PHIL PARKINSON, POST-MATCH

WHERE ALTY STAND

Yesterday's game brought Alty's fixtures into balance, having now played six matches at home and six away. The respective records are:

• Home: P6 W2 D1 L3 F6 A7 PTS 7
• Away: P6 W2 D2 L2 F5 A6 PTS 8
• All: P12 W4 D3 L5 F11 A13 PTS 15

Alty have gained fifteen points so far, which is actually two more than at this stage last season in National League North, when the first twelve games (five at home, seven away) had earned just 13 points and Alty lay eighteenth! And look at how that season ended!

ALTY OLD BOY

Earlier in the NL Paper, Young said of his side's Cup run, "From a personal perspective it's two-fold. Obviously the fact we're doing so well but it's belief in yourself as well. After Stockport and a litle spell at Altrincham you question yourself a little bit. #

Then I went in at Halifax as Head of Recruitment, and got them three wins from three games as temporary manager and it gave me the buzz back again".

NO RED MEANS NO YELLOW

However, Jake Moult's yellow card on Saturday against Maidenhead United, places him one caution away from a suspension, as it was his fourth league booking.

NUMBER FOURTEEN

However, Dontai has apparently now moved on and the number fourteen has been assigned to centre-back Will Hall, who wore that number when he was named as a substitute in the home game against Solihull Moors.

MIDWEEK FIXTURES

• Boreham Wood P - P Weymouth
• Chesterfield v Aldershot Town
• King's Lynn Town v Bromley
• Maidenhead United v Dover Athletic
• Solihull Moors v Hartlepool United
• Wealdstone v Torquay United
• Woking v Sutton United
• Wrexham v Altrincham
• Yeovil Town v Eastleigh

Wednesday, 2 December:

• Dagenham & Redbridge v Notts County
• FC Halifax Town v Barnet

ON THIS DAY: 30 November

It was the latest in the club's sequence of eight successive away draws in cup competitions that season. Although there were three rungs of the football pyramid separating the clubs, Altrincham went into the tie with a confidence emanating from an unbeaten run of ten matches in all competitions but Portsmouth, likewise, had hit good form recently.

After a quiet start to the match, Pompey saw a goalbound header well blocked by Jones before Hulme got round Hawkins at the other end, only to be brought down but referee Nield saw no penalty offence (11 mins).

The better football had come from Altrincham but half-time arrived goalless with both sides having struck the woodwork and the visitors denied what seemed a clear penalty.

Despite Alty having the better of the opening stages of the second half, for which Pompey had made two half-time substitutions, Close smacked home a goal out of the blue for the hosts (56 mins). The goal had come against the run of play, following a mis-clearance from Densmore.

However, Alty kept going and Hulme won a penalty in the 82nd minute which Hancock converted. But, with almost the last kick of the game, Pitman converted a home corner to snatch an undeserved win for the League One side.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 3. Andy WHITE, 4. James JONES, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Sean WILLIAMS, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 11. Tom PEERS. Subs: 12. Max HARROP, 14. Connor HAMPSON, 15. Toby MULLARKEY, 16. Simon RICHMAN, 20. Joel TORRANCE (gk).

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In an all-National League affair with Yeovil Town, Stockport County came out on top in extra-time to end a 14-year wait to take their cup campaign into a New Year. The teams could not be separated in 90 minutes despite the visitors taking a lead in both halves.

Connor Jennings was the Hatters’ hero, however, heading home inside the far post to seal the tie in Stockport’s favour.... [They] will join Boreham Wood in tomorrow night’s draw, with Luke Garrard’s side facing Canvey Island on BT Sport in the final tie of the round.

Elsewhere... Dagenham & Redbridge suffered extra-time heartache agains Mansfield Town.. The EFL side scored late on in the additional half hour to spare their blushes ahead of a potential penalty shootout.

Barnet also took EFL opponents MK Dons into a further period of action, but Cameron Jerome’s cute backheel proved to be the difference at The Hive...

A lack of game-time in the build up to Solihull Moors’ cup exit proved detrimental, according to boss Jimmy Shan. His side were unable to hold on to an early lead at Morecambe, losing in extra-time by a 4-2 scoreline.

King’s Lynn Town also exited the FA Cup on Saturday, but manager Ian Culverhouse feels his players could hold their heads high after coming out second best to two-time FA Cup winners Portsmouth at Fratton Park".

Yeovil Town report that their "journey came to an end on Sunday afternoon after a 3-2 extra time defeat to Stockport County... Yeovil produced an improved display from last week's outing against Hartlepool United.

Ultimately the hosts continually battled back, eventually netting the winner in extra time through Connor Jennings.

Darren Sarll rang the changes from the Hartlepool defeat, with five changes to the Glovers starting 11. Adam Smith held his place in goal, but there were returns for both Carl Dickinson and Josh Staunton in the back four alongside Luke Wilkinson and Alex Bradley.

Charlie Lee returned to the side following a suspension, in a midfield three with Matt Warburton and Albi Skendi. Sarll opted for a three-pronged attack with the returning Chris Dagnall joining Courtney Duffus and Joe Quigley up front.

That change in attack would come into great effect just one minute in, an effective breakaway via Quigley dropped the ball to the feet of Warburton who drilled an effort on goal which flew beyond Ben Hinchcliffe via a deflection... with Stockport finding the leveller on the stroke of half-time. Following a foul by Lee on Ryan Croasdale, Rooney stepped up and comfortabley dispatched to level the tie...

Yeovil found a way in front once again this time through Wilkinson on 70 minutes... The hosts pulled one back just moments later on 75 minutes. Rooney's deep free-kick was lofted to the back post where a queue of Stockport players were waiting, with Ash Palmer the most active to scramble home the leveller.

After vocal claims for a penalty in the first half, one finally came Town's way as Quigley was hacked down inside the box. Earlier goalscorer Wilkinson stepped up to take but Hinchcliffe produced a fine save down to his left to keep the game level...

Extra time saw the game really turn in Stockport's favour following a three week break between fixtures. The hosts made this advantage count on 101 minutes as Jennings leapt higher than his marker to head home what turned out to be the winner".

Liverpool Offside report that "One of the stranger stories of 2020 has taken a Liverpool-related turn, as ex-Liverpool FC Chief Executive Officer Peter Moore is set to join National League club Wrexham as an advisor.

Wrexham are, of course, being taken over by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney... Moore left the CEO post in July this year after a three year stint as CEO of the club.... The former Sega, Microsoft, Electronic Arts and Reebok head honcho has ties to the Dragons, having watched Wrexham as a youngster during a period when he lived in north Wales".

And the Leader Live adds that "Peter Moore has confirmed he will assume an advisory role when Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds become the new owners of Wrexham Football Club...

McElhenney dropped a huge hint that businessman Moore... was the man to fill the position when he tweeted on Saturday evening... However, Moore has replied by stating that he will not be chief executive but will 'help as an advisor' ...

Moore tweeted, 'I’ll provide help as an advisor to the club that gave me so many great moments in the historic seasons of the 70s, and to the community in which I lived before leaving for the US; not be as an employee or in a full-time capacity, but just as someone that wants to give back.'"

On a lighter note, Chesterfield announce that "Spireites Pale Ale has been brewed by Brampton Brewery in time for Christmas.

Featuring the club badge on the label, bottles of Spireites Pale Ale cost £4 each and a gift pack of three in a card box can also be purchased for £12".

In the meantime, you can order a drink to go with your matchday takeaway order. Details here."

And the Leader Live adds that "Peter Moore has confirmed he will assume an advisory role when Hollywood stars Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds become the new owners of Wrexham Football Club...

McElhenney dropped a huge hint that businessman Moore... was the man to fill the position when he tweeted on Saturday evening... However, Moore has replied by stating that he will not be chief executive but will 'help as an advisor' ...

Moore tweeted, 'I’ll provide help as an advisor to the club that gave me so many great moments in the historic seasons of the 70s, and to the community in which I lived before leaving for the US; not be as an employee or in a full-time capacity, but just as someone that wants to give back.'"

At Barnet "The Bees went out of the Emirates Cup, after a battling display, losing 1-0 to MK Dons. Despite enjoying some good phases of possession and a few good chances, it was MK Dons who would get the win with just under ten minutes of the game to play, when Cameron Jerome scored to clinch his side a place in the next round.

The Bees were aiming to cause yet another cup upset... It was nearly the perfect start for the Bees, when Ephron Mason-Clark pounced on a loose ball straight after kick off, only for his shot to be palmed away...

Neither side were really having any meaningful chances, but the Bees were the team having the greater joy on the ball... The Bees were resolute in defence to hold off some late surges from their visitors to keep the scores level as they went into the break...

The game really picked up with just under 35 minutes to go... Chances were really starting to pick up for both sides, as we entered the last 20... It was the Dons who would take the lead, when former Premier League striker Jerome poked home with back of his heel, from close range, on 81 minutes".

Dagenham Redbridge "exited the FA Cup in the second-round after conceding a last-minute Nicky Maynard goal in extra-time against Mansfield Town who won the game 2-1...

The Daggers took the lead against the League Two side in the 19th minute thanks to a goal from striker, Paul McCallum...

Mansfield equalised when Jordan Bowery set up Henry Charsley who scored his fourth of the season... Neither team was able to go in front before half time...

Mansfield had a goal ruled out at the beginning of extra time... With the game heading for a penalty shootout, the Daggers had their hearts broken with the last kick of the game when Bowery who had the original shot saved; however, the ball would be tapped in by substitute, Nicky Maynard to send the Daggers out of the Emirates FA Cup".

Portsmouth advise that there were "No nervy moments, no tactical brainstorming required, no inspired substitution necessary. The second-round tie’s destiny was set after 30 minutes, this would be no FA Cup upset.

At the same stage last season, it took Brett Pitman’s last-gasp winner to dispose of Altrincham, accompanied by a shushing celebration directed towards the upper tier of the South stand at Marie Curtis...

The 6-1 outcome over King’s Lynn did not flatter Pompey. Had it not been for Archie Mair, the scoreline would have been even more crushing.

As it was, six different scorers were registered... The scoreline was as comfortable as it suggests... The Linnets’ response to falling behind after one minute and 48 seconds was excellent, certainly for a sustained period their attacking instincts were admirable".

EMIRATES FA CUP FIXTURES

• Morecambe 4-2 Solihull Moors aet
• Portsmouth 6-1 Kings Lynn Town

Sunday 29th November

• Barnet 0-1 Milton Keynes Dons
• Mansfield Town 2-1 Dagenham & Redbridge aet
• Stockport County 3-2 Yeovil Town aet

Monday 30th November

• Canvey Island v Boreham Wood

AFTER THE GAME

"We need to win games, not draw them. But we got what we deserved today. The team spirit has always been magnificent at Alty...

Maidenhead assistant manager Ryan Peters added, "The lads were not great today. It was a missed opportunity but I can't take anything away from Altrincham, they thoroughly deserved their win today.

"The floodlight failure came at the wrong time for us... We were coming into the game before the stoppage. They were back on at us after the restart".

ALTRINCHAM 2-0 MAIDENHEAD UNITED

Right: Josh Hancock got Altrincham on the way to a 2-0 win.

After a bright Alty start the visitors came into the game and had slightly the better of things after about fifteen minutes had been played. But a floodlight failure halted the game for a twelve minute period on 31 minutes. Fifteen minutes of added time were played before the break but the score remained goalless at half-time.

Altrincham were much the better side in the second half and took the lead from the penalty spot in the 63rd minute. Hancock nodded the ball down for the advancing Colcough who was brought down as he entered the box from the left. Hancock netted the spot kick, his second successful penalty conversion of the season.

Substitute Tom Peers made the game safe when he finished off a fine move up the right by Smith and Senior in the 79th minute. Alty are now tenth but have played more games than anyone else.

Match report here

ALTRINCHAM OLD BOYS

NEXT OPPONENTS: WREXHAM

The incident came midway through a first half which had already contained a 5-minute break after a linesman pulled a muscle and had to swap roles with the fourth official.

Lainton's injury came after an accidental collision with James Alabi. The Bromley striker burst clear but looked well offside. The flag stayed down though, so the striker committed himself to chasing the ball down while Lainton sprinted off his line.

They collided in the left side of the box, at which point the linesman raised in flag, in accordance with the regulations which call on officials to not to play for offside until the chasing player reached the ball. Sadly, this is of no consolation to Wrexham or Lainton, who could immediately be seen to be in distress.

To reiterate, the challenge was in no way Alabi's fault. The striker showed genuine concern for Lainton as medical staff from both clubs rushed to the scene.

Twelve minutes later the players left the pitch, returning to warm up again as an ambulance arrived 11 minutes later, with Christian Dibble preparing to make his first appearance of the season. Eventually Lainton was taken aboard and play resumed with the fourth official signalling 26 minutes of added time...

Dibble had to be alert to race out of his area to bravely beat Michael Cheek to the ball with a stooping header. He did his best to deny Bromley in the tenth minute of injury time, but was powerless as they took the lead. A Reckord corner reached Kelleher, who seemed to lose the flight of the ball. It ricocheted off his back and fell to Reeco Hackett-Fairchild, who put Billy Bingham clear on goal. Dibble did well to save but Cheek got to the rebound and drilled it in...

Wrexham were struggling to create, and the best they managed in the first half were a couple of half-chances...

Dean Keates looked to change things around with a double substitution as Elliott Durrell nnd Jordan Davies replaced Anthony Jeffrey and Jay Harris with 24 minutes left, and Bromley boss Neil Smith countered by replacing Alabi with Forster and switching to a 4-5-1. The changes altered the balance of the game, and suddenly Wrexham sprang into life...

Then Wrexham started to dominate... Cousins could not prevent the equaliser three minutes later though. A Davies free kick was headed clear to Rutherford, who scooped an inviting cross the the far post. Yussuf rose and planted a powerful header insde the left post which Cousins couldn't claw around the post...

Wrexham: R Lainton (C Dibble, 45), T Vassell, J Reckord, F Kelleher, J Harris (E Durrell, 67), P Rutherford, L Young, A Jeffrey (J Davies, 67), J Horsfield, K Thomas, A Yussuf Subs not used: J Bickerstaff, R Hall-Johnson"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 24-year old arrives on a free transfer following a two year spell at Stevenage where he made 41 Football League appearances, scoring four times.

Signing until the end of the current season... a Tottenham Hotspur academy graduate, Sonupe... moved onto Northampton Town in 2016 following a brief loan spell north of the border at St.Mirren.

First team football was hard to come by at the Sixfields Stadium so an initial loan move to Kidderminster Harriers became permanent... After two years at Stevenage, Sonupe will now play National League football for the first time in his career".

Solihull Moors "were cruelly denied a place in the FA Cup Third Round after an enthralling encounter at Morecambe ended in a 4-2 extra-time defeat on Saturday. In a rollercoaster tie, Moors took their League Two opponents all the way but as in previous seasons, they lost out on a place in the next round by the narrowest of margins.

It all began well for the National League side as Kyle Hudlin who started the season with step seven side Solihull United, gave Moors a fairytale start. The teenager showed a predatory instinct to be alive to the rebound after Jordan Cranston’s long-range strike was spilt by Shrimps keeper Jake Turner.

Jimmy Shan’s side then had a succession of chances to double their advantage, but the score remained at one as the sides headed into the break.

A slender lead and one which was soon cancelled out by Cole Stockton’s sublime first-time volley, which left Ryan Boot rooted to the spot early in the second half. And shortly after, Boot was again picking the ball out of the net when Stockton bagged his second of the game.

Morecambe appeared on top but then a lightning-quick Moors breakaway orchestrated by Cameron Archer saw Jordan Cranston tuck home an equaliser against his former club.

But try as they might, Moors couldn’t find a winner and extra-time ensued, the hosts stealing a march on Shan’s men via John O’Sullivan’s header.

Moors showed fight but from a Morecambe corner, the unfortunate Mitch Hancox saw the ball ricochet off him and into his own net. That proved to be the telling blow and the final act of an edge of the seat thriller, one which brought to an end Moors’ FA Cup journey".

FC Halifax Town "fell to a narrow 1-0 defeat away at Sutton United in the Vanarama National League.

A 9th minute penalty for Sutton was enough to decide the game as Town failed to find a reply. Harry Beautyman found the net despite Sam Johnson getting a hand to it.

Town started the brighter of the two sides forcing a couple of early corners... Sutton took the lead. A low shot was blocked and spun wide for a corner. The cross came in and the referee blew for a penalty after adjudging the Town player to have handled the ball. Beautyman stepped up to take and despite getting a hand to it, Johnson couldn’t prevent the goal...

