to continue and we’re looking forward to the challenge Saturday gives us.' [Chorley meet Peterborough Sports in the FA Cup on Saturday].

The Magpies aim to make it 13 games without defeat on the season in front of the BBC Sport cameras... Hit your Red Button at 12:30pm."

Chester FC report that "Three goals, three points, and eight games unbeaten for the Blues as efforts from Matty Hughes, Jon Pritchard and Deane Smalley saw off Hereford FC... No changes from the weekend’s draw at Chorley, as Johnson and Morley kept faith with the same XI who brought a sterling point back from Victory Park...

Craig Mahon found Matty Hughes inside the box, and after a drop of the shoulder, his effort deflected past Horsell to give the Blues an early advantage on 15 minutes...

The second half saw the Blues kick on and take things up a level... The Blues’ were dominant and could’ve made it two on 59 minutes... Hereford made a fist of things from that point, as Mike McGrath came close twice with headers on goal, but... McGrath’s evening went from bad to worse as two yellow cards in 12 minutes, a first for simulations saw the visitors down to ten after 69 minutes, with a mountain to climb...

From that point, the Blues took control of the game and doubled their advantage three minutes later through substitute Jon Pritchard... The Blues pulled firther clear with a third goal three minutes from time".

NEW MURAL CATERS FOR MODERN TASTE

A new mural has appeared on the Popular Side at the J. Davidson Stadium (pictured above). Below are our "initial" thoughts on the subject.

Red and white paint has been applied to the rear of the Popular Side terracing in alternate bands of colour.

In advance of Saturday's FA Cup match against Bradford (Park Avenue) the mural alludes to the Club's proud FA history - albeit little has been seen of FA Cup success in recent years

Catering to the modern vogue for social media, the mural advertises the hashtags #Alty and #FACup.

How and when the piece of artwork was completed remains shrouded in mystery but it is believed someone cooked up the idea earlier this week.

It is now nearly three years since Altrincham last reached the First Round Proper, at which stage non-League clubs have the chance of a giantkilling against an EFL club.

Eventually, whether this season or next, Altrincham hope to add to their seventeen FA Cup victories against Football League clubs, which are listed below

• 1921/22 Tranmere Rovers
• 1965/66 Rochdale
• 1973/74 Hartlepool
• 1974/75 Scunthorpe United
• 1979/80 Crewe Alexandra and Rotherham United
• 1980/81 Scunthorpe United
• 1981/82 Sheffield United and York City
• 1982/83 Rochdale
• 1984/85 Blackpool
• 1985/86 Blackpool and Birmingham City
• 1988/89 Lincoln City
• 1992/93 Chester
• 1994/95 Wigan Athletic
• 2015/16 Barnsley

NEXT OPPONENTS: BRADFORD (PARK AVENUE)

• At Home: P11-W7-D3-L1-F19-A8
• Away:P13-W5-D4-L4-F21-A23
• All: P23-W11-D7-L5-F40-A31

Right: Owen Dale and Ryan Toulson clash in the recent game at Bradford

The last time BPA visited Altrincham was on Tuesday, 25 October 2016 and, by a strange coincidence, that match also ended in a 2-3 scoreline, like the encounter betwen the clubs this season, though this time it was the Yorkshiremen who won the match.

As the website reported, "Playing against bottom club, winless Bradford Park Avenue, Altrincham got off to a good start as James Lawrie's fine goal put them ahead in only the eighth minute. But it was BPA who enjoyed the majority of the first-half momentum... For their part Alty barely threatened the Avenue goal.

The Yorkshiremen drew level six minutes after the break when, following a quick BPA throw, conceded unnecessarily by Cyrus, the visitors won a freekick. A rehearsed routine was not read by Alty and McKenna fired home from the edge of the box.

Ex-Alty striker Sinclair who, two minutes earlier, had missed a sitter when he rounded Deasy but fired well over the bar, then waltzed through the weak Alty defence and netted BPA's second in the 62nd minute. During the second half the home defence had looked shaky almost every time BPA attacked and the score got worse after 75 minutes. Alty lost possession 30 yards out and the ball was played for Wroe to convert comfortably and make it 3-1.