The result sees The Shaymen drop to 20th in the National League, while Sutton remain second. Town face Barnet at home on Wednesday".

Chesterfield report that "James Rowe got off to the perfect start as manager as the Spireites came from a goal down to beat Weymouth 2-1 at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

Rowe made four changes with Kyle Letheren, Haydn Hollis, Joe Rowley and new signing Akwasi Asante making the starting XI.

Asante started looking dangerous from the off. The striker received two knock-downs from Tom Denton but the debutant had both efforts saved by Gerard Benfield...

Against the run of play, Weymouth took the lead in the 39th minute when Sean Shields let fly from the edge of the area and the ball zoomed past Letheren. However, on the stoke of half time, the Spireites were level. Denton and Asante linked up again with the latter taking the ball and firing his shot home via a post...

The Spireites finally took the lead on the hour-mark. A fantastic early ball landed on the head of Denton, who nodded home for his eighth goal of the season... The Blues defended resolutely and saw the game out brilliantly to get Rowe off to a winning start".

Last season Alty were unlucky to lose at Fratton Park, but on Saturday King's Lynn were thrashed ther by Portsmouth, 6-1.

Portsmouth report that " Pompey eased into the third round of the Emirates FA Cup with a clinical display against non-league King’s Lynn at Fratton Park.

The television cameras had arrived on the south coast hoping to capture an upset, only for Rasmus Nicolaisen to open the scoring in just the second minute.

A stunning strike from Tom Naylor increased the lead and there were chances for it to be extended in the first half.

But the Blues got the job done after the interval, with Sean Raggett and Marcus Harness getting in on the act.

Dayle Southwell came off the bench to reduce the National League side’s deficit, but that was a rare bright spot for them.

Ellis Harrison soon increased their misery by scoring from the spot and Jordy Hiwula added an impressive sixth goal late on...

The visitors did not look over-awed in the opening stages... But the Blues soon began to take control and started to play some neat passing football to trouble the opposition defence... with the Linnets hanging on as the interval approached...

King’s Lynn were still posing a threat going forward, but whenever their moves broke down, Pompey would break with menace".

WEEKEND LEAGUE FIXTURES

Friday 27 November 2020

• Notts County 3-0 Wealdstone

Saturday 28 November 2020

• Aldershot Town P-P Solihull Moors
• Altrincham 2-0 Maidenhead United
• Barnet P-P Yeovil Town
• Bromley 1-1 Wrexham
• Dover Athletic P-P Boreham Wood
• Eastleigh P-P King's Lynn Town
• Hartlepool United P-P Stockport County
• Sutton United 1-0 FC Halifax Town
• Torquay United P-P Dagenham & Redbridge
• Weymouth 1-2 Chesterfield

BEFORE THE GAME v MAIDENHEAD UNITED

The Berkshire club lost their opening three fixtures in the National League but then reeled off five straight wins and followed those victories with two draws, so are unbeaten in seven league matches. Wealdstone's 3-0 defeat on Friday allowed Maidenhead to rise a place above them to fourth on goal difference and, indeed, they are effectively joint second in the table at kick-off.

For their part Altrincham lie fourteenth but have played one more game than their guests.

The match will be streamed by Alty TV and covered by Radio Robins.

Matty Kosylo's rescinded red card means he is available for the match but Andy Dales, Tom Peers, Andy White, Sean Williams [right], Toby Mullarkey, Simon Richman [right] and Dan Mooney all missed last Tuesday's defeat by Bromley through injury and neither Connor Hampson nor Yusifu Ceesay completed the game. There is some hope that Andy White and Tom Peers, at least, may be fit for consideration but pending information to the contrary, the others must be classed as doubtful at best.

SATURDAY'S OPPONENTS: MAIDENHEAD UNITED

French defender Remy Clerima is another Maidenhead man to have played several times against Alty. His previous clubs include Brackley Town, Histon and Braintree Town.

Another of the Maidenhead players was interviewed by Chris Brookes for NL Daily, which reports that "Josh Coley has shone as one of the National League’s most exciting young talents so far this season. It comes two years on from realising a dream of professional football for the then-Hitchin Town player. A move to Norwich City ultimately came with a sharp dose of reality, but what the Canaries opted to let go has been proving extremely valuable for the Magpies.

Having linked up with Stotfold in the Spartan South Midlands League in February, it was Maidenhead United that signed him in July... The 22 year-old was the goalscorer and Man of the Match in the televised 1-0 win at Wrexham in October. That was the first victory of the season for Alan Devonshire’s side and they have gone on to rise from bottom to 5th in recent weeks".

Of Maidenhead United, the player said, 'It’s a great club. The whole backroom staff and everyone involved has got ambitions to take the club back where it wants to be. The gaffer’s unreal; coaching-wise, one-to-one, he’ll help you with things that he thinks can better your game. I’m really enjoying my time at Maidenhead. We’re starting to string results together, which is always good; the first three games were very hard for us. We’re still gelling together as a new team, but we’ve hit a nice bit of form, and hopefully it continues...

After leaving Norwich, 'I was playing for Stotfold for a bit before I went to Maidenhead, to play with my friends again, because I’d just lost love for the game... They [Norwich] said that they wished I’d had a better loan spell (at Dunfermline). They were a bit disappointed with how my loan went... I came back in January with an injury'".

ON THIS DAY: 28 November

A disastrous start to that match saw FGR take the lead after just 43 seconds when Jon Parkin took advantage of a Jake Moult slip to score with a low shot across Tim Deasy from left of goal. Parkin was then left unmarked to convert a corner to make it 2-0 in the 19th minute.

Above: FGR keep a tight hold on Damian Reeves at a very wet Forest Green in 2015.

Altrincham hardly threatened at this stage as FGR dominated in a match played in dreadful conditions; a gusty wind and rain which was, at times, torrential. But when Bennett was sent off for retaliation against Richman just before half time, Altrincham were given hope.

But despite seeing more of the ball in the second half, they only seriously tested keeper Arnold with a Damian Reeves effort. Then, Alty who were the only National League club not to have suffered a red card this season, picked up two in five minutes. Josh O'Keefe harshly saw red when his tackle on a slippery surface led to him sliding into Guthrie (78 mins) before Luca Havern picked up a second yellow for holding Frear (83 mins).

Any hopes of a comeback disappeared with the dismissals.

ALTRINCHAM: 17. Tim DEASY, 5. Luca HAVERN (capt), 6. Scott LEATHER, 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 14. Josh O'KEEFE, 10. Damian REEVES 19. Ryan CROWTHER, 20. Jordan SINNOTT, 7. James LAWRIE, Subs: 9. Michael RANKINE, 11. Nicky CLEE, 23. Callum WILLIAMS, 12. Sam HEATHCOTE, 18. George BOWERMAN.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Brian Stock’s men last played at Stockport County, when the Terras claimed a superb 2-1 win over the league favourites. However, a serious Covid-19 outbreak swept through the team days after returning from Greater Manchester, causing a league-imposed period of self-isolation for the entire squad.

Added to Solihull Moors’ own period of isolation, Weymouth’s fixture last week was postponed meaning a 28-day gap in games...

Stock spoke of Weymouth’s relief at returning to the pitch... 'I’ve noticed an eagerness in training building up to the game. It’s all very well training, the players want to play matches in this division. When you’ve got the likes of a big club like Chesterfield coming to town, it’s a great occasion. In particular, these are the sorts of games you want to play in.'

Weymouth have held training sessions in bubbles of six...

Stock said 'Postponing Yeovil was the right decision and that was put into perspective when we played an in-house game on Saturday. When it got to around 75, 80 minutes you could tell that quite a lot of the players were struggling physically...

'But they reacted well from the in-house game. We had a really good training session (on Tuesday) and the lads looked good, fit, eager and ready to go... We’re fortunate we’ve got quite a large squad, so we’re going to need to utilise that'.

Weymouth's next 11 games come within 43 days and Stock added 'It’s going to be a big ask for the squad, but one we’re going to relish'.

Jack Dickson and Ade Olumuyiwa remain doubts, but Sham Mullings is available. Myles Anderson is due to play his final loan game with Hampton & Richmond on Saturday. Following the Halifax game in which up to 800 socially-distanced fans are allowed to attend, Weymouth will host Wrexham (Dec 15), visit Boreham Wood (Dec 22) and entertain Yeovil (Jan 5) in three rearranged fixtures.

If the Terras can prove their Covid-safe measures are working, the eventual attendance cap could rise to 1,900."

Sutton United report "that the way is now open for us to welcome spectators back into our ground.

However there is still much work to be done and an operating licence to be agreed before we are able to confirm when we can open up again and what conditions will relate to how many spectators we can accommodate and which additional criteria might apply. We hope to resolve these matters as quickly as possible, but please note that it will be several days before we are able to provide any definitive details".

Stockport County report that "After a long three-week break away from match action, the Hatters are finally back out on the Edgeley Park turf again this weekend, as we welcome Yeovil Town in the Emirates FA Cup, looking to reach the Third Round for the first time since 2007.

As a result of County self-isolating in recent weeks, this will be our third successive game in the FA Cup, each one coming at different stages of the competition after wins over Chesterfield and Rochdale in our last two games.

For Yeovil, their only two victories in all competitions this season have come in this competition, with a penalty shootout win over Dover Athletic followed up by a 1-0 win away at ten-man Bromley in the First Round.

Darren Sarrl’s Yeovil side enjoyed a strong first season back in non-league last season following relegation from the Football League in 2019... Despite falling short in the play-offs at home to Barnet, the Glovers started the new season as one of the bookmakers’ favourites for promotion, having kept together the core of their squad over the Summer.

However, an underwhelming start to the new campaign has seen them sink to the bottom of the National League table, winless in their nine league games so far... However, they remain unbeaten on their travels in all competitions this season, having drawn all their away League games, and they certainly have plenty of firepower amongst their squad.

Strikers Rhys Murphy and Courtney Duffus scored 30 goals between them in the National League last seaso... whilst they have also added to their ranks former County hero Matty Warburton, signed on loan from Northampton Town last month...

The Glovers have also moved to bring in midfielder Alex Bradley on loan from Lincoln City".

At Solihull Moors, "Defender Reiss McNally has today joined Brackley Town on a loan deal until 5th January.

The 20 year-old is available for the National League North outfit as they travel to Tranmere Rovers in a second round Emirates FA Cup tie this [Friday] evening".

In a terse statement, Chesterfield say that "John Dungworth’s departure has been confirmed following the appointment of a new managerial team.

Dungworth, who was John Pemberton’s assistant and took caretaker charge of the team last weekend, has left the club by mutual consent".

And NL Daily adds that "Gloucester City striker Akwasi Asante has joined Chesterfield for an undisclosed fee.

The former Chester star has scored eight goals in ten games for the club since joining earlier this year, but he now departs to link up with recent manager James Rowe at Chesterfield.

Gloucester have said that the Spireites met a release clause enabling him to leave for a club in a higher division.

The club add 'As a part of the agreement, Chesterfield have confirmed that no other contracted Gloucester City players will be approached"..

Gloucestershire Live informs us that "James Rowe said it was a difficult decision to leave Gloucester City to take over at National League Chesterfield...

He leaves Gloucester top of National League North, having spent almost exactly a year in charge and overseen the club's return to a newly-built Meadow Park.

'It was not an easy decision,' Rowe said. 'I say that not from Chesterfield’s side, it is more obviously if you are top of the league, you are unbeaten and you have scored the most goals in England. You also have a special bond with that team, you are building something that you have planned for nine months before the start of the season.'

Rowe almost completely overhauled the squad at Gloucester".

NEXT OPPONENTS: MAIDENHEAD UNITED

As has become usual, the match will be streamed by Alty TV and covered by Radio Robins.

KOSYLO FREE TO PLAY

Matty will therefore be available to face Maidenhead United on Saturday.

For further background on this, see the Altrincham FC website.

CONTRASTING FORTUNES

Thursday's government announcement means that Altrincham FC and, it appears, seven other National League clubs, can still not welcome spectators to the J. Davidson Stadium.

The new anti-Covid measures place Altrincham in Tier Three, where attending football matches is still banned. But almost two-thirds of the other members of the National League find themselves in Tier Two and, therefore, permitted to admit limited numbers of spectators.

Notts County report that "Following Government confirmation that Nottingham [like Greater Manchester] will re-enter tier three restrictions when the nation’s second lockdown ends on 2 December, we can confirm that we will not be permitted to welcome supporters back to Meadow Lane for the time being.

Elite football clubs based in tier one and tier two areas of the country will be permitted to play competitive matches in front of a limited number of supporters for the first time since the 2019-20 season was curtailed in March, but those in tier three must continue to play behind closed doors.

Our chief executive, Jason Turner, said 'While we are of course disappointed we’ll have to wait a little longer to play in front of our wonderful home supporters, public safety comes first and we respect the Government’s decision.

'The National League have informed us that they will be conducting an internal meeting on Friday to discuss today’s developments and we look forward to hearing more details ahead of next Tuesday’s meeting of all member clubs, with confirmation expected that away supporters will not be permitted to travel between tiers'".

On the other hand, Dagenham & Redbridge announce that "London being placed into Tier 2 allows the return of spectators from the 2nd December. However, despite our early optimism on Tuesday that we might be able to have spectators back into the ground as early as next Wednesday, we must report that this will now not be possible.

We received an email from the National League overnight indicating that the full scope of safety measures required by clubs has not yet been fully conveyed by the relevant bodies to the league, and may not be finalised before Tuesday. For this reason, it is evident that we may not be able to get our protocols signed off in sufficient time to allow the club to release tickets and admit supporters into our game on Wednesday.

Whilst we are confident that the measures we have put in place are stringent we completely understand the need for the Safety Advisory Group and the National League to consider all the implications of any new Government requirements in full before giving us approval for the return of spectators.

We realise that this will come as a severe disappointment to many of you who were excited at being able to get back and support the team but we are sure, that like us, you would not want us to jeopardise the health and safety of those attending or our staff.

We will now redouble our efforts to allow for spectators to attend our Vanarama National League fixture at home to Altrincham on Saturday 12th December and we will announce more details of this next week."

ON THIS DAY: 27 November

Altrincham had lost captain Robbie Lawton when he moved during the week to Marine after being unable to win back a regular starting place at Moss Lane. They were also without defender Chris Lynch, who was injured last time out. So, with Michael Twiss moving to the bench, Nicky Clee and Rob Williams were restored to the starting line-up. Youth team striker Duncan Watmore was included in a first-team squad for the first time, on the bench.

Above: Before kick off Damian Reeves, Duncan Watmore and Jack Redshaw warm-up at Gigg Lane, behind James Lawrie and Neil Tolson.

FCUM's squad included a couple of Alty ex-players in Astley Mulholland and Carlos Roca.

The match was an FA Trophy 3rd Qualifying Round game played on a Sunday, at 3pm. And, for the third time in eight weeks, Altrincham went out of a cup competition at the first hurdle, losing to FCUM 1-2.

With £4,000 in prize money at stake, Altrincham gave Jack Redshaw a third start. After a decent start to the game, the Robins lost the initiative but were within seconds of getting to the interval without conceding. However, former Alty player Carlos Roca was a constant thorn in Altrincham's side and it was he who broke the deadlock with an excellent shot into the top of the net from outside the box, though Alty were aggrieved that offside was not given in the build-up.

Altrincham improved after the interval and equalised when Redshaw headed home from Nicky Clee's 52nd minute corner. With Altrincham enjoying their best spell, Redshaw was replaced by Michael Twiss (68 mins). James Lawrie and, very late on, Duncan Watmore were also brought on, the then youth team striker was making his first-team debut. But, despite some late pressure, Alty could not get level and left the field to booing from a section of the large travelling support.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Mark LEES, 5. Rob WILLIAMS, 6. Adam FLYNN, 3. Ryan BROWN, 7. Simon RICHMAN, 4. Anthony DANYLYK, 8. Shaun DENSMORE (capt), 11. Nicky CLEE, 9. Jack REDSHAW, 10. Damian REEVES, Subs: 12. Joe COOMBS, 14. Michael TWISS, 15. James LAWRIE, 16. Duncan WATMORE, 18. Adam REID (gk)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Chief executive John Croot said... 'It is a real coup to have recruited an exciting young manager, demonstrating great vision from the board'.

Rowe said... 'The heritage of the club is outstanding and the challenge is to get the club back to where it should be. With the facilities, the fanbase and the squad, the club should be a lot higher in the table and the first challenge is to get some consistency going and then the sky is the limit'...