Belatedly Alty did show a bit more urgency and Miller scored with a fine shot from outside the box but with only seven minutes remaining, plus five more of added time, Alty could not get level.

Line ups: ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tim DEASY, 2. Sam PATTERSON, 3. Andy McWILLIAMS, 4. John CYRUS, 5. Danny HALL, 6. Alan GOODALL (capt), 7. James LAWRIE, 8. Jake MOULT, 9. Phil MARSH, 10. Damian REEVES, 11, Sean MILLER. Subs 12. Simon RICHMAN, 14. Billy HASLER-CREGG, 15. Sam HEATHCOTE, 16. Harry CAIN, 20. Andrew DAWBER.

TRIBUTES TO BERNARD TAYLOR

FA YOUTH CUP

TUESDAY RESULTS

• Chester FC 3-0 Hereford FC
• Nuneaton Town 2-2 York City

THROUGH THE YEARS

However, this time around some of the omens are not good. Firstly, BPA won on their last visit to Altrincham in 2016, their only ever victory at Moss Lane (see above) and, secondly, on that occasion in 2016 BPA arrived as the league's bottom club, which was a similar scenario to that in Alty's last match played on the 6th October date when, as as revealed by Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years, the visitors were another struggling West Yorkshire club, FC Halifax Town. Alty also lost that day, 1-3, at Moss Lane.

As the website reported at the time, "Having lost 3-0 at previously winless Southport, FC Halifax Town arrived at Moss Lane on the back of a 7-1 home mauling and with just one win all season yet they deservedly won this match... Altrincham brought in Nicky Clee for his first start of the season to replace the injured Ryan Crowther. Michael Rankine was also still missing, with injury, as were long-term absentees Stuart Coburn and Tom Marshall...

Halifax took the lead in the 22nd minute after Jake Moult had lost the ball 40 yards from goal. The resulting cross, from the right by Roberts, was headed home, unchallenged by Burrow... Things got no better in the second half, for which Alty introduced Densmore and switched to a back three. After a spell of particularly abject play from the home side, they suddenly scored an equalizer in the 56th minute. A deep cross from Griffin [left] on the left was met by an excellent header, back across goal, by Damian Reeves to make it 1-1. It looked as if Altrincham had got out of gaol.

But, barely three minutes later, they fell behind again when a long ball was again headed home, unchallenged by the impressive Burrow... In the dying seconds of added time the already booked Havern was judged to have tripped an opponent inside the box. It was a very debatable decision for which the linesman flagged vigorously but, bizarrely, the already booked Havern, who was also the 'last man' escaped a second yellow or a red, to Alty's relief. James hammered home the resulting spot kick to complete Altrincham's evening of woe".

Altrincham's line-up for the 2015 match was 17. Tim DEASY, 6. Scott LEATHER, 22. Andrew PARRY, 5. Luca HAVERN, 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 7. James LAWRIE, 20. Jordan SINNOTT, 11. Nicky CLEE, 10. Damian REEVES, Subs: 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 18. George BOWERMAN, 12. Sam HEATHCOTE, 14. Josh O'KEEFE, 21. Joel SWIFT.

BRADFORD PARK AVENUE: 1. Jon Worsnop, 2. Ryan Toulson (capt), 3. Matt Hill, 4. Adam Nowakowski, 5. Shane Killock, 6. Luke Dean, 7. Nicky Wroe, 8. Ben McKenna, 9. Emile Sinclair, 10. Chris Sharp, 11. Nicky Boshell. Subs 12. Joe Kearns, 14. Sanchez Payne, 15. Lee Spires, 16. Jack Ryan, 17. Dan Eccles.

Two of Alty's players in the 2015 match, who are likely to be in the opposition line-up this time around, are Nicky Clee and Luca Havern who both featured against us a fortnight ago for the Avenue. Another ex-Robin in the BPA side for the 2018 game was defender Ryan Toulson, whilst former Alty midfielder Danny Boshell was an unused substitute.

PHIL'S UPDATE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

And Blues bosses Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley have decided to activate that clause to bring the duo back to the club as the battle with injuries ahead of Tuesday night's home encounter with Hereford FC (7.45pm).