The 37-year-old previously had a successful spell as Aldershot Town’s assistant-manager, playing a key role in back-to-back National League play-off positions.

After a prolific goalscoring record as a non-league striker, Rowe took up a coaching role in the Birmingham City at the age of 27. He then joined West Ham as assistant academy manager. To further his career, Rowe studied for a Master’s degree in coaching at the Johan Cruyff Institute in Amsterdam, graduating in 2016.

He also holds a UEFA A Licence and a Sports Science Master’s degree from Nottingham Trent University".

Rowe had played against Alty for both Cheltenham Town and Aldershot Town.

Portsmouth report that their "Highly-regarded Ross Burrows is on Pompey's radar, according to King's Lynn chairman Stephen Cleeve...

The 22-year-old is expected to line up at right-back for the National League side in their second round trip to Fratton Park. He often featured at centre-half for Ian Culverhouse’s National League North title-winning campaign last term.

Recently he has been filling in at right-back, totalling nine appearances so far this season for King’s Lynn, who presently stand at 13th. It is believed Barrows had been monitored by Pompey long before the sides were drawn together in the FA Cup.

Since then, assistant boss Joe Gallon has scouted the Linnets against Sutton United, while another Pompey representative took in the recent 2-0 win over Dover...

Cleeve said, 'I think we’ve got some very good players... [Against Pompey] I don’t think we will be too adventurous because we will get spanked if we do. The left-back Alex Brown is very good, while there are arguably several league teams looking at Sonny Carey at the moment, he will be a league footballer, no doubt about that, he has all the attributes.

‘Ross Barrows is very promising and the rumour is Pompey are interested in him, he’s aged 22. Aaron Jones, although he has been injured, hasn’t played for four weeks, but has been player of the season until his injury and is very, very good. He’s solid at the back. Jordan Richards is in the middle of the park and a very good footballer, he should be playing league football as well... His cousin is Wes Morgan at Leicester.

‘We’ve got a good manager, we play football, we don’t cheat, we don't fall over, we don’t try to get people in trouble. We are straightforward and just turn up and play our game and I think we do a decent job. Hopefully we can keep the scoreline respectable against Pompey and and show people what we can do on our day'...

King’s Lynn’s Alex Brown, an attacking left-back and England C international, has been tracked by Salford."

At Weymouth manager "Brian Stock admitted delays to the fixture schedule caused by the pandemic could have a knock-on impact on next season. Weymouth’s manager has already lent his support to an extension into June for the current campaign.

However, the former Burnley and Bournemouth midfielder hinted at a couple of options for the 2021/22 calendar... Stock told Echosport 'It might mean that you start the season a little bit later. It might mean that there’s less break in between (seasons). Sometimes I do feel that there is too long a break in between.

'Having 8 weeks off can be a long time away from football. It is a knock-on impact and if it meant that the season extended by two weeks to get the quality of games rather than cram them all in on a Saturday, Tuesday, Thursday, then that would be more beneficial.'”

The National League and BT Sport "confirm the live broadcast of Notts County vs Stockport County has been rescheduled for Tuesday 15th December...

This 7.45pm kick-off will be the second time the BT Sport team have headed to Nottingham this season. Kyle Wootton's brace guided the Magpies to a 3-1 win over Altrincham in October.

Ahead of the fixture, BT Sport go to Weymouth and Solihull Moors as part of a five-match live line-up scheduled for December...

• Saturday December 5- Weymouth vs FC Halifax Town (17:20)
• Saturday December 12- Solihull Moors vs Bromley (17:20)
• Tuesday December 15- Notts County vs Stockport County (19:45)
• Saturday December 26- Dover Athletic vs Dagenham & Redbridge (17:20)
• Monday December 28- Woking vs Eastleigh (12:30)
• Saturday January 2- Barnet vs Boreham Wood (17:20)

NEXT OPPONENTS: MAIDENHEAD UNITED

As has become usual, the match will be streamed by Alty TV.

From Berkshire, Maidenhead United tell us that they "are obviously excited by the prospect of welcoming our loyal fans back to York Road, but have a responsibility to do so in line with the specific requirements of Government, the FA, the National League and the local authority. We have already started discussions with these organisations to understand their requirements...

It is important to set expectations regarding attendance levels from the outset. Our objective will be to provide a safe environment for supporters with appropriate social distancing measures, which means we expect to have a significantly reduced capacity. Priority to attend games will first be given to our Gold 150 Club Members. Silver 150 Club Members will be given first priority to purchase match day tickets should they be available".

MANAGER'S DISAPPOINTMENT

BROMLEY'S VIEW

In a blistering start to proceedings on a bitterly cold evening, it was Bromley who came out the blocks fastest, and would take an early lead. Quick thinking from Reeco Hackett-Fairchild saw him work his way into the box and cut the ball back for James Alabi, who stroked the ball home from close range...

Then came a big chance for the hosts to level the scores. Fisayo Adarabioyo latched onto a long ball over the top and advanced towards Mark Cousins, but when it seemed certain he would score, he scooped his effort over the crossbar...

In the second half, Bromley continued to dominate in the early stages, but it was the hosts, against the run of play, who had the first chance. Adarabioyo was in the thick of it again as he burst into the box and looked to slide the ball beyond Cousins, but the Bromley ‘keeper was equal to it, making a smart save.

Six minutes later, Bromley would have a goal disallowed for offside in odd circumstances... with suspicions of a Bromley player standing in an offside position as the shot was taken.

The Ravens’ task was made even more difficult on 68 minutes, as Ben Williamson was shown a straight red card for a lunging challenge on Billy Sass-Davies, making for a very different final 22 minutes...

Altrincham proceeded to throw the proverbial kitchen sink at Bromley as time went on and, despite plenty of crosses into the box and longstanding pressure, they failed to truly test Cousins.

As six minutes of injury time was signalled, Matty Kosylo was shown a straight red card, meaning the two sides ended the game with ten men apiece.

Despite the momentum swinging in the hosts’ favour, Bromley managed to hold out for the remaining moments and secured another win on the road, and a deserved clean sheet".

Bromley also have a post-match interview with their manager, Neil Smith.

ALTRINCHAM OLD BOY

ON THIS DAY: 26 November

Alty were again without the injured Ryan Shotton (calf strain) and Colin Potts but Gareth Whalley had recovered as Val Owen dropped out injured. So, once again, the squad of 16 was self-selecting; it comprised all 16 fit players left in the squad with Chris Lane, who had broken his nose in the previous game, nevertheless passed fit to play. Joe O'Neill came back into the starting line-up.

Stevenage had been having a rocky period since new manager Peter Taylor arrived. In the previous week three loan players had arrived at Borough. John White, a Colchester United left-back, Hungarian 6ft 4inch centre half Zoltan Liptak from Southend and West Ham United's midfielder Tony Stokes. However, Brazilian defender Santos Gaia had departed to Grays. Junior Lewis was another new signing. Other recent leavers were Adam Miller and John Nutter who had departed on a pre-transfer loan to Gillingham for £65,000.

Above: The players shake hands at the end of the game.

Despite losing 2-1 at Broadhall Way, Altrincham gave a very creditable performance, especially in the first half, but were undone by two defensive errors which allowed Craig Dobson to score from right of goal on each occasion.

Altrincham likewise took advantage of a defensive mistake by Stevenage when Colin Little got onto an underhit back pass and his low cross from the right was turned into his own net from close range by the giant Luke Oliver as the smallest man on the pitch, Chris Senior, went for the ball (14 mins).

Boro' levelled when Scott's miscontrol saw the ball fall for Dobson. With Coburn out of his goal, Tinson blocked Dobson's first attempt but the ball went back to the Boro' man who slotted home from an acute angle (24 mins).

And, when Boro's Hungarian debutant, Liptak, played a diagonal ball towards Dobson, Scott could only knock the ball into the winger's path. Though Coburn half-stopped Dobson's shot, it crossed the line before an incoming team-mate arrived to make sure (68 mins). Little had three decent second half chances, but Julian saved one well, the Alty striker then headed another effort at the keeper and, for the final chance, elected to dribble rather than shoot.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN; 15. Chris LANE, 4. Karl MUNROE, 5. Darren TINSON (capt), 3. Gary SCOTT; 12. Joe O'NEILL, 7. Robbie LAWTON, 6. Jake SEDGEMORE, 11. Warren PEYTON; 19. Chris SENIOR, 9. Colin LITTLE. Subs: 2. Steve ASPINALL, 13. Richard ACTON, 18. Pat McFADDEN, 21. Gareth WHALLEY, 22. Carlos LOGAN.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The potential deal will see South Somerset District Council buy Huish Park freehold land including stadium as well as the long leasehold parcel of land to the East of the site. Subsequently, the leasehold land will become freehold and the whole site will be leased back to YTFC, with all charges and restrictive covenants being removed. The club will also have an option to buy back the entire site.

The deal will allow YTFC to raise funds to steer the club out of the current distressed financial position caused by the Covid-19 pandemic whilst retaining control of its assets.

Chairman Scott Priestnall said 'I am confident that this is the most prudent deal for the club and its longevity. To date, we have had numerous bids for our land but we have not yet found an opportunity that gives the club the best possible future...

The club undertook a restructure last year and is now set up effectively to operate at The National League level, whilst still giving us the best possible chance of success on the pitch. Without the Covid-19 pandemic hitting late into last season, the club would have gone into the new season with a realistic breakeven model and a competitive playing budget...

In my capacity as both a National League Board Director and a National League Club Chairman, it is my opinion that many clubs in the National League system have not been compensated for their Essential Lost Revenue. As a result, like many other clubs in the National League System,... Yeovil Town FC will be in deficit every month over the course of the season... I have challenged my colleagues on behalf of YTFC and other clubs affected, to change and correct the distribution model and am pleased that the League will be appointing an independent committee to review the model...

The return of supporters allows us to start to gain revenues from match days but we will not expect these levels to be on par with pre-covid times. Ironically, the Government making this decision potentially worsens our financial position.

In order to avoid serious financial distress in the coming months our club has to take action. With this in mind I ask supporters, the local community and local councillors to support the proposal by SSDC to purchase Huish Park and lease it back to the club with an option to buy it back...

Yeovil Town Supporters Society Ltd operated as The Glovers' Trust have a right to bid as part of the site being an asset of community value. If a right to bid is registered, this gives them six months to make a formal offer. We only have to consider the offer although we are under no obligation to accept it. Simply put, we cannot wait six months to complete a deal with SSDC given our current financial position.

I have spoken to both the Glovers' Trust board and The Supporters' Alliance Chairman, Rich Rendell, to explain why this is in the best interests of the club and that it is not just simply a case of selling the stadium and land. If this was the case, we would have put the land up for sale by now and accepted the highest bid. This has not been done because it was not in the best interests of the club".

Dover Athletic "confirm that coach Darren Hare has resigned for personal reasons and left the club with immediate effect.

Hare arrived at Crabble in October 2018 as part of manager Andy Hessenthaler’s staff following the departure of Chris Kinnear".

According to the BBC, "Dean Keates insists his side will not get carried away after a third successive National League win. Keates' side beat Sutton United 4-0 and have not lost or conceded a goal in four games, having let in eight in two prior defeats.

The Dragons' three wins have come following the takeover by Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.

'We won't ride a rollercoaster; we won't go too high and we won't go too low,' Keates said... 'All we've done is to rectify the disappointment that we had in those two games. We've had three decent performances in a week so those three wins in a week shows you how quick it can be. In those games we got punished for individual errors', Keates added...

Striker Kwame Thomas scored twice in Tuesday's win over Sutton at the Racecourse to take his season's tally to three goals. Keates was pleased for the 25-year-old who joined the club on a one-year deal in August following a short spell at Burton Albion...

Keates said. 'The effort that he puts in and what he does for the team, attacking wise and defensively, gives us a platform to play off'".

The Hartlepol Mail tells us that Hartlepool United "followed up Saturday’s 3-1 win at Yeovil with a goalless draw at Barnet on Tuesday evening.

It was a close-fought affair at The Hive with neither side being able to test the goalkeepers as Hartlepool’s perfect start to the National League season on the road ended as they failed to score away from home in a league match for the first time since a goalless draw at Chorley back in August 2019...

'“It’s a good point on the road. It’s the first game we haven’t won away from home in the league so we obviously came here looking to win' said Dave Challinor. 'Now we’ve dropped some places because of results elsewhere with Wrexham winning and going above us. We’re disappointed with that but I couldn’t ask for anything more in terms of our defensive stuff, we just didn’t have that guile, that quality, that ruthlessness in the final third to go and get us a goal...

'"I knew the game was going to be tough because they came into it on the back of a disappointing result so I didn’t expect it to be wide open or to get time on the ball. Our fitness in the last 20-minutes really showed and that’s when it opened up after the graft and the tightness of the game for 70-minutes, that’s when we needed to go and win it'".

ALTRINCHAM 0-1 BROMLEY

Altrincham paid for a slow start as Bromley snatched a fourth-minute goal. Hackett-Fairchild, an ex-Bromley player loaned back to the club from Portsmouth, was allowed to advance towards the left byline and he fed Alabi. The former Tranmere man netted comfortably from close range.

However, Alty grew into the game and had more of the possession for the rest of the half but without creating a decent chance other than a clever volley over the keeper, but narrowly wide, by Adarabioyo (28 mins).

Bingham seemed to have doubled the Bromley lead in the 61st minute but his effort was ruled out belatedly for Alabi being offside. Despite Bromley being reduced to ten men, when Williamson's lunge on Sass-Davies earned him a deserved early bath in the 68th minute, Alty laboured vainly to create anything resembling a good chance.

And the final disappointment of the evening was the very harsh dismissal of Kosylo in added time for a foul which seemed to deserve no more than a yellow card.

Match report here.

MIDWEEK GAMES

This is due to a train issue affecting our visitors’ travel to North Wales for the match".

• Altrincham 0-1 Bromley
• Barnet 0-0 Hartlepool United
• Wrexham 4-0 Sutton United

NEXT: ALTRINCHAM v MAIDENHEAD UNITED

The Berkshire club has been in the National League for three seasons and were fortunate to escape demotion last season when they finished 21st. In 2017/18 they had finished twelfth before a nineteenth-place finish in 2018/19.

Maidenhead are managed by the experienced former West Ham player, Alan Devonshire who has managed against Altrincham previously for Braintree Town.

Devonshire is in his second spell aith Maidenhead having previously managed them between 1996 and 2003. He rejoined them in 2015 and has now amassed nearly 600 games in the dugout for them.

From 2003-11 he managed Hampton & Richmond Borough and from 2011-15 he was in charge at Braintree Town.

Dan Sparkes is probably their best known current player to Altrincham supporters. He has previously played against Alty for Braintree Town, Histon and Aldershot Town and has also turned out for Dagenham & Redbridge and Torquay United.

ON THIS DAY: 25 November

Simon Richman was starting his three-match suspension and also unavailable were Josh Amis and Sean Miller (on loan at Colne). John Disney remained injured and both James Jones and Lewis Short were missing, through injury. Both Laurence Taylor and Tom Hannigan played for the reserves last week and the latter started today.

Max Harrop came in to replace the suspended Richman in central midfield.

Altrincham progressed to the First Round Proper of the Buildbase FA Trophy thanks to two early goals at the Impact Arena.

Without the injured Jones, Short and Disney, Altrincham took a seventh minute lead when Hulme's clever back heel led to Johnston's low cross from the right, which Marcus Marshall could only turn into his own net as Hancock waited to convert the chance behind the defender.

Alty's second was a Johnston penalty, awarded after the referee judged Hulme's ball to have struck an Alfreton hand.

Above: John Johnston nets his penalty.

Alfreton made three substitutions early in the second half and looked a better side as a result. Alty keeper Thompson made a couple of excellent stops and Westcarr hit the post but the visitors were also a threat themselves, with Johnston striking the upright in the closing stages.

But Altrincham were good value for their win.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. Tom HANNIGAN, 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Max HARROP, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. James POOLE, 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs 12. Tom PEERS, 14. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 15. Mason WALSH, 16. Laurence TAYLOR, 17. Sam SHERIDAN

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The plot thickended on Tuesday when Gloucester City "can today confirm that James Rowe has left the club.

James took over the Managerial position following Mike Cook's departure in 2019 and leaves with City seven points clear at the top of the National League North...

Jake Cole will take temporary charge of tonight's National League North encounter at Gateshead".