A statement on the Ramsbottom United website read... 'Nathan Brown has featured regularly during his time with the club, whilst defender Alex Downes has spent some time on the substitute’s bench'... Chester are set to be without Gary Roberts, Anthony Dudley, Dominic Smalley and George Green this evening, while Scott Burton will be hoping to get through another 90 minutes after playing at Chorley on Saturday following time out due to a niggling calf injury."

According to Cheshire Live "Neil Redfearn, who almost took over as manager of Chester FC in the summer, has joined the coaching staff at Newcastle United....Redfearn has been drafted to assist reserve team boss Ben Dawson and goalkeeping coach Steve Harper with the Magpies, with Peter Beardsley's future with the club unclear.

Former Barnsley player and Leeds United manager Redfearn was offered the Chester job in the summer after an interview process, beating off the likes of Kevin Nicholson, Ian Sharps and Adam Murray to the role. But, after being offered the job, the 53-year-old Yorkshireman decided against taking the post with the Blues, citing travel as the reason. Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley would go on to be named as Chester's joint-managers.

Weeks later Redfearn joined Liverpool FC Women's side as their manager but stepped down after just one game in charge last month".

The Shropshire Star reports that "Wolves loanee Dan McKenna has returned to his parent club early. The 18-year old was set to stay at the Bucks until January 1st but has been sent back to train with Wolves' under-23s side by Telford boss Gavin Cowan in the interest of the player's personal development.

The Irishman enjoyed a successful loan spell with Bray Wanderers in the League of Ireland last season but has failed to nail down a regular spot in the Telford side this campaign."

Also, "AFC Telford United goalkeeper Sheridan Martinez has left the club by mutual consent. The 25-year-old returned to New Buck's Head in June for his second spell but, after failing to hold down a first team spot, he will now leave the club. Martinez has struggled to find game time in Shropshire since picking up an injury in Telford's 2-1 win over Brackley in August and has faced fierce competition for the number one shirt with fellow shot-stoppers Max Bramley and Andy Wycherley ahead of him in the pecking order".

York Press tells us that "Nuneaton are set to be boosted by the return of four players to their squad against York City, having been forced to name assistant-manager Lee Fowler as a substitute at the weekend.

Fowler, 35, was one of only four players on Nuneaton’s bench for the 1-0 home triumph against fellow strugglers FC United of Manchester, despite the former Championship midfielder having not played a minute since ending last term at Cymru Alliance outfit Holywell Town. But Nicky Eaden’s men are expected to have fit-again trio Carl Baker, Danny Burns and James Wesolowski back among their ranks, while Harry Panayiotou is available after suspension.

Injured left-back Lewis Freestone will still be unavailable, though, as will fellow defender Miles Addison, who serves the second of a three-match ban against the Minstermen. Former City pair Curtis Obeng and Theo Wharton will feature, though.

Another Bootham Crescent old boy Ashley Chambers, meanwhile, has been sorely missed, following his summer switch to Kidderminster after netting 25 times for the Warwickshire team last term. Since his departure, Nuneaton have failed to hit the target more than once in any of their dozen contests during 2018/19. Ex-Port Vale pair Ebo Andoh and Dior Angus are Borough’s top scorers this season with three goals apiece, while former Leicester under-23 hopeful Kairo Mitchell, with two, is the club’s only other marksman.

Saturday’s 1-0 victory was also Nuneaton’s first on their own soil since Chambers got the only goal of the match against his old club in April. In between, the Midlanders had endured a run of eight matches without success at their Liberty Way stadium. Ex-Rotherham caretaker manager Eaden took over from Gary Charles in the summer, becoming the club’s fourth boss in eight months, with Tommy Wright and Dino Maamria the others."

From Lincolnshire Live comes news that "Boston United manager Craig Elliott is hoping to extend the loan spells of Grimsby Town pair Ahkeem Rose and Max Wright. The young Mariners duo both stepped off the bench to score in Saturday’s 3-1 National League North victory over Curzon Ashton but with a blank weekend coming up due to the Pilgrims’ early FA Cup exit, the pair’s initial loan spells are virtually at an end.

Both players have made four appearances for the Pilgrims, three apiece from the start, with Rose scoring twice and Wright once and Elliott praised the duo’s impact from the bench at the Tameside Stadium at the weekend.

'I knew they would be a good plan B,' reflected Elliott. 'It was not a matter that they played poorly last week as such but I knew that if the game was tight, they could come on with their pace and have a real impact. They have done well for us but I think it is obvious that they still need games. Hopefully we can help them become better players.'

The pair were borrowed from the Football League strugglers in early September and Elliott will be speaking to Mariners’ boss Michael Jolley in a bid to keep the youngsters with the Pilgrims for a longer spell. United... return to action next Saturday at home to Blyth Spartans... Elliott said [of the enforced break], 'I think it’s come at a good time. I know that we need to tweak things and I know we need to be better but we are on the right track'...

Elliott had words of praise for striker Gregg Smith, who returned to the United starting XI for the first time on Saturday following his return to the club from Brackley Town almost a fortnight ago. 'We have missed that character because he has been great off the pitch too and adds that bit of spice in the dressing room,'added Elliott. 'I am really pleased with him. Like a few other players, he wanted assurances in the summer that he was going to play games and I was not in a position to do that. He wanted to go and find football elsewhere and he got a great move to Brackley, but obviously it has not worked out. He’s a fans’ favourite, a good player at this level and I am really pleased to have him back.'"

BERNARD TAYLOR

Above: Bernard and his squad celebrate.

The death has been announced of former Altrincham FC manager Bernard Taylor, who passed away last Wednesday. Bernard was manager of Altrincham FC from March 1998 to May 2000 and also in 2001-02. He first took on the first-team manager's role after the resignation of John King and Graham Heathcote, which had taken place on 5 March 1998. This had followed the club's first ever relegation in 1996-97. Prior to his appointment, Bernard had been the Altrincham FC Reserves' manager.

Despite being in charge, in his first spell as manager, for only two years, Bernard oversaw a number of notable successes for the club. His first managerial achievement came as early as May 1998 when Altrincham won the UniBond League Cup defeating Gainsborough Trinity at Chesterfield's Saltergate stadium.

And, before the start of his first full season in charge, (1998-99), Bernard was in charge as the club won the Northern Premier League's Peter Swales Shield, an annual game between the League's champions and League Cup winners. That was away at Barrow, where Alty won 2-1.

Above: Bernard Taylor with the CSC trophy and the Peter Swales Shield in the car park at Moss Lane before the victory parade through Altrincham in 1999.

1998-99 season started with Bernard assisted by joint-player/coaches Nigel Gleghorn and Kevin Kilcline, both of whom had played at the highest level of English football. But, by the time Alty had failed to win any of their opening eight fixtures, the two player/coaches had moved on. Graham Heathcote then returned to assist Bernard and the club went on to win the NPL title and thereby regain their Conference status. And, to add to that success, the club also won the Cheshire Senior Cup in April 1999, defeating Northwich Victoria 1-0 at Wincham Park. The town rewarded its local club for its successes with an open-top bus parade around Altrincham.

Pre-season of 1999-2000 saw Altrincham again lift the Peter Swales Shield after a victory over Stalybridge Celtic at Moss Lane. Bernard and Graham's team Alty started the 1999-2000 season quite well. However, by the end of the campaign, although the team had only lost 14 of its 42 games, a total of 19 draws meant that Altrincham had not gathered enough points and they were relegated back down to the Northern Premier League. Few teams can ever have been relegated from the Conference after a season which had included a 14-game unbeaten run but that was to be the Robins' fate.

Bernard resigned at the end of that season (April 2000) and was succeeded by Mark Ward. However, following the dismissal of Ward as manager in March 2001, Bernard had a second spell as Altrincham boss but that tenure ended in October, 2002.

Bernard's later roles in football included managing Kidsgrove Athletic.

LADIES REPORT

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

So, although selling the ground to Smurthwaite got Nuneaton through financial difficulties in the summer and allowed them to continue playing in the National League North, Eaden has revealed the extent of the club's problems in an interview with this weekend's Non-League Paper.

He said 'The club needs help. There is money to pay the wages, but beyond this month, who knows? They need a local businessman or whoever to come in and either try to take over the running of the club or put some money in... There's no direction at the club. We're basically going week to week, game to game, and now we can't look beyond the next month really.'