Ahead of Tuesday's game, Sutton United report that "Sutton make the long midweek trip to Wrexham tonight having been forced to postpone the scheduled Saturday trip at the end of October after a Covid outbreak at the North Wales club.

It’s been a fairly momentous time for Wrexham in the past two weeks, with Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney getting clearance to complete their purchase of the club, and since the announcement they have picked up two single goal wins, away to Hartlepool and at home to Aldershot, to move in to the top half of the National League table. With a goalless draw against Barnet preceding those wins it’s now three games without conceding a goal for Wrexham, whose defensive record is bettered only by Solihull, who put four past the Dragons in the FA Cup in the 4th qualifying round of the FA Cup.

Sutton moved back to second place after the roller-coaster ride of the 3-3 draw at Wealdstone, and victory tonight would move U’s to within two points of leaders Torquay. The Racecourse Ground hasn’t been the happiest of hunting grounds for U’s, though, with two 1-0 defeats and two 1-1 draws, last season’s game seeing Sutton within minutes of victory thanks to Harry Beautyman’s goal before Craig Eastmond was sent off for a goalline handball and Wrexham converted the penalty.

Manager Matt Gray is hopeful that Will Randall may have recovered from the knock that kept him out of the Wealdstone game which would leave him with a full squad to choose from with the exception of Coby Rowe".

Barnet report that "The Bees' trip to FC Halifax Town has been put back by 24 hours owing to our continued involvement in the Emirates FA Cup.

With our cup tie with MK Dons taking place on Sunday lunchtime, it was agreed that our visit to The Shay Stadium will now take place on Wednesday, December 2nd".

Dagenham & Redbridge report that "The news we have all been waiting for might just be upon us with the announcement yesterday that crowds of up to 4,000, depending on which Tier a club is situated, will be allowed from Wednesday 2nd December.

Obviously, the question on everyone’s lips is 'which Tier will we be in?' and we must await until Thursday for the answer to that.

However, as we are due to be at home to Notts County on the very day restrictions might be lifted it is only prudent that the club starts to plan to be able to welcome supporters back to the Chigwell Construction Stadium.

Only clubs located within Tier 1 or 2 areas will be allowed to admit spectators and whilst the upper limits are 4,000 and 2,000 respectively these upper limits are still subject to social distancing rules and as calculated using the Sports Ground Safety Authority’s SG02: Planning for social distancing at sports grounds guidance and approved by our Safety Advisory Group.

Dagenham & Redbridge FC calculated these figures back in September when we were preparing for the two Pilot games that we staged. These calculations are currently being relooked at but as previously expressed we expect our upper capacity under either Tier 1 or 2 will be approximately 1,400 spectators.

Season Ticket holders will be contacted directly over the next two days and advised of the arrangements being put in place for them.

For the immediate future we will continue to live stream our games to supporters unable to attend but are mindful of the fact that this continues to be a dispensation given by UEFA allowing the live streaming of games that kick-off at 3.00pm on Saturdays and the Vanarama National League who hold the domestic rights to all our league games.

I know that the go ahead to welcome back supporters is what many of you have been hoping for but for some others who are either vulnerable or living with a vulnerable person it will be bittersweet. However, if football clubs at our level are to survive we do require the beating heart of our supporters. Sure, things will be different at first and it is unlikely that we will be fully able to use the bars or hospitality areas but it is the start we have all been looking for and need".

NEXT VISITORS: BROMLEY

Alty won the away game in 2015, 3-1, but the return fixture on Saturday, 9 April 2016 was a goalless draw at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Above Adam Griffin and Ryan Growther sport the special charity shirts in the game against Bromley in 2016.

Going into that home game in 21st position, on an afternoon when six of the seven main contenders for relegation were to lose, (bottom club Kidderminster Harriers were the exception), Altrincham were unable to take advantage of those rivals' defeats to lift themselves out of the bottom four.

The best chance for Altrincham fell to Josh Ginnelly after 56 minutes but he put the ball the wrong side of the post when put clear.

Referee Rushton did not help the cause as, twice, he failed to agree with strong penalty appeals as Altrincham dominated the attacking momentum in the second half without getting the vital breakthrough. Bromley remained dangerous on the counter attack and, but for wasteful shooting, especially by Ademola, they could have snatched a win.

Alty wore purple cancer awareness shirts for this match, with keeper Deasy in pink.

ALTRINCHAM (Purple shirts, black shorts, white socks) 17. Tim DEASY, 20. Jordan SINNOTT, 6. Scott LEATHER, 5. Luca HAVERN, 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT (capt), 8. Simon RICHMAN, 7. James LAWRIE, 15. Josh GINNELLY, 19. Ryan CROWTHER, 9. Michael RANKINE. Subs: 10. Damian REEVES, 12. Sam HEATHCOTE, 14. Josh O'KEEFE, 23. Callum WILLIAMS, 27. Adam SAVILLE

Founded in 1892, but after decades in the Isthmian League, Bromley reached Conference South in 2007 and the National division in 2015. Since then the Ravens have consistently finished in mid table, never finishing higher than ninth, and never lower than fourteenth, in their five seasons in the top flight.

In 2020, perhaps their best known players to Alty fans are Michael Cheek, who played against Alty for Braintree Town, and Chris Bush. Cheek scored for Braintree at Moss Lane in a lamentable 0-4 home defeat for Alty in 2015 and netted two more in a 3-0 home win for the Iron later that season, a match which confirmed Altrincham's relegation from the national division in 2016.

Coincidentally, Bush also scored against Alty in another 0-4 disaster at Moss Lane, in his case for Welling United in 2014. He has also played against Alty for Lincoln City as well as turning out for Barnet and AFC Wimbledon.

BEFORE THE GAME: ALTRINCHAM v BROMLEY

In advance of the game, Bromley reported that "The Ravens had no time to dwell on Saturday’s dramatic game at York Road. Neil Smith had his team straight back to training on Monday, as he assessed his options prior to another lengthy Tuesday coach trip [to Altrincham].

The buzz amongst the squad was still prevalent, as Reeco Hackett and Chris Bush’s wonder-strikes secured a late point at Maidenhead United on the weekend.

Luke Coulson and Taylor Maloney were once again in training as they continue the road to recovery from their respective injuries.

Neil Smith has no further injury concerns ahead of Tuesday evening’s trip to Altrincham.

Tuesday’s rearranged League fixture at Altrincham is only the third meeting between the two Clubs. Originally scheduled to be played on 17 October, the game was called off due to positive Covid-19 test within the Altrincham squad.

The two meetings to date came in Bromley’s first season in the National League. The Greater Manchester side won the first encounter at Hayes Lane in front of the BT cameras on 14 November 2015, with a 3-1 victory. In the return fixture on 9 April 2016, a goalless draw was fought out. Unfortunately Altrincham were relegated at the end of that season, until they regained their higher League status last season via the playoffs".

ON THIS DAY: 24 November

Indeed, Bradford (Park Avenue) looked a pale imitation of a potential championship-winning side as they were swept out of the FA Trophy by Altrincham who thereby recorded their third win over the Yorkshiremen this season. Altrincham had already got the upper hand when they were awarded a 13th minute penalty after Hulme had gone down, under a challenge from Killock, whilst jinking into the penalty area.

Above: Jordan Hulme and John Johnston celebrate the opening goal, with Jake Moult.

From the spot, John Johnston sent Steven Drench, later to join Alty, the wrong way to make it 1-0. Jordan Hulme himself made it 2-0 in the 36th minute when a fine pass from Johnston set Andy White running into the BPA box. His cross was relayed by Josh Hancock to Hulme, who netted from six yards.

Alty's third goal, in the 54th minute, was the impressive culmination of some twenty passes. At the end of the move, Johnston ran forward and fed Hancock who scored.

BPA enjoyed their best spell of the game, for a few minutes, after substitutions had been made and, had Beesley not missed a sitter and Hurst not spurned another good chance, the outcome might have been closer.

But Alty wrapped things up at 4-0 when debutant Kallum Mantack netted, at the second attempt, in the 78th minute, having only joined the game three minutes earlier. After that it was exhibition stuff from Alty as BPA ended the afternoon well beaten. The visitors won one aspect of the game, however; they picked up five bookings to Altrincham's clean sheet in the disciplinary count.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Andy WHITE, 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. James JONES, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 11. Owen DALE. Subs: 12. Kallum MANTACK, 14. Max HARROP, 15. Josh LANGLEY, 16. Shaun DENSMORE, 20. Elliot WYNNE.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

With the collapse of Macclesfield Town, the Terras are due to finish their season one week earlier than their rivals, at Notts County on Saturday, May 22.

However, Stock’s side are set to go a month without a competitive match owing to a Covid-19 outbreak plus Solihull Moors’ own self-isolation period.

To offset the loss of the Moors fixture, Weymouth played an in-house game in preparation for the visit of Chesterfield in seven days’ time. Wary of a fixture pile-up, Stock would prefer to extend the season over playing twice a week.

He told Echosport '“It’s not ideal and at the start of the season these are the things I was conscious of; having games cancelled and a backlog of games. If we fast forward a few months and look towards the end of the season, what we don’t want to be doing is playing three games a week.

'We’re going to have to be quite clever in terms of trying to fit games in when we can'...

Weymouth trained on Monday evening after completing self-isolation and then had 48 hours of rest before their next session".

"The Derbyshire Times says that "Chesterfield have made an official approach for Gloucester City manager James Rowe, according to reports.

The 36 year-old has guided the unbeaten Tigers to the top of National League North this season with seven wins and two draws, scoring 26 goals along the way. The former West Ham United, Birmingham City and Aldershot coach has been in charge at Gloucester for almost a year.

According to Gloucestershire Live, the Spireites have made an approach for him as they search to replace John Pemberton who left by mutual consent last week. Former Solihull Moors manager, Tim Flowers, who is currently out of work, is believed to be another contender for the job.

The interview process got underway today and former Spireites striker Kevin Davies has been involved in the process".

"Former Chesterfield player Lee Turnbull has rejoined the club in a football advisory role...

Turnbull said 'I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to assist the club by helping the chairman, the chief executive and the board. Setting up and implementing a recruitment strategy will help us to have a clear and defined process to sign players and attract high-calibre youngsters.

'We have short-term plans in place which need to be addressed and then the focus can be on building a solid infrastructure in order to make progress'...

Turnbull, who scored 29 goals in 95 league appearances for the Spireites in the early 1990s, has been involved in scouting and player recruitment for many years. He was latterly at Scunthorpe United after spells at Sheffield United and Oldham Athletic."

Aldershot Town confirm that "Due to their progression into the FA Cup Second Round, our home Vanarama National League game against Solihull Moors this weekend on the 28th November has been postponed."

The Hartlepool Mail points out that "For the first time in Hartlepool United’s history, the club have won their opening three away league matches of the season.

There may have been several postponements in between but Saturday’s 3-1 win at Yeovil Town saw Pools climb back into the play-off places by continuing their perfect start to the season on the road.

Hartlepool’s impressive scoring record at Huish Park also continued as they’ve now found the net nine times at Yeovil over the past two seasons with eight different scorers, another club record...

'You look at the stats across the board regarding home and away matches, home advantage can really help with crowds in getting behind the team but that’s not been the case this year', Challinor told The Mail.

'Our performances or rather our results at home haven’t mirrored what we’ve done away but it’s a weird environment. At Yeovil it was so quiet on Saturday in a ground where it’s usually buzzing and the crowd plays a big part. It’s an odd situation and quite literally a sanitized environment'...

After losing three consecutive matches in all competitions, Challinor felt Saturday’s big win was crucial... 'The three points should do their confidence the world of good... Football games at this level are so tight and we’ve seen that already this season. The only poor game we’ve had was Torquay, the rest of the games are almost a toss of a coin...

'From a defensive standpoint, it was a proper game of football and lower-league football in this country at its best and a really good lesson for some of our young defenders in particular.'”

The Guardian says of Wrexham that "Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have made no secret that behind-the-scenes filming has begun.

We stand on the verge of a golden age of North Walian entertainment. Next summer... filming will begin on a movie called A League Apart. An 'original British romantic comedy', it will tell the story of lovelorn Phil, forced on the curved horns of a dilemma by his restless girlfriend. He has to choose between her or his deadbeat football team, a tough one for Phil, as Wrexham are just about to play Arsenal in the 1992 FA Cup.

There is some dramatic irony, in that Wrexham pull off one of the biggest giantkillings of the modern era when Mickey Thomas’s late, rasping free-kick helps to topple George Graham’s league champions. The issue the film hopefully resolves is whether Phil gets to see it, or even better, gives his girlfriend his ticket.

Production company Mad As Birds rushed out an announcement about the film at the end of last week. Could they not contain their excitement at starting filming in 10 months’ time? Or was it a more strategic ploy to jump on the back of another recently announced entertainment project; the takeover of Wrexham by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney?...

Reynolds and McElhenney... pitched to one of the few supporters’ groups to actually have control of the club they love. They would look at (the possibility of) upgrading the Racecourse Ground. They would guarantee the club cannot be relocated, renamed or rebranded (though not what might happen with the brand, as is)...

An article on Bloomberg last week suggested that a streaming company, like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, might pay £300,000 an hour for a documentary of this sort, which, at eight episodes per series, would more than double the club’s annual revenue and also cover off the duo’s £2m investment in the club in their first year...

What if, through the judicious use of Hollywood storyboarding and an effective casting director working alongside the recruitment team, Wrexham AFC could be something you’d tune into like you would EastEnders? Or, even better, the Kardashians?"

Wrexham add that in the film "One of those comedy names set to star is Ricky Tomlinson, who has ties to the Wrexham area stemming several decades... 'We’ve got as a cast attached to the project as well – we’ve got Ruth Madoc doing a small part in the film as well as Sophie Evans, who’s in ‘The World’s End’, and we’ve got Guy Henry making a cameo as well, who’s in ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’.

'So, we’ve got lots of brilliant comedy actors in there'".

Confirmation comes from the Halifax Courier that "FC Halifax Town have announced the signing of striker Nyal Bell on a short-term loan from fellow National League side Stockport County.

The signing of Bell, 23, ends what has been a frustrating search for Town boss Pete Wild for an additional striker since the long-term injury to forward Matty Stenson.

Bell started his career at Rochdale and spent time on loan at Chester and Droylsden before a permanent move to Gateshead in 2016.

After further loan spells at Altrincham, Chester and Alfreton, Bell signed for Stockport in 2018, helping them earn promotion to the National League during the 2018-19 season.

He scored six goals for County last season... and making 37 league appearances as the club finished just outside the play-offs. But he has made just two appearances for Jim Gannon’s side this season, both as a late substitute.

Bell is Town’s second signing in the space of a week after the addition of midfielder Neil Danns last week on a short-term deal".

PHIL PARKINSON, POST-MATCH

Saturday's result means that all three encounters between Alty and Borehamwood to date have ended in 1-0 wins to the Robins.

WOOD CHAIRMAN CRITICISES YOUNGER FANS

"In today’s world of instant reviews and subsequent social media madness the world it seems insists on instant news but unless our supporters commit to watching the streams, then commentating on our performances via Twitter and then voting for their man of the match simply seems wrong, or am I missing the point?

When Twitter can put a man like Donald Trump, who writes his own column inches, into the most powerful office in the world, being the White House, then you know that type of madness is very much now here to stay in the UK. We are in fact now also insisting on the same type of instant news, the same type of instant gratification and the same type of instant success, which for me is utter madness, as patience is often the key to sustained success at whatever level.

At BWFC with our quiet yet historic and humble rise up the leagues, even with a small support base, I feel we are now believing in some quarters that we should already be sitting nicely in a top 5 position in what is a very, very tough National League? That would be top 5, with 23% of our possible starting eleven having been out injured... That to me seems wishful thinking from our younger fans, who are having a whinge already because we’re sitting in 15th place.That type of moan, moan, moan culture from our supporters is quite new to us here, but I suppose it’s now everywhere in football, as it’s a Premier League and Sky Sports culture.

However, I know that’s never been the way with my 'old school' supporters, who can all still remember losing at St Margaretsbury in the FA Cup and going to Walton Casuals, Stamford, Corby Town, Great Wakering and Potters Bar on cold Tuesday nights haha. So for them and me in truth, we are in heaven at present with what we’ve been witnessing in recent years.

Again, in truth, the moaners do occasionally need to be called out, as they are mainly amongst the newer supporters and many are in the younger quarter of our support, have never seen us struggle too much and think our present success is part of the norm. Theirs as a positive, is the age group that does give us great energy within the ground but they have in truth not been as supportive as many of the other demographics during lockdown.