The Non-League Paper reports that the club has no chairman or directors so is being run by manager Eaden, his assistant Lee Fowler, club secretary Adam Etheridge and general manager Carly Morris. Eaden added 'You're asking the lads to be professional and give their all but you can't even give them a hot shower, you can't give them any training kit. There are pub teams who have got that.'

Eaden says the club had been declining for years before Smurthwaite injected money in the summer by buying the ground. He added, 'You thought after the summer, obviously Norman bought the stadium, it was going to be financially stable and on the up but it's not changed that much.'

The Valiants [Port Vale] have loaned forward Dior Angus and midfielder Mike Calveley to the non-league side and also played a pre-season friendly at their ground. Calveley and Angus both played on Saturday as Nuneaton won 1-0 at home to FC United. Former Vale winger Enoch Andoh scored the goal and was man of the match in a victory which lifted his team up to third from bottom in the final relegation spot."

On the field Alfreton Town confirm that their "re-scheduled league fixture with Nuneaton Borough on Tuesday 6th November has reverted back to the original date of Saturday 17th November. The fixture was initally scheduled for Saturday 17th but was moved forward to Tuesday 6th due to Nuneaton's international commitments.

But with our Derbyshire Senior Cup tie at home to Glossop North End now being on Tuesday 6th, the Nuneaton game has gone back to the original date".

According to the National League "Boston United manager Craig Elliott said he was pleased for the fans more than anyone after ending their recent poor run of form. Before the weekend, the Pilgrims had won only once in six, a run that saw them crash out of the FA Cup last week to Peterborough Sports.

But after a second-half turnaround saw them overcome Curzon Ashton, manager Elliott [said]... 'I am pleased for the fans that they could enjoy their Saturday evening... I know I had a terrible week, so it must have been horrendous for them. It’s not nice having to tell people that you have lost in the manner we did. I have told the players to enjoy these highs, because game in this league are hard to win'".

According to Cheshire Live, "Chorley boss Jamie Vermiglio admitted that his side were fortunate to escape with a draw from their 0-0 home encounter with Chester FC. The Blues became the first team to take a point at Victory Park... as Anthony Johnson and Bernard Morley's side extended their unbeaten run in the league to six, seven in all competitions.

And were it not for a superb stop from the Magpies' Matt Urwin in goal from substitute Deane Smalley, it could have been all three as the Blues proved more than a match for a side who had won nine and drawn one of their opening 10 games so far this campaign and who had netted in every single one of them before facing a resurgent Chester.

And Vermiglio delivered an honest appraisal of the 90 minutes. He told the Chorley website 'It was one of the toughest games we've had and we're happy to come out with a draw to be honest. We've seen it as a real positive to come up against a side who have hit a good bit of form, they've come here and set their stall out and I think they deserve a lot of credit for the way the game's gone. I thought they attacked well, they defended well, they won a lot of the battles in there and a lot of our lads are disappointed with their performances but, at the same time, we're not going to be too downhearted. We've got a point, we've kept a clean sheet and we're still unbeaten and we're still in a very fortunate position.

'Credit to them, they are a good side. They've lost a few players but they are able to come here and compete and to compete well against us. We'll roll our sleeves up, dust ourselves down and go again for the next game this week. They wanted to come here and make it a bit of a battle and go toe-to-toe with us and that meant we couldn't pick up any pockets like we'd normally do. We couldn't do our overlaps like we normally do. They played well, played the system well and made it into a battle. It took us a while to come to terms with it'...

The Blues [Chester] are back in action tomorrow night (Tuesday) when they welcome Hereford FC... The game could come too soon for midfielder Gary Roberts (foot) and Anthony Dudley (hamstring), although Scott Burton did manage 90 minutes in the draw at Chorley while striker Deane Smalley made a welcome return from the bench."

The Shropshire Star reports that "AFC Telford United manager Gavin Cowan was left dissatisfied by what he saw as his side’s failure to adapt to the conditions [led to] a 1-0 defeat at Blyth Spartans on Saturday... Cowan felt his side went into 'panic mode'.

'I felt really good about our preparation. We travelled the night before, stayed in a hotel and the lads had the use of the amenities,' said the Bucks' boss. 'The energy before the game was spot on and I really felt that we were going to go out there and terrorise Blyth. Credit to them (Blyth), they certainly weren’t having any of that'.