It’s an age group that simply didn’t back or didn’t fancy our season ticket offer and when the ban on stadium supporters came in, 90% of those who did buy the season tickets wanted refunds, which I have no problem with. Though at present they want a voice but without buying or watching the streaming of our home games, when we need as many people as possible to buy the streaming, and to read the match day programme...

I do feel it’s now time for some of our older, more mature and long-standing supporters, to quietly school these young keyboard youngsters and give them a quick underdog BWFC history lesson, as I feel it’s bloody amazing what we’ve all done together here at Meadow Park over the last two decades. Put simply, of course I do want to please the younger supporters but getting real is a life lesson of supporting an underdog club at whatever level they play.

If our 14 to 21 year olds genuinely think it’s normal for little old Boreham Wood Football Club, with an average home crowd of around 650, to be in the National League then they have to get real.

In truth, after just eight league games, do I really care if little old Boreham Wood not quite being as high up in the league as some of you might want? No, not really, as I’m still occupied or pre-occupied with keeping this club afloat in a pandemic, and I’m patient".

ON THIS DAY: 23 November

And in the Trophy game, Altrincham deservedly repeated their FA Cup win at York with another excellent performance.

On a dank afternoon at Bootham Crescent in front of a much smaller crowd than witnessed the FA Cup tie, York were again unimpressive as they sank to a third 1-0 defeat in a fortnight.

Above: Tom Peers heads clear early in the game at a very damp York.

The goal in this Trophy game arrived in the 22nd minute after an Andy White cross, with Jordan Hulme having an effort blocked by the keeper before Tom Peers netted the loose ball from close range.

York improved at the start of the second half, but Alty defended well and grew increasingly dangerous on the counter attack. Hulme celebrated his birthday with an excellent performance and he might have added a second goal after jinking his way into the goalmouth late in the game.

In this match Jake Moult made his 350th appearance for Altrincham as Alty deployed a strong starting eleven with John Johnston's move to the bench the only surprise as Tom Peers started on the right wing.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 3. Andy WHITE, 4. James JONES, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. Tom PEERS, 8. Sean WILLIAMS, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 11. Luke WALL. Subs: 12. John JOHNSTON, 14. Max HARROP, 15. Connor HAMPSON, 16. Toby MULLARKEY, 17. Simon RICHMAN, 20. Joel TORRANCE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Torquay are five points clear at top of the table after they beat FC Halifax Town 2-1 on Saturday afternoon and Wealdstone and Sutton United drew 3-3 in the evening kick off. A goal in each half by Asa Hall and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans won a tough game for the Gulls at Halifax but it could have been an easier afternoon if Danny Wright had put away the penalty he ended up smashing over the bar.

Ahead of a period of nine days without a game, with next weekend’s visit of Dagenham & Redbridge postponed because of their involvement in the FA Cup, Johnson said 'You get all types of games in this league and you have got to see them through. If you are at the top you desperately want to stay top for when the fans come back...

'We showed enough approach play and we scored two great goals to be fair but we could have had a couple more and it could have been a lot easier had we taken a few more opportunities in the first half.

'You want outstanding performances every week... but as long as the boys work hard and they know why they are doing what they are doing, and enjoying it, then it’s good to be up there and nicking games ever so often late on...

'We have tried to game-manage in training but I think both teams showed a little bit of legginess towards the end and it was good that we were 2-1 up at the time'...

Johnson made two changes to the team that drew 1-1 with Boreham Wood the previous weekend with midfielder Adam Randell sitting the game out after picking up two yellow cards and being sent off in that game, and left back Dean Moxey also not in the squad.

Defender Gary Warren was brought into the team which meant Kyle Cameron moved out to left back, while there was a first start for striker Billy Waters.

Ben Whitfield set up Torquay’s 17th-minute opener... for Hall to hit home from 15 yards.

In the second half, Nemane won the Gulls a penalty. It was a debatable one but that didn’t matter because Wright sent the spot kick high over the bar.

In the 83rd minute Lemonheigh-Evans did really well in the box... smashing the ball home for 2-1".

Not only are The Glovers winless and bottom of the National League but Yeovil Town report further misfortune as they "confirm that club chairman Scott Priestnall has been recovering from COVID-19 over the last two weeks.

While The Glovers' chairman has been in contact with key members at the club remotely, he has not been in close contact with any players or staff in recent weeks, meaning no Yeovil Town employees have been forced into self-isolation measures".

Wealdstone "produced a stunning comeback to share the spoils with Sutton United in a thoroughly entertaining match at The Vale...

First half goals from Isaac Olaofe and Omar Bugiel put the U’s into a commanding lead at half-time; however, a second half brace from Ross Lafayette and strike from Jacob Mendy propelled the Stones on the brink of victory, but a 94th minute goal from Craig Eastmond rescued a draw for the visitors.

Manager Dean Brennan made one change to the side that lost to Eastleigh on Tuesday evening, with last season’s top goal scorer Ross Lafayette returning to the starting line-up for the Stones.

The U’s struck first blood within the first four minutes of the match as Olaofe was first to pounce in the box... dispatching into the net from close range.

Wealdstone’s fortunes took a further blow seven minutes later as Isted’s clearance was closed down by Bugiel and deflected into an open net, doubling the visitors’ lead.

Sutton United proceeded to dominate the remainder of the first half, dictating possession and peppering the Stones’ goal with a string of goal scoring chances...

In the second half, the Stones responded in fantastic fashion, reducing the deficit within a minute of the restart as Kundai Benyu swung in a teasing ball towards Danny Parish at the far post, who headed back across the goal for talisman Lafayette to nod home against his former club...

In the 66th minute... Lafayette converted past Dean Bouzanis for his brace... Wealdstone’s comeback was finally completed in the 88th minute as hotshot Mendy hit a trademark long range effort past Bouzanis to edge the contest and notch his third goal of the season.

The Stones looked like they would hold on to secure a brilliant victory, but Sutton United’s captain Craig Eastmond salvaged a draw at the death for the visitors, poking home from a corner in stoppage time".

From the other side, Sutton United "Manager Matt Gray admitted to the BT cameras that he wasn’t sure whether it was a point gained or two points...

Neither goalkeeper will remember the game with any great fondness, Bouzanis stranded by Mendy’s late effort after home keeper Harvey Isted had seen his clearance ricochet off Omar Bugiel in to the net to give U’s a two goal lead after just ten minutes and then been booked in the second half for allegedly handling outside the penalty area when the cameras clearly showed the ball hitting his face...

Apart from one moment when Bouzanis had to dive at Benyu’s feet in the penalty area the first half was then all Sutton, and they should have put the game beyond their opponents before half time...

Two minutes from the end of the ninety minutes, though, Wealdstone looked to have made the decisive move as Mendy sent in a low shot from outside the penalty area that found Bouzanis further to his left than he should have been and unable to recover his position to prevent the shot going inside the near post... But right at the end of the four additional minutes U’s forced one last corner, with Bouzanis coming forward to try and atone for his error, and given time to take it by referee Tom Reeves, Milsom’s deep corner was headed back by John and rifled in by Eastmond to rescue a point".

Hartlepool United report that "A lighting [lightning-quick?] first half earned Pools all three points at Huish Park this afternoon as it ended 3-1 to Dave Challinor’s men.

It was certainly a first half to remember for Pools as every time they came forward, they looked likely to score. The dream start came after just two as Oates picked out the ball for Molyneux who had the simple task to put it into an open net and make it 1-0...

The second goal finally came for Pools on 36 minutes. As Pools attacked, the ball was volleyed into the box from Ferguson, it was deflected of[f] the Yeovil defender which kindly fell to Holohan, the midfielder still had a lot to do to convert and calmly finished into the bottom corner.

On 43 minutes, Pools took advantage of some bad defensive errors from Yeovil. As the ball bounced around in the box, Magloire done [sic] fantastically to turn past his man and finish like a natural poacher. A great goal from the man on loan from Blackburn.

It was just about a perfect first half from Pools until one ball into the box was met by Quigley who squeezed the ball past Ravas to pull one back for the hosts. 3-1 at half time.

Yeovil came out for the second half looking to change their fortune with a continuous attack and long balls into the box... but strong performances from Magloire and Johnson especially kept any efforts out".

From Dover Athletic we learn that "Whites remain rooted in the bottom four of the National League following their loss at newly-promoted King’s Lynn Town.

Rory McAuley headed in a corner just before half-time to open the scoring, with substitute Adam Marriott converting from the penalty spot to confirm a third consecutive defeat for Andy Hessenthaler’s men following debutant Ryan Hanson’s foul on Kairo Mitchell in the penalty area.

The away side’s misery had just been compounded further when Hanson, signed on loan from from League One Hull City the day before, was shown a straight red card having been deemed to be the last man when hauling down the burly striker in the box.

The loss keeps Dover 23rd on the National League ladder, two places and one point from safety...

Dover continued to frustrate their Norfolk opponents, but their gallant defending was undone two minutes before the break from a corner. A cross from the left was powerfully met by McAuley, wearing a head bandage, with the ball floating out of away stopper Yusuf Mersin’s reach and into the top corner.

Town were awarded a penalty late on following Hanson’s foul on Mitchell. Marriott sent Mersin the wrong way from 12 yards to leave Whites with an unwanted record of having lost every match on the road in the league this season.

Earlier, boss Hessenthaler made five changes to the side that started against Woking in midweek. Mersin, Gregory, Akheem Rose, Bayli Spencer-Adams and Hanson started with Kurtis Cumberbatch, TJ Bramble, Tom Smith and Ade Azeez named as substitutes and Oscar Gobern serving a three-match ban".

At Chesterfield Phil Tooley's typically informative report tells us that the Spireites led 2-1 and "As the fourth official held up the additional time board with a big red ‘3’ on it, we could all reflect back on a job well done by John Dungworth, the ship had been steadied and the table would look a lot healthier than has been the case.

The 4-4-2, which Dungworth indicated afterwards would have been employed anyway, even if John Pemberton had been in charge, seemed to have suited the team better. Jordan Cropper appeared to benefit and looked the most creative he’s been all season whilst Tyler Denton on the opposite flank also added much needed width...

Then it all unravelled. The two concessions in added time had nothing to do with formations and everything to do with the team’s Achilles heel when defending as a group. Two headers from two more set-pieces, with needless free-kicks conceded to give County ammunition they weren’t loading themselves. Heartbreak...

At no stage at 2-1, with time ebbing away, did the home side try and wind the clock down a bit more with the, albeit frustrating, take-it-to-the-corner-flag tactic, or making a substitution just to break-up play a bit...

It’s all about who the next gaffer will be and how much licence they’ll be allowed to change the squad, because it clearly needs personnel changes, mentality changes and a massive confidence boost if we’re to avoid a sixth straight battle at the wrong end of the table. Oh, for mid-table obscurity, something we’ve not yet witnessed on Whittington Moor!", the club's location since leaving historic Saltergate.

Barnet "suffered defeat on the road as they lost 4-1 away to Woking. Woking were in front early on after a well taken volley from Kane Ferdinand found its way in the back of the net. It wasn't long before they were 2-0 up after Jerome Binnom-Williams headed into his own net.

The Bees were offered some hope when just before half-time, Charlie Cooper was sent off for the home side, for a second bookable offence. However, Woking furthered their lead, through Max Kretzschmar and added another thanks to Dave Tarpey. Michael Patrasso managed to get one back for the Bees, but it was merely a consolation.

The Bees were looking to get back to winning ways as they faced a short away trip to Woking... However, it was Woking who would score first... and Ferdinand finished with a volley.

Things got worse ten minutes later when the home side doubled their lead with Binnom-Williams heading into his own net, from a Woking corner... With 15 minutes of the half to go, the Cards were down to ten men. After being shown a yellow card for pulling on a shirt, Cooper received another one a minute later, after a strong challenge on Anthony Wordsworth.

The man advantage inspired the Bees to take control of the game... Despite barely getting into the Bees half, Woking managed to get their third goal on 63 minutes from a corner, when Kretzschmar finished with a spectacular finish...

The Cards stretched even further in front with just under ten minutes to go, when Tarpey finished in the bottom corner.

Patrasso finished from the penalty spot as the game came to a close, but it was simply just a consolation goal".

BOREHAM WOOD 0-1 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham moved up to fourteenth in the table on Saturday; but for very late goals in two other matches, they would have been twelfth.

Match report here .

Alty's next game is on Tuesday night at home to Bromley. This will be a 7pm kick off to facilitate Bromley's long return journey.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

• £500 cash | #429 | Rob Downes
• £75 cash | #455 | A Bull
• £25 cash | #305 | Peter Leigh
• Match Hospitality for 2 | #367 | M. Burke
• Home Replica Shirt | #95 | Stuart Buchan
• Alty FC Polo Shirt | #223 | D. Gibson

Congratulations to all the winners!

NEXT OPPONENTS: BROMLEY

On Saturday they needed a very late goal to secure a point and Bromley report on "the trip to York Road on a windy Saturday afternoon, taking on a Maidenhead United side in fine form.

The Ravens started the game on the front foot... Then came Maidenhead’s first attack, and first goal. Josh Coley got the better of Kory Roberts and crossed into the six yard box, where an unmarked Danilo Orsi was on hand to stroke home...

Cheek would go agonisingly close to levelling the scores but... Ashby-Hammond kept the low effort out, diverting it away from goal.

In the second half, it would be the hosts who would strike first. Just two minutes in, after the Ravens failed to properly clear a corner, Shaun Donnellan struck an unstoppable volley from the edge of the box, which Cousins had no chance of saving.

The hosts could have gone three up not long after, as Josh Coley acrobatically flicked an effort goalwards, only for it to go just wide.

The Ravens began to dominate proceedings as they had done in the first half, and just shy of the hour mark, they were given some hope.

An outstanding, solo effort from Hackett-Fairchild saw him cut inside from the right and find a pocket of space, before unleashing an unstoppable drive from 20 yards, which found the top corner. Another goal of the season contender for Bromley on their travels...

As six minutes of injury time were signalled, Bromley may have felt it wouldn’t be their day... However, as time drew on, it became clear Bromley weren’t quite done. A deep corner from Hackett-Fairchild was cleared into the path of Bush, who, from the corner of the box, drilled an absolute thunderbolt into the top corner to salvage a point. Yet another contender for goal of the season!

Bromley XI: Cousins, Kizzi, Bingham, Bush, Raymond (Trotter), Cheek, Alabi, Hackett-Fairchild, Roberts (Holland), Webster (C), Williamson (L’Ghoul). Unused substitutes: Kyprianou, Purrington".

(OLD!) ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Caretaker manager John Dungworth made one change to the starting line-up with Tyler Denton coming in for Milan Butterfield. Regan Hutchinson and Liam Mandeville also returned to the bench.

The visitors started off a furious pace and almost took the lead through Cal Roberts. The winger cut inside from the right and his curled shot cracked against the upright.

County took the lead in the 21st minute; Ben Turner headed a corner goalwards which Enzio Boldewijn eventually tapped home from point-blank range...

Chesterfield looked for a way back into the game... Slocombe was eventually beaten in the 33rd minute. Jonathan Smith received the ball on the edge of the area from Weston and the midfielder fired his shot across goal and into the bottom left corner...

With less than 15 minutes to go, the Spireites took the lead. Tyler Denton swung the ball into Tom Denton, who swooped down low and headed past the fully stretched Slocombe.

The Blues looked to hold on for dear life to keep their lead. However, in added time Ruben Rodrigues headed past Addai from a Notts County free-kick.

With less than 60 seconds to go of the three minutes of added time, the visitors stole a late, late winner. Kyle Wooton powerfully headed home from a Roberts set-piece to win the game at the death."

The Derbyshire Times reports that "Caretaker boss John Dungworth said a ‘lack of professionalism’ cost managerless Chesterfield as they conceded two ‘criminal’ goals in stoppage time against Notts County in a ‘soul-destroying’ defeat.

Winning 2-1 with three minutes remaining, the Spireites conceded two headed goals to Ruben Rodrigues and Kyle Wootton to fall to their seventh defeat in nine matches to leave them third bottom of the National League...

'It is soul-destroying,' Dungworth said. 'Generally it was a good performance but obviously the game lasts for 93 minutes and we failed to go the distance by conceding three goals today from set-pieces which is criminal really.

'People have not done their jobs. We have practised free-kicks, for and against, the lads get lots of information but can’t carry things out to the final whistle. It is a lack of professionalism, let’s be honest. They can’t see a game out.

'I think it is only two or three key positions that we need.'...

Dungworth opted not to make any substitutes during the game... 'I thought the lads who were on the pitch were doing a job. I didn’t want to make a change for the sake of making a change. I thought we were doing all right.'”

Another fallen giant are Yeovil Town who "fell to a disappointing defeat at Huish Park as Hartlepool United were the 3-1 victors...

Three first half strikes from the visitors built a comfortable advantage for Dave Challinor’s side.

Joe Quigley snatched a lifeline for Town in the dying embers of the first half, but ultimately Town did very little in the search for three points.

It was a youthful looking backline, with Ryan Burke, Morgan Williams, Alex Bradley lining up in defence with Luke Wilkinson offered some experience within the ranks. Adam Smith began in goal.

With Charlie Lee suspended, D’Ath and Albi Skendi were the deeper players in the midfield with Jimmy Smith and Matt Warburton the more attacking options.

There was a new man with the armband as Rhys Murphy captained Town for the first time, he led the line alongside Joe Quigley.

With an attacking line-up on paper, Yeovil did very little to threaten, as Hartlepool set the pace throughout the first half.

It didn’t take long for Hartlepool to strike... with just two minutes on the clock Luke Molynuex turned the ball in at the back post... The Pools eventually added a second on 37 minutes through Gavin Holohan...

With the wind in their sails, Hartlepool extended their advantage on 42 minutes...

As the half came to a close, Quigley offered Town a lifeline in stoppage time. After driving into the box, the Glovers number 19 bundled the ball home to cut the deficit.

Following a frantic first half, the game was played in polarising fashion in the second, with the visitors protecting what they had".

Aldershot Town's "three game unbeaten run came to an end as they narrowly lost 1-0 to Wrexham...

It was a relatively even match, with the home side having the slightly better opportunities...

After starting the second half the stronger, the Shots fell behind to a great strike from Wrexham midfielder Luke Young...

Looking to build on from an impressive run of form, Danny Searle made two changes to the starting lineup with Joseph Hungbo replacing Chike Kandi as Mo Bettamer returned to the starting line-up in place of the suspended Mike Fondop."

The Halifax Courier informs us that "FC Halifax Town boss Pete Wild rued his side's inability to take their chances after The Shaymen lost 2-1 to league leaders Torquay at The Shay.

Jamie Allen scored for Town for the second game running after Asa Hall's opener, but Connor Lemonheigh-Evans struck the winner with seven minutes to go.

'They were better than us, because they took their chances', said Wild... 'I didn't think we were unlucky today, because we didn't take our chances. Only for 20-25 minutes of the game today did I feel like we implemented our plan...

'I just thought the whole game was one-paced first-half. I wasn't happy at half-time, I thought we were poor and I told them, I dug a couple of individuals out who I thought needed to be better.

'Fair play to them, they came out second-half and started implementing the plan, and we scored, and rightly so. Then you think "right, go on then, crack on" but I think too many people were nervous because we'd got back in the game and wanted a point, and too many people switched off and didn't do what was expected of them, which really frustrated me today...

'They're a good side and they've got a lot of players who can dribble and drive... We got let off with the penalty, it was a nailed-on pen, there was no need to make the tackle, he's got to stay on his feet...

'They were ruthless and we weren't... They came here and comprehensively beat us last year, so is there progression? Yeah, miles better progression...

'We look like a good team in spells but then we look like a team that's naive, especially when we get into good areas,' he said...

'I just think that when the ball comes into good areas, and this can be labelled at the whole team, we don't have the ice in the belly to put the ball in the back of the net... You've got to take your chances... We will come good, we will be fine,' he said. 'More than fine. I have no qualms in that area...

'We've had a tough fixture programme... but it'll come'...

On speculation linking him with the managerial vacancy at Chesterfield, Wild said 'I haven't heard anything. It's nice to be linked with jobs, it shows that people can see what we're trying to build at this football club and see the progression this football club's on...

'I've got six months left on my contract here and hopefully the club can see the massive strides we've made at this football club. It's a project and, barring the club not wanting me, the strides we've made are phenomenal and we're here to push them on.'

Wild continues to be frustrated in his search for another striker".

The Eastern Daily Press reports that "Ian Culverhouse was a happy man as King’s Lynn Town moved into the top half of the National League table thanks to a 2-0 home win over Dover Athletic.

A first-half header by Rory McAuley and a penalty near the end by Adam Marriott made it consecutive wins and, importantly, clean sheets for the Linnets, who are now 12th in the table.

While Lynn worked well on the counter-attack in the midweek win at Barnet, it was a case of role reversal as the visitors mounted a rearguard action...

Said Culverhouse, 'I thought our shape was good, they obviously came with a game plan to hit us on the counter and created a couple of good opportunities but I thought we marshalled them quite well'...

McAuley put in another big shift after his midweek efforts at Barnet, and opened the scoring on 43 minutes, heading home Michael Clunan’s perfect corner...

'We don’t score many from set-plays and he attacked it really well,' said Culverhouse. Lynn dominated the first half, but faced a wall of red shirts...

The breakthrough came before half-time and then Marriott wrapped it up from 12 yards after Mitchell had been upended, a foul which resulted in a red card for Ryan Hanson, who was joined after the final whistle blew when manager Andy Hessenthaler was shown a red for dissent.

Culverhouse made two changes to his starting line-up, with Callan-McFadden given his debut ahead of on-loan Danny Lupano, and Sonny Carey coming in for Ryan Jarvis.

Lupano has been on a month’s loan from Hull City but Culverhouse said that would not now be extended.

The Lynn boss also said that striker Michael Gash, who has not played this season since a summer illness, would be on the bench for next Saturday’s big FA Cup second round tie at Portsmouth."

BOREHAM WOOD 0-1 ALTRINCHAM

In a second half of few goal chances, Altrincham scored an 87th minute winner. A long ball forward saw one substitute, Ceesay, chase the ball as goalkeeper Ashmore came to meet him. The ball broke loose behind the keeper and another substitute, McDonald, was on hand to score into an open goal. The win takes Alty up to fourteenth in the table.

Altrincham were without six injured players in Andy White, Sean Williams, Toby Mullarkey, Simon Richman, Dan Mooney and Tom Peers, whilst Yusifu Ceesay was only fit for the bench. Joel Senior returned to start in place of Shaun Densmore whilst, on the bench, Ceesay replaced Curtis Miller.

Match report here .

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Boreham Wood 0-1 Altrincham
• Chesterfield 2-3 Notts County
• FC Halifax Town 1-2 Torquay United
• King's Lynn Town 2-0 Dover Athletic
• Maidenhead United 2-2 Bromley
• Solihull Moors P-P Weymouth
• Stockport County P-P Eastleigh
• Wealdstone v Sutton United, k.o. 5.20pm, on BT Sport
• Woking 4-1 Barnet
• Wrexham 1-0 Aldershot Town
• Yeovil Town 1-3 Hartlepool United

ALTY YOUTH 1-2 PETERBOROUGH UNITED YOUTH

The Posh dominated possession throughout but lacked much incision. The visitors took a 28th minute lead from the penalty spot after a trip by Donachie. But four minutes later Billingsley scored a fine goal from left of the target to make it one apiece.

The Posh again dominated possession in the second half but it took them till the 78th minute to get a second goal. O'Connell lost his marker and nodded in from very close range at the back post from a corner.

In the fifth added minute Alty substitute Morrison volleyed home only for the goal to be ruled out for offside.

Match report here.

BEFORE THE GAME AT BOREHAM WOOD

The Hertfordshire club was only formed in 1948, when Boreham Rovers and the WW2 ex-servicemen's team Royal Retournez merged, to play in the Mid-Hertfordshire League. Three changes of league followed before The Wood won Division Two of the Athenian League in 1969.

They then joined the Isthmian League Division Two. Several promotions and relegations followed before they attained Conference South status. Promotion to the renamed National League came in 2015, since when their league finishes have been up and down but have included both a play-off semi-final and, last season, a play-off final which they lost to Harrogate Town. The Wood are a full-time team.

The match is being streamed by Boreham Wood and access can be acquired here.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Dover Athletic’s 5-1 loss to Woking on Tuesday night took their goals-against tally to 22 from eight league matches but weekend hosts King’s Lynn Town have conceded two more than that.

Manager Andy Hessenthaler picked out some players that failed to do their job against Woking... Hessenthaler said '“We are only eight games in and we are in a relegation battle but there is a long way to go.

'We changed the shape (on Tuesday) but it is not about the shape. We had a strong team out there. It is about defending set plays and crosses, it is not about shapes, it is about making sure your man doesn’t score and we didn’t do it. We have to get some confidence back and we are playing against a team who have conceded more than us, believe it or not. It is going to be an interesting game!

'They had a good result on Tuesday (beating Barnet 2-0) and a good result against Port Vale (beating the League 1 side in the FA Cup first round) but they then shipped five against Sutton (the following week). They will jump on our situation at the moment and we need to get confidence from somewhere. The only way to get confidence is to start winning football matches again'...

With the team conceding an average of three goals a game, it’s proving a tough introduction to first team football for Arsenal’s 18-year-old loan keeper Tom Smith. Hessenthaler said 'He made an error (on Tuesday) in terms of coming out and getting booked and they scored from it but can we help him out? He made a mistake but we need to defend better'...

'Our remit this season is to stay in the division, which is what the chairman said because of the problems highlighted, but I don’t want to just stay in the division, I want to make sure we have a good season'...

Hessenthaler may look to bring in some extra players to help but.... the manager said 'Is there money? I don’t think there is... We all know the budget has been cut, but we have got a budget we have to work to. We have players playing for nothing, the 18-year-old from Arsenal and the boy from Watford (Bayli Spencer-Adams), because the finances are tight, but we have to perform better. That group has to perform better but it is not just the players, we look at ourselves as well.”

Also, Hull City Tigers reports that "Hull City under-23s' midfielder Ryan Hanson has joined National League side Dover Athletic on a one-month loan.

It will be the 19 year-old’s first taste of senior football... The youngster is originally from the area and played for Dover's under-13s in a Kent League tournament prior to joining Crystal Palace, where he spent five years before signing for the Tigers."

According to the Hartlepool Mail "Injury issues have left Pools short of options at the back so far this season, leading Challinor to bring Tyler Magloire in on loan from Blackburn Rovers and extend Ryan Johnson's deal at Victoria Park until the end of the season.

Meanwhile, first-choice centre-back Liddle is set to be out of action until the start of 2021 with a groin injury. The 34-year-old was forced off early into Pools’ 2-1 win at Chesterfield during the opening week of the season. He then returned to play the full 90-minutes in the 6-0 FA Cup win at Ilkeston Town but hasn’t been seen since after what Challinor described as a "freak injury"...

'People will say Lidds shouldn’t have played at Ilkeston but he trained well all week before that game without any issues and said he was fine. If I can’t trust a 34-year-old centre-back who has played 600 league games to tell me he’s fine to play then we'd have a problem, but that’s not the case.

'It was a freak incident inside the first 15-minutes of the game [at Ilkeston] where he went to play a backpass and stumbled. He completed the full game with a grade three tear to his adductor without complaining after the game. He woke up on the Sunday morning and then it came to light.

'There was no pain because if you’ve got almost a rupture, then you’ve got no nerve supply so it’s an absolute freak injury. He’s probably going to be out for another couple of months. Timescale wise it’s a strange one because it’s an injury that has only been seen by one or two percent... Hopefully he’ll have an impact come the new year.”

The Leader Live reports that "Words of advice from his manager paid off and Elliott Durrell hopes his stunning strike against Hartlepool is the first of many more goals for Wrexham this season.

Durrell... scored the only goal as the Reds ended a run of four games without a win by beating Pools 1-0... Durrell... found the top corner of the net from just outside the area. It was a result of doing what Reds’ boss Dean Keates has been telling him to do when he isn’t in possession as Durrell, lining up on the left flank, ran inside anticipating a second ball.

'That’s where I find my strength is, coming in off the line,' said Durrell. 'Credit to the gaffer, he has been telling me for weeks and weeks to just keep gambling inside. He said "I want you picking up those second balls in that area where I know that you have got the quality to score"...

'When you score a goal like that, it is always one to savour... When you come back to a club of this stature, it is important to get your first goal and thankfully it has come', said Durrell...

Durrell struck in the 54th minute... and the Reds held on for victory after soaking up a lot of late pressure from the home side.

'We stood strong and we were resolute,' said Durrell... 'We had to batten down the hatches and defend, and we did that to a man'.

Wrexham suffered three successive defeats before drawing 0-0 with Barnet on October 27... Durrell was delighted to end the winless run".

The Eastern Daily Press confirms that 'King’s Lynn Town have confirmed the signing of former Norwich City youth team player Kyle Callan-McFadden.

The Linnets have been granted international clearance for the 25-year-old, who will go straight into the squad for Lynn’s National League home game against Dover Athletic on Saturday. Callan-McFadden... has been a long-time target for Linnets boss Ian Culverhouse.

The defender, who has just left League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers, watched the Linnets win at Barnet in midweek, having warmed up with the squad prior to kick-off."

According to Liam Norcliffe in the Derbyshire Times "Chesterfield need experience;now is not the time to take a risk on an unproven manager...

The club is searching for its eighth permanent boss since Paul Cook left in 2015 and the community trust is already having to make its second managerial appointment after just three months in charge...

They need a steady, safe pair of hands who can keep them in the division and get them pointing in the right direction ready for next year’s clear-out with every player out of contract... To play attacking and expansive football, would be great but the current squad, in my opinion, is not capable of it...

The Blues need someone who can hit the ground running, someone who already knows the league and can bring in players he can trust and rely on to do a job at this level... I think Tim Flowers or Paul Hurst would be up there...

I am led to believe that interviews will take place next week with the hope of making an appointment ahead of three crucial games against teams who are down there with Town in Weymouth, Aldershot and Dover".

BUILDBASE FA TROPHY

• First Round Proper – Tuesday 8 December as the default date. Any postponed matches would need to be rescheduled within the five-day Postponement Window (i.e. on or before Sunday 13 December).
• Second Round Proper – Tuesday 15 December as the default date. Any postponed matches must be rescheduled within the five-day Postponement Window (i.e. on or before Sunday 20 December).
• Third Round Proper – Saturday 19 December as the default date. Any postponed matches must be rescheduled within the five-day Postponement Window (i.e. on or before Thursday 24 December).

TOM's 15OTH

After Shaun Densmore, Jake Moult and Simon Richman, Tom (32) is the fourth most senior player at Altrincham, having joined on 23 May 2016 from AFC Fylde, where he had been the team captain. Earlier, Tom had joined AFC Fylde in summer 2014 from Vauxhall Motors who were then in Conference North. Before that Tom had been released by Tranmere Rovers, aged 16, and then studied for ‘A’ levels before completing a degree at Hallam University.

Right: Tom Hannigan (right) and Connor Hampson (left) in action.

He made his Altrincham debut on 6 August 2016 at home to Darlington but he picked up a knee medial ligament injury in only his second competitive game and was ruled out for a substantial period, making just 19 appearances (all starts) in his inaugural season. His season was further disrupted by suspension and another injury, in Spring 2017, which prematurely terminated his season.

However, he recovered to start the 2017-18 campaign and put in some assured performances before injury again sidelined him in late October 2017. He doubled his appearances, this time making 38 in all competitions in 2017-18.

2018-19 saw him again as first-choice left-sided centre-back, a role he continued to execute with a consistently good showing in 44 games. Last season (2019-20) saw him amass a further 40 appearances and this campaign (2020-21) he has added a further eight appearances.

SORVEL PLEASED

CHESTERFIELD GAME: TV HIGHLIGHTS

FA YOUTH CUP

Like Altrincham, Peterborough United are aiming to reach the Third Round of the FA Youth Cup for the first time. A brief interview with The Posh's youth team coach Matty Etherington is on their twitter account.

Although they won their First Round match against Newmarket Town 7-2, the scores were level before the start of extra time.

ALTY v BOREHAM WOOD COINCIDENCE

And another similarity between the 2015 and 2020 games is that Altrincham had seven players unable to start their most recent game (v. Chesterfield) through injury and that was precisely the case, in 2015, when Altrincham travelled to Boreham Wood.

Alty first encountered Boreham Wood in The Wood's first season in the top flight of non-League football, the club having achieved its third promotiuon of the millennium to reach that level from the Isthmian League. Despite their recent arrival at the national level, The Wood were already a full-time side.