Strong winds off the North Sea made the game at Croft Park a challenge, and it was one the Bucks failed to meet, taking a first-half pounding and perhaps fortunate to only go in one goal behind, to Dan Maguire’s injury-time header. 'I felt that, with the weather conditions, we went into panic mode a bit and didn’t adjust accordingly,' added Cowan. 'I don’t know whether it’s as windy as that all the time here, but we can’t use that as an excuse'...

'Blyth were completely dominant in the first half and we were in panic mode. It seems we’re not adjusting in the right manner should the conditions not be suitable to how we want to play football. You’re not going to be successful if you go down that route... There was a lot of talk about preparations this week, it was meticulous I felt, no stone left unturned, but you can do all the talking you want, you have to go out there and do it, and we didn’t.'".

JAKE'S 300TH APPEARANCE

Right: Jake Moult at Kidderminster on Saturday.

Now 29, Jake was initially signed, by Lee Sinnott, on a 93-day loan from Alfreton Town in late August 2012. Previously, Jake had been a summer trialist at Altrincham in 2007. Born in Stoke on Trent, he had joined Alfreton on 1 July 2010, before which he had been with Stafford Rangers. His earlier career had been with Port Vale and Plymouth Argyle.

In early November 2012, Jake formally moved to Altrincham on a free transfer, signing a contract to the end of 2013/14 season. He is the brother of former Wrexham, Motherwell and now Preston North End striker Louis Moult and Jake himself has a powerful shot. He was rewarded for his consistently good performances in central midfield with the 2014-15 Players' Player of the Season accolade.

Jake captained the side for much of the 2015-16 and 2016-17 seasons and was confirmed in that role when Phil Parkinson took over as manager in summer 2017.

Following the resignation of manager Neil Young on 28 August 2016, Jake, along with Shaun Densmore and Alan Goodall, was briefly appointed to a caretaker-management role before Jim Harvey took over.

ALTY - "BEST TEAM" TO VISIT AGGBOROUGH

The unofficial Harriers Online The game couldn’t have started any better if Harriers had tried; Declan Weeks taking aim from distance and seeing his strike parried by a suspect Elliot Wynne directly to Ed Williams who finished at the near post with only thirty seven seconds on the clock. This woke the visitors up; John Johnston and Sean Williams both having efforts on goal as Phil Parkinson’s men grabbed a foothold in the game.

At the midway point of the first half, with Harriers consistently sitting ten yards off their opponents, Altrincham struck. Owen Dale created the opportunity by getting to the byline before pulling it back for Johnston to sweep home past Brandon Hall. Truthfully, it was what the Robins deserved.

With ten minutes to play the Harriers retook the lead, perhaps against the run of play. Moments before the goal Dan Bradley had flashed an effort wide but when Ryan Johnson brought the ball out of defence and bisected the Alty backline with a great through ball, he would make no mistake by firing across Wynne.

On the stroke of half time Chambers made it 3-1. Excellent intricate football from Harriers saw the ball laid into Williams with his back to goal. His touch was perfect for the onrushing Chambers, who swept home from the edge of the box with glee.

The half time scoreline was admittedly flattering Harriers somewhat and with less than ten played in the second half, the deficit was halved. Max Harrop struck a low free kick which appeared to deceive Jimmy O’Connor, who could only offer a toe to divert the ball past Brandon Hall...

The visitors then began to throw the kitchen sink and more at Harriers but their search for a point was in vain. Quite how the ball didn’t fall for them will take some explaining though with a heart stopping goalmouth scramble ensuing following a succession of corners. A header came in from one of the many purple shirts which hit the post, beating Brandon Hall’s desperate dive.

With the keeper stricken on the deck we expected heartbreak as Altrincham equalised. Only they didn’t, as the ball hit Hall on the back and stayed out allowing Ryan Johnson to find the East Stand and the referee his whistle to signal the end of an open and entertaining game of football. A game of football that last year we probably would’ve caved in and drawn".

Left: Andy White in action at Kidderminster.