In the 2015 clash at the JDS, Boreham Wood could count themselves unfortunate not to have taken something from a game in which the BBC statistics showed that they won the corner count 12-3 and the shots tally by 15 to 6. After a poor first-half showing from Altrincham, the hosts were fortunate to reach the interval on level terms.

Above: Alty were on the back foot for much of the first half in the 2015 game; here all eleven men defend a Boreham Wood freekick.

Boreham Wood had hit the woodwork twice in the first 45 minutes. Things only really improved for the hosts with the 59th minute introduction of Nicky Clee. It was he who got the 76th minute winner after Michael Rankine, who had just been brought on from the bench, had cut the ball back to him.

Simon Richman was named Man of the Match and the three points lifted Alty off 19th place for the first time in two and a half months, up to 17th.

Just 27 fans were in the away end for the game in 2015 for what was the reverse fixture in that season, with Alty also having won the away game 1-0.

ALTRINCHAM: 17. Tim DEASY, 20. Jordan SINNOTT, 6. Scott LEATHER, 12. Sam HEATHCOTE, 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT (capt), 8. Simon RICHMAN, 14. Josh O'KEEFE, 18. George BOWERMAN, 19. Ryan CROWTHER, 10. Damian REEVES. Subs: 5. Luca HAVERN, 7. James LAWRIE, 9. Michael RANKINE, 11. Nicky CLEE, 23. Callum WILLIAMS.

Since 2015/16 when Borehamwood flirted with relegation, as Alty went down, they have had a yo-yo sequence in the National League. 2016-17 saw them finish eleventh, before in 2017-18 they finished fourth. They went on to the Wembley play-off final but lost out to Tranmere Rovers.

But 2018/19 resulted in a 20th placed finish before a fifth-placed position earned them another tilt at the play offs where they lost in a semi-final to Harrogate Town.

On their first visit to Boreham Wood in September 2015, Altrincham gained their first away win and first clean sheet of the 2015-16 season but should have done so with a clearer margin than Michael Rankine's early penalty in the ninth minute.

Above: In the 2015 match at Boreham Wood, Alty are seen defending a corner in the first half.

The goal arrived when Ryan Crowther was upended, left of goal. After that Alty's best period was in the second half when a succession of four corners went unrewarded. A Rankine header hit the bar and a long shot from Jake Moult was only just saved by Russell.

ALTRINCHAM: 17. Tim DEASY, 6. Scott LEATHER, 22. Andrew PARRY, 5. Luca HAVERN (capt), 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 7. James LAWRIE, 20. Jordan SINNOTT, 19. Ryan CROWTHER, 9. Michael RANKINE. Subs: 10. Damian REEVES, 18. George BOWERMAN, 12. Sam HEATHCOTE, 14. Josh O'KEEFE, 24. Rhain DAVIS.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

With the Terras being one of the few part-time outfits in the Vanarama National League, the squad cannot operate within an exclusive bubble. Several players have jobs outside of football, heightening the risk of transmission.

On Monday, Weymouth returned to training after completing the mandatory self-isolation period enforced by league officials. Players were split into groups of six for that session but Maitland feels a second outbreak is a genuine threat. He told Echosport 'Covid’s not going anywhere. We’ve got to find a way to be able to live our lives and get back to whatever the new normal is... We’ve used this time to review our policies and protocols we have in place.

'We’ve had meetings with management and board level to discuss how we can tighten up, try and improve, find a way forward and make certain changes to the way we’re going to do things...

'You’ve only got to look across the leagues to see there’s a fair amount of games called off due to Covid. We’ve lost Solihull on Saturday as well. It’s not a Weymouth problem, it’s a national problem. How we’ll fare going forward is anybody’s guess. I think it’s important we try to find a way to play games if we can'...

Weymouth return to action at home to Chesterfield on Saturday, November 28."

At Chesterfield, Phil Tooley writes that "A departing manager is always a sad thing when it’s your club... The disappointment is amplified because ‘Pembo’ [Pemberton] is a good bloke, the sort of person you want to succeed, not just selfishly because it’s your club, but because you know the person tries to do things right and deserves the rub of the green...

As the last person to interview him after the loss at Altrincham, it was plain to see he was hurting and wondering just what he needed to do to turn things around. He was genuinely disappointed because he’s a genuine man.

He told me 'When we get in the heat of the battle, we can’t quite see it out and that’s a difficult one to take because we can see it, we know what the problem is and we work on it, we just can’t seem to get to grips with it. We’ve been in every game this season, competitive in every game but we can’t put teams away when we’re having our best periods and when we’re not at our best, we get punished.' It summed up the Spireites’ eight games in the National League this season pretty well.

For caretaker John Dungworth and the person that eventually takes over, it’s clear that the team’s problems this season are at the defensive end of the park. In attack, the team has scored in every National League game, only leaders Torquay United and fifth-placed Eastleigh can also claim to have achieved that.

In the eight games in the competition to date, Chesterfield have scored first, always a target for every manager, six times, but against Hartlepool United, Wealdstone, Maidenhead United and now Altrincham, that ultimately meant little as the team was unable to capitalise on the advantage and ended the games with no points...

Altrincham’s late winner had the scorer running free from deep, something you would want and expect to see covered from players in front of the final three...

On other matters, fans will have been surprised to see the name of Corey Addai on the team sheet at Moss Lane. With Kyle Letheren calling in sick, the club had to pull out the stops to get the big keeper in on loan from Barnsley. The 23-year-old former Arsenal youth player had been at Coventry City and had loan spells out with the likes of Mickleover Sports, AFC Telford United and Dulwich Hamlet, for whom he scored a dramatic last gasp winner direct from a free-kick in his own half against Brentwood Town in a cup game...

Addai had precious little to do; he had no chance with any of the goals, whilst his opposite number Tony Thompson made a couple of fine saves to deny Chesterfield. Scott Boden and Jordan Cropper’s goals were both well worked and deserved more".

According to the Leader Live, "Dean Keates is keeping his Wrexham squad grounded despite the fact they will soon be playing for a club owned by two Hollywood A-listers... Actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney... should take control at The Racecourse in the next few weeks...

Wrexham secured a hard-fought 1-0 win at Hartlepool and Keates felt his players have showed [sic] they will not be affected by what is happening around them amid huge interest in the Reds from around the world.

'It has been a great 48 hours for the club and the history, and we have started off the next chapter with a 1-0 win,' said Keates.

When asked if off-field distractions could have had an impact, Keates added 'No, because it has not got into the group that much'".

The Dorset Echo reports that "National League clubs, including Weymouth, will receive a slice of £11m as part of a £300m government cash boost for hard-hit sports during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Dorchester Town, Portland United and Bridport will also receive a share of the £14m pledged to clubs in Steps 3 to 6 of the National League System.

The Department of Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) today [Thursday] unveiled the huge injection of funds in the House of Commons.

Eleven major spectator sports will benefit, which largely comes in the form of loans... National League teams at Steps 1 and 2, which has already benefited from £10m in National Lottery funding to assist through to the end of 2020, will receive a further £11m to cover the period between January and the end of March.

Steps 3 to 6 of the pyramid will receive £14m...

The package does not cover men’s professional football, despite the well-documented financial difficulties of EFL clubs. That is because the Government expects the Premier League to provide financial support. Negotiations continue over a rescue package from the top flight to support the 72 clubs in the three divisions below...

The final amount received by each sport or organisation may ultimately differ from the amounts which have been set out initially when final decisions are made by an independent decision-making board, and supported by Sport England".

NEXT OPPONENTS: BOREHAM WOOD

The Wood currently lie fifteenth in the National League, one place ahead of Altrincham, with the same number of points but from one fewer fixture.

And in 2020 Boreham Wood report that last Tuesday "In a match that had more endeavour than quality, Boreham Wood secured another hard fought 1-1 draw away from home with the help of a wonder strike from our very own Sorba Thomas.

Boreham Wood were unchanged from Saturday’s encounter at league leaders Torquay United with Tshimanga perhaps surprisingly fit enough to start alongside Matt Rhead upfront after departing Saturday’s fixture prematurely after 20-minutes with a suspected hamstring strain. The visitors had the better of the first half and got off to a perfect start after 5-minutes when an excellent pass by Mingoia picked out Sorba Thomas on the left. He then cut inside and unleashed a ferocious strike beyond Mark Cousins in the Bromley goal. This was surely the best goal of Thomas’s career and shows exactly what he is capable of.

The match was then stopped for 5-minutes due to a worrying head injury to Bromley’s Joe Kizzi. Fortunately for the hosts, the right back was able to continue after some heavy strapping.

Despite Boreham Wood’s territorial dominance, Bromley had the next clear cut chance... Soon afterwards, Wood might have doubled their lead when a Sorba Thomas cross was turned into his own net by Chris Bush but the referee had already blown up for a foul on Matt Rhead after initially playing on...

Just as it looked like Boreham Wood would go into the break with a deserved 1-0 lead, Bromley equalised. A deep Frankie Raymond free kick cannoned off Tom Champion straight into the path of Michael Cheek who bravely out jumped Nathan Ashmore to restore parity, resulting in a 1-1 scoreline going into the break.

Buoyed by the late first half goal, Bromley were vastly improved in the second half... The visitors brought on Dave Stephens after 62-minutes to play in an unfamiliar midfield role alongside Gus Mafuta. This released the dangerous Sorba Thomas from his left wingback position to create havoc further forward..

Sorba Thomas again was fantastic, his running and probing was a constant menace to the Bromley backline and his goal was out of this world. This was another hard-fought point on the road for Boreham Wood, while they dominated in the first half, Bromley were the better side after the break. Overall a fair point...

Boreham Wood: Ashmore, Smith, Thomas, Fyfield, Champion, Ilesanmi, McDonnell (Stephens 62), Mafuta, Rhead, Tshimanga, Mingoia. Subs not used: Woodards, Huddart, Francis-Angol, Coulthirst".

CHESTERFIELD BOSS GOES

'John came in and did an impressive job during two spells as caretaker manager, prompting us to hand him the role on a permanent basis. Unfortunately, results have not gone as we all expected this season, leading to a change of manager being required....

'The search for a new manager is now underway and I have no doubt that there will be a number of strong candidates'".

The chairman added "Defeat at Altrincham was bitterly disappointing and we all share the frustration voiced by supporters after being edged out in a number of games this season after taking the lead and creating numerous chances...

We can confirm that the new manager will be provided with the necessary funds to strengthen the squad, which is seen as a priority".

It was later "confirmed that John Dungworth will act as caretaker manager following the departure of John Pemberton.

Dungworth, who returned to the club in pre-season to assist Pemberton after a previous spell as an academy coach, will take training on Thursday and be in charge on Saturday when the Spireites face Notts County".

Before the above news broke, the Derbyshire Times told us that manager "John Pemberton said he takes ‘full responsibility’ for Chesterfield’s poor start to the season and admitted it is ‘not good enough’.

The Spireites crashed to 3-2 defeat at Altrincham on Tuesday night and are now third bottom of the National League after losing six of their opening eight games. Speaking after the defeat to Altrincham, Pemberton said 'I am disappointed with the result. We had enough chances to win the game but that is the way it has gone for us.

'I am disappointed full stop with what is happening but I have to take full responsibility. It is down to me, it has not been good enough, I accept that. We have won two games and we have not been good enough and I am the manager...

'I have to sit down and think about where it is going... and I have to take whatever criticism I am going to get which is understandable'...

Chesterfield went ahead through Scott Boden’s 13th minute header, but the hosts equalised after half an hour when Fisayo Adarabioyo took advantage of a defensive mistake. Josh Hancock put the hosts ahead from the penalty spot in the second half, but Jordan Cropper equalised a minute later from distance.

But it was late heartbreak for the Spireites again when Hancock grabbed the winner in the 89th minute.

'We are working hard, I think you can see that, we have created enough chances but we have not been good enough and it is a poor result,' Pemberton said... 'They don’t like losing that is for sure but it is a difficult one. It is something that has been part of this group for a little while and it is very difficult to take the shackles off it.

'It is a game that we could have quite easy been two or three up [in], but we haven’t and again it is defensive frailties that have let us down.'”

ALTRINCHAM OLD BOYS

Elliott Durrell netted the only goal as Wrexham won at Hartlepool, whilst Elliot Newby scored for Chorley as they secured their first win of the season.

Owen Dale scored the winner for Crewe Alexandra, but Jordan Hulme was only an eightieth minute substitute for AFC Fylde, who lost.

ON THIS DAY: 19 November

Traffic problems caused James Jones to be delayed on his way to the match so Toby Mullarkey took over in central defence, alongside Tom Hannigan who had recovered from the back spasm which had seen him substituted in the previous match, against Hereford.

Right: Toby Mullarkey is congratulated on his goal.

Lying eighteenth at kick off Altrincham looked improbable bets for the promotion that they eventually achieved at the end of the season.

The turnaround in fortunes was helped by a win against The Heed secured via a fine performance, which secured a surprisingly comfortable 3-0 victory over a Gateshead side which had only let in twelve goals in its previous 1eague games this season. Goalkeeper Tony Thompson was making his 100th appearance.

Altrincham took a 23rd minute lead and, as on the previous Saturday, it was a centre-back who opened their account. Lees's armlock on Hulme gave Alty a freekick left of centre. A Gateshead attempt to clear only resulted in the ball looping across to an unmarked Toby Mullarkey in the goalmouth and he coolly slotted the ball past James, the visitors' keeper, from close range.

The second goal, again mirroring the previous Saturday, was netted as then by Jordan Hulme, who was played in by a superb ball up the middle from Williams and he coolly slotted the ball, low, past the advancing keeper (39 mins).

Gateshead started the second half with a much better tempo than they had shown before the interval but it was Alty who were to score again. Shaun Densmore, in yet another echo of the win over Hereford last time out, burst into the penalty area but, whereas he had scored last time out, this time he was brought down. From the resulting spot-kick, Josh Hancock hammered the ball into the upper reaches of the net (55 mins).

The win lifted Alty to fifteenth with a game or more in hand on most of the rest of the division.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 3. Andy WHITE, 4. Toby MULLARKEY, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Sean WILLIAMS, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 11. Luke WALL. Subs: 12. Max HARROP, 14. Simon RICHMAN, 15. Connor HAMPSON, 16. James JONES, 20. Joel TORRANCE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

New signing Mike Fondop was sent off in the later stages of the game after confrontations from both sets of players but the hosts held on for an all-important point.

Looking to build on from Saturday’s win against Altrincham FC, Danny Searle made one change to the starting lineup as newly recruited Joseph Hungbo made way for Chike Kandi. Mo Bettamer returned to the squad from international duty after scoring on his debut for Libya against Equatorial Guinea...

All the pressure was coming from Aldershot as Maidenhead were struggling to create chances... The momentum of Aldershot was paused when Dan Sparkes had to be treated after pulling a muscle when running after the ball. Sparkes was replaced immediately by substitute Josh Coley...

The game began to get feisty and the first big decision of the game came late into the second-half as a bundle for the ball on the ground caused confrontations amongst both sets of players and Fondop was controversially sent off with Maidenhead defender Manny Parry avoiding the same punishment with a yellow card.

Panayiotou had a chance to give 10 men Aldershot the lead but he could only fire narrowly wide... Late pressure from Maidenhead wasn’t enough as the defence of Aldershot stayed resolute for the point despite being down to 10 men.

As well as Maidenhead, Alty also play Bromley in the near future and the Kent club was facing Alty's next opponents Boreham Wood on Tuesday night in a match where "A brave Michael Cheek header was not enough for The Ravens as they drew against visitors, Boreham Wood, 1-1 at Hayes Lane...

It was the visitors who took the lead in quite some style. Piero Mingoia passed the ball to Sorba Thomas, the midfielder cut inside and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the top corner leaving Mark Cousins with no chance.

Bromley threatened to come back into the game soon after... With minutes remaining of the first half, Cheek scored his 6th goal of the season to level things up. The striker bravely got on the end of a deflected Frankie Raymond free kick heading into the net whilst colliding in the aftermath with Boreham Wood goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore.

The second half kicked off, with both teams putting in a number of physical challenges. A cagey affair to say the least... With less Than 20 minutes remaining, James Alabi pounced on mistake by the Boreham Wood defence, only to shoot wide after further pressure from the opposition backline."

"Goals at each end of game settled the score as FC Halifax Town drew 1-1 against Notts County at the Shay.

The visitors opened the scoring on the 6th minute as a through ball found Elisha Sam. A very good touch allowed him to slot it past Sam Johnson to make it 1-0...