After the match, Kidderminster Harriers report that "Manager, Neil MacFarlane, was delighted with the level of football shown by both teams during Harriers 3-2 win over Altrincham at Aggborough. The Reds came out on top but were put to the test by an Altrincham side who had a number of chances to grab a share of the spoils late on...

'It was a great game of football and a real credit to this level,' he said. 'I thought both teams were fantastic, it was brilliant to come out on the winning side. I was over the moon with the start of the game because we were on the front foot and, as the half progressed, we were a real threat with the front three'...

Though some clinical first-half finishing put Harriers in a commanding position, it was the visitors who pushed hard at the end to try and take something back to Moss Lane. The gaffer added that they probably deserved as much, too, but said Harriers got the rewards their drive and work-rate deserved."

From the Alty side, the official website report by John Edwards says that ""Altrincham were pipped by the post, as well as at it, after a rousing, drama-filled finale came within a whisker of salvaging the point Phil Parkinson’s side so richly deserved at Aggborough Stadium on Saturday... One of the Vanarama National League North’s biggest wage payers and among the favourites for promotion, were finally able to breathe a sigh of relief".

RESERVES STAY AT TOP

VICTORY FOR THE LADIES

SEVEN UP FOR YOUTHS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NORTH NEWS

He said 'There was a gulf between the two teams, they were better than us. But our workrate was poor. We made errors, it was a bit of a shock because I thought we had been improving. The two goals we let in were shambolic. We were second best in the first half, we got better in the second but by then the game was gone. We’ve come across all the teams in the top six or seven and we haven’t been close to any of them.

'We have been in good form but this was a set-back to us. We need to dust ourselves down now. Now we’ve got to stick together and work really hard to start climbing the table.'”

Altrincham's next cup opponents are Bradford (PA) and our next league opponents are Alfreton Town. They met on Saturday and the Telegraph & Argus reports that "A hard-earned win from a game of few chances at Alfreton Town lifted Bradford (Park Avenue) up one place and into third in the Vanarama National League North.

It was always going to be a tough afternoon against Billy Heath’s side at the Impact Arena but Avenue remained disciplined and determined, coming away with a 1-0 win...

Avenue’s Nicky Clee fired over after Jake Beesley had cut the ball back for him before the home side ended the first half with three half-chances. Jordan Sinnott volleyed over before Beesley made a good block to a shot following a corner and Sinnott headed over the target just before the break...

Avenue should have broken the deadlock in the 68th minute but after rounding Ramsbottom with the goal at his mercy, Beesley lifted his effort over the bar. That miss proved not too costly as the visitors netted the game’s only goal less than three minutes later. They had forced another corner and Branson met Wroe’s flag kick with a powerful header.

Avenue manager Mark Bower was delighted with the win and the performance, albeit a sterling defensive one. He said 'Chester apart, all five of the last games have been very tight and I thought we deserved to win as we had the better chances. The first half was difficult, playing up the hill. They had a bit of pressure but we still had the two clearest chances. The second half we were comfortably dealing with what they had to throw at us...

'I thought we defended well, it was a good clean sheet. It was probably different to the others we’ve had; we’ve been fortunate not to concede in some games but this was a solid clean sheet.'”

And Bradford (Park Avenue) add that... 'A bizarre incident took place just three minutes after the restart, when Reds goalkeeper Sam Ramsbottom blatantly picked up a pass from defender Josh Gowling. Controversy followed as the referee refused to blow his whistle, causing an incensed Mark Bower to vent his frustration on the touchline...

Bradford were provided with two injections of energy as the game approached its final twenty minutes and the introductions of Jamie Spencer and Lewis Knight were the catalysts for an increase in the visitors’ tempo... Branson connected with a corner delivery from Nicky Wroe and powered a header past a helpless Ramsbottom...

Alfreton Town: Ramsbottom, Clackstone (Clifton 79′), Wilde, Hotte, Gowling, Shiels (c), Bateson, Johnson, Bacon (Clarke 89′), Peniket, Sinnott. Unused substitutes: Nicholson, Platt.

Bradford (Park Avenue): Drench, Ross, Lowe, Wroe (Nowakowski 83′), Killock (c), Havern, McKenna, Branson, Beesley, Dawson (Spencer 65′), Clee (Knight 67′). Unused substitutes: Toulson, Boshell".