After a relatively slow start to the second half, Halifax came close in the 72nd minute. A Summerfield shot was well blocked and it fell to substitute Gevaro Nepomuceno. He fired a curling shot towards goal but the visitors blocked it for a corner..

10 minutes from time and Notts County should have had the game wrapped up. A great through ball found substitute Callum Roberts but he could only drag his shot wide..

Deep into added time and Town had their equaliser. Jamie Allen raced through on goal and despite Slocombe getting a hand to it, the keeper could not stop it going into the back of the net.

The results sees the Shaymen climb to 18th. Meanwhile Notts County remain 12th".

At Eastleigh, "Rather late goals from Cav Miley and Sam Smart were the ingredients to a relentless win from Eastleigh, as they defeated visitors Wealdstone by 2-0.

The 2-0 triumph succeeded a lack of serious chances on goal, where the deadlock was finally broken by Miley at the 67th minute and Smart would confirm the celebrations in injury time...

Ben Strevens’s men proved [?demonstrated] an increase in aggression and pressure towards the end of the first half, however, the score remained level as both sides went into the dressing rooms...

Miley was waiting in the box as House fought hard to keep the ball and cut it back and, after a deflection, the Eastleigh midfielder capitalised to open the scoring...

Ryan Hill took scorer Miley’s place at the 80th minute. The substitute set Sam Smart in front of goal with an astounding counter attack, as the Spitfires doubled the lead in injury time.

A late red card for Michael Green, a second yellow for kicking the ball away, wasn’t enough to dampen the spirits of the Spitfires with another three points secured".

Weymouth "boss Brian Stock admitted playing Yeovil Town a day after completing self-isolation from Covid-19 would have been an 'impossible task'.

Substantial numbers of the Terras’ squad and backroom staff contracted the virus in the days after a 2-1 win at Stockport on Saturday, October 31. Players were given fitness regimes during the mandatory self-isolation period set by the National League. However, Stock revealed some were so ill they had struggled to get out of bed.

'The game couldn’t have gone ahead, full stop,' he told Echosport. 'When you look at the amount of players that were affected with the virus, it wasn’t that we had to isolate because a friend of a friend was in contact. (Weymouth could not play) until you understand how much that can take out of your system and body; we were going to play without being able to train...

'We’re in an elite league and we’re expected to perform at a high level with the intensity that’s required. It was almost an impossible task for the players to give everything they’ve got. It made sense to cancel the game. It’s not just a game of football. You’ve got to think of the staff and their families’ wellbeing.'"

According to Kent Online, "National League directors have hit back at a group of clubs calling for chairman Brian Barwick to resign.

Nine clubs said Barwick should step down in a row over the distribution of a National Lottery bail-out - Maidstone United among them.

But league directors, including Dover Athletic chairman Jim Parmenter, say the group of nine have 'brought our competition into disrepute'...

The group of nine* called for Barwick’s head after appealing for an independent review into the allocation of the £10 million bail-out which has left some clubs with serious shortfalls in their budgets. Funding was initially due to be distributed based on lost gate revenue but the league instead choose a different model, taking other factors into account.

The group of nine said there were conflicts of interest at board level but the directors refute those claims. 'We had to work quickly to ensure that money was in place and ensure the survival of many of our member clubs,' said the directors, in open letter to the Non-League Paper.

'We had to work equally quickly to work out a methodology of distribution to ensure that clubs in need received the monies without delay. The great majority of our clubs have expressed their gratitude for what is, to date, a unique funding package in football.

'Over the past few weeks, some nine or ten clubs have expressed their dissatisfaction with what they actually received without seeming to recognise or acknowledge that the great majority of clubs were perfectly satisfied with their distribution...

'What we have received is a regular diatribe of criticism from this small section of clubs which has, at times, been positively defamatory and has never been less than ungrateful and self-serving. This has now culminated in those clubs currently publicly demanding the resignation of our long-serving chairman, Brian Barwick and previously in statements, emails, and blogs that of our even longer-serving vice-chairman, Jack Pearce.

'Both are well-respected figures in the world of football with unblemished reputations of the highest level. These clubs who are now 'demanding' this action simply, as we continue to maintain, do not represent the views of the majority of the clubs and certainly do not represent the views of the board which continues to have the utmost faith, confidence, and respect for those two officers.

'These clubs have not only brought our competition into disrepute but have severely hurt two individuals who have worked tirelessly and ceaselessly throughout the pandemic for the greater good with amazing results. As these clubs well know there are proper ways to air complaints and issues within our rules and yet they have sought to circumvent those rules by their unreasonable demands and personal attacks...

'Tempting though it has been for us as a board, who have been libelled as a group and in some cases individually, to resort to legal action, we have for the moment kept our counsel, taken all the criticism on the chin, and simply battled on to seek to ensure that this funding is renewed after the initial period. Not one of our critics has offered to assist us, merely to criticise us, sometimes in the vilest of terms'".

*Footnote. The nine clubs in question are AFC Fylde, Telford, Chester FC, Dulwich Hamlet, Hereford FC, Kidderminster Harriers, Maidstone, Dorking and Chesterfield, who all believe they should have received a larger proportion of the money.

DOING BETTER

In 2015-16 Altrincham were never above 17th throughout the season. So you have to go back to April 2015 when Alty lay fifteenth, before completing the season in 17th place, to find the club in a higher league position.

Of course it is the case that Alty have played more league games than most clubs this season, so far, but hopefully they can maintain their league placing in the coming weeks as other teams catch up on their fixtures.

ALTRINCHAM 3-2 CHESTERFIELD

Right: Josh Hancock is congratulated on the winning goal by his team-mates.

Alistair Smith, the recently signed loanee from Mansfield, made his first start.

Chesterfield took a 14th minute lead following a needlessly conceded corner, which led to an immediate second corner. Although the second corner was half-cleared, a deep ball from the right was relayed back from the byline by Denton to a team-mate on the left, whose long diagonal ball to the right was nodded back across the penalty area by Maguire for Boden to head in at the back post.

However, Alty rallied and Kosylo fed Adarabioyo who finished coolly (30 mins) from 12 yards or so. The goal boosted Alty and, indeed, they had the ball in the net again, five minutes later, but Dales was ruled to be marginally offside. So at half-time it was one apiece.

Alty took the lead thanks to a slightly dubious penalty as loanee Alistair Smith went down in the box. Hancock converted the spot kick (62 mins) but Alty were ahead for fewer than 60 seconds as Cropper drilled in a fine goal from wide on the right to level the score.

A couple of excellent saves from Thompson kept the visitors out but in the 89th minute Alty put together a fine goal. More than half a dozen passes culminated in a clever dummy by Kosylo which let in Hancock to slide the ball past the keeper and make it 3-2.

Despite more than four added minutes Altrincham comfortably held on to record their first home win of the season, and move up to sixteenth, albeit having played more games than all of the teams below them. For Chesterfield it was yet anoother case of being unable to captalise on a lead.

Match report here

NEXT: BOREHAM WOOD v ALTRINCHAM

ALTY OLD BOY: DUNCAN JOINS MIDDLESBROUGH

The 26 year-old left the Black Cats in the summer after making 71 league appearances for the club.

Right: Duncan Watmore in his Alty days.

He had been training with Neil Warnock's side for a number of weeks and could now make his debut against Norwich City on Saturday...

The 26 year-old has signed an initial contract until mid-January... 'I’m ever so pleased we’ve been able to get him on board', said the Boro boss. 'He’s done very well in training and he’s a smashing lad. He fits in really well in the dressing-room and I’m hoping that he can give us a bit of something different.

'It’s only a short-term contract and it’s up to him to show us that he deserves a longer one.'”

Only recently former a popular former loanee at Alty, Ryan Shotton, left Middlesbrough, so Duncan's arrival on Tesside renews that link with Altrincham

ON THIS DAY: 18 November

Simon Richman was available before starting a three-match ban, but Josh Amis had gone on loan to Colne, where he has joined Sean Miller. Also unavailable were Laurence Taylor and Tom Hannigan, who were both with the Reserves. In addition, John Disney and Lewis Short remained sidelined by injury, but Josh Hancock was fit after being rested in midweek with a minor knock.

Joel Bembo-Leta moved to the bench as Shaun Densmore came in at right-back.

Altrincham cruised into a 3-0 lead inside eleven minutes at Coles Lane but wasteful second-half finishing limited the visitors to only one more goal after the interval.

Above left, Alty players prepare for the corner from which James Jones (no.4) was to score their second goal at Sutton Coldfield. Behind the goal, Altrincham's good level of travelling support helped the Royals to their largest home gate of the season, so far. Above, right, Tony Thompson takes a drink as Sutton Coldfield's excellent band serenades him with a rendition of "La Cucaracha"!

Sutton Coldfield's Tim Lloyd also has some excellent images, to be found here. Hulme turned smartly to open the scoring in the second minute with a less than full-blooded shot which, nevertheless, beat the keeper. And he then won the ball which led to a corner from which James Jones headed in, after a knock-on, to make it 2-0 in the 9th minute.

Next, from Densmore's freekick from the wide right, 50 yards out, Moult headed home a third goal two minutes later.

Alty spurned several further chances in the second half with Hulme losing out on three occasions when put through on goal before he finally added a fourth, nine minutes from time from Johnston's feed. Late on the Royals hit the post and in the closing stages Thompson produced a fine block from close range as he was tested for the first time in the match.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. James JONES, 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. James POOLE, 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs 12. Tom PEERS, 14. Max HARROP, 15. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 16. Mason WALSH, 17. Sam SHERIDAN.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

It’s been a slightly disappointing start to the season for Dagenham, who come in to the game in 16th place in the table, having won two of their seven games, at home to Wealdstone and last week by the only goal of the game at Boreham Wood, and for a side that added Paul McCallum and Darren McQueen to their squad during the summer a total of four goals from those seven games will have been a disappointment. McQueen is another former Sutton player who impressed for Dartford in National League South last season.

Sutton moved up to third place on Saturday with an impressive victory over King’s Lynn, and should be at full strength with Ben Wyatt likely to be available after missing Saturday’s game through injury."

Also before Tuesday's games, King’s Lynn Town reported on their "trip back to London to take on Barnet at The Hive. The Linnets will be looking for a reaction after Saturday’s disappointing result in south London against Sutton United. The Bees will also be looking to turn their form around after they lost 3-1 at home to Bromley.

Both teams are currently on seven points with the home team having two games in-hand. The London side will be looking to JJ Hooper to help them secure the win. Hooper has three goals in five games for The Bees.

Lynn were on a small winning streak after a late comeback against Woking on Halloween and then our historic win away against League Two Port Vale in the FA Cup but were brought back down to earth after our defeat against Sutton. Barnet have not won a league game in over a month; however; in that time; they have won two FA Cup ties including a big win over League One Burton Albion at The Hive...

Jordan Richards is a doubt after picking up a knock on his knee which kept him out of Saturday’s game against Sutton. Aaron Jones is also still a doubt as he is recovering from his knock. Michael Gash is in training but is still unavailable for first team action as he works his way to match fitness after his illness."

On Tuesday, Hartlepool United reported that "as Wrexham head to The Vic, Dave Challinor’s side are coming off the back of a 45-minute display at Eastleigh where the treacherous conditions forced the referee to abandon the game...

Pools may have had a hectic schedule recently but it has been the exact opposite for Wrexham who will have waited 20 days to play in a league fixture as their last tie ended in 0-0 home draw to Barnet on the 27th October... In all competitions, the North Wales side have only won 1 out of their last 5 games...

This will be the 110th meeting between the two teams with Pools being victorious in the tie last season, a 4-2 win at The Vic last August".

On Tuesday, FC Halifax Town awaited "the visit of Notts County to the Shay Stadium...

Town lost 1-0 to Wealdstone last Tuesday night and finished the game with 9 men following the red cards for Jeff King early in the game and Danny Williams for a second bookable offence near the end of the game.

Our game with Solihull was postponed at the weekend due to Covid19 in their camp...

Notts County have also been hit with covid postponements in recent weeks and their last game was a 1-0 defeat away at Aldershot Town on the 7th November...

Their top goalscorer is former Town loanee Kyle Wootton with four goals in 6 appearances so far"

Meanwhile, Eastleigh met Wealdstone on Tuesday and before kick-off "Ben Strevens’s side remained just inside the play-off places in seventh, despite having their game against Hartlepool abandoned at half-time due to poor weather on Saturday evening.

After the Wealdstone fixture, the Spitfires will not take to the pitch again until 1st December when they make the trip to the South-West to face Yeovil Town.

The Silverlake side were due to face Stockport County this weekend but Jim Gannon’s side have been subject to multiple positive COVID tests. Also, the home fixture against King’s Lynn has also been postponed due to the Linnets’ continued involvement in the FA Cup.

However, there is positive news on the injury front as defender Joe Partington could make a return to the match day squad, having not featured since the FA Cup tie against Weston Super-Mare on 24th October.

Abdulai Baggie is also closing in on a return to full fitness after taking part in some individual training.

Wealdstone... currently sit second in the National League table, with 16 points from their opening eight games, and are full of momentum having won their last five league fixtures in a row"

MIDWEEK GAMES

• Aldershot Town 0-0 Maidenhead United
• Altrincham 3-2 Chesterfield
• Barnet 0-2 King's Lynn Town
• Bromley 1-1 Boreham Wood
• Dover Athletic 1-5 Woking
• Eastleigh 2-0 Wealdstone
• FC Halifax Town 1-1 Notts County
• Hartlepool United 0-1 Wrexham
• Sutton United 1-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Torquay United P-P Solihull Moors [Covid at Solihull]
• Weymouth P-P Yeovil Town [Covid at Weymouth]

BEFORE KICK-OFF

However, Nathan Tyson is still ruled out after the hamstring injury he suffered against Stockport County in the FA Cup.

John Pemberton [manager, said] 'I think we’ve been competitive with every team. If we get a run going, we’re a totally different team. We’ve got to kick on and get a win as soon as we can. We can put a run together; it’s just about getting going.'”

FOLLOWING THE GAME: ALTRINCHAM v CHESTERFIELD

Alty TV will be streaming the game and details of the procedure for gaining access are on the Altrincham FC website.

Otherwise you can listen to the game via Radio Robins.

NEXT VISITORS: CHESTERFIELD

Both sides go into this game on six points, with the visitors having played one fewer game. Both sides will start the match after a poor run of recent results; Chesterfield lie 21st in the form guide with just one win from their last five games, the other four games being defeats. Meanwhile, Alty have lost their last three league matches, and lie eighteenth in the form guide.

Altrincham will be hoping that one or two of their (at least) seven-strong pre-match injury list are fit to play tonight. The seven in question are Sean Williams, Toby Mullarkey, Simon Richman, Andy White, Ritchie Sutton, Yusifu Ceesay and Daniel Mooney, with an eighth man, Josh Hancock, also having taken a knock which might have accounted for his reduction to the bench last Saturday.

The visitors have a smaller but not negligible injury problem themselves as the Derbyshire Times reports that "Chesterfield have made some enquiries about bringing in a striker to replace the injured Nathan Tyson.

Tyson is set to be out for a couple of weeks with a hamstring injury he suffered in the replayed FA Cup tie against Stockport County. The Spireites boss is keen to bring someone in who would strengthen the starting line-up rather than just be a squad player....

Pemberton told the DT 'We are looking and we have made some enquiries and seeing what is available. I don’t want arguably another squad member. I want someone who is capable of coming in and being a threat when we need him... It won’t be a permanent signing. I don’t think the right one would be available at this moment in time for a permanent signing, unless someone has got a huge squad and they are trying to get rid of someone. I would have thought it will be a loan signing at the moment if we can do it.'

In the meantime, Pemberton has Tom Denton, Scott Boden, Luke Rawson and Alex Kiwomya to choose from and the Blues' manager was happy with how his front two played against Maidenhead United on Saturday.

'I felt Denton and Boden played well the first half,' Pemberton added. 'Second half was a little bit tougher for them. I thought Maidenhead marked Denton really well. They made it very difficult for him which then made it very difficult for Boden.'"

SATURDAY HIGHLIGHTS

ON THIS DAY: 17 November

As a result of Max Harrop's fifth yellow card in Altrincham's game at Chester the previous week, the midfielder was suspended for this match. Into his place came Simon Richman, with the other ten starters unchanged.

Just as has been the case recently in 2020, the Alty bench for the 2018 match was also looking very thin. With Poole, Harrison and Williams unavailable through injury or recuperation, Shaun Densmore was the sole outfield player on the bench who had ever played for Alty's first-team.

In addition to substitute keeper Elliot Wynne, the other three occupants of the 2018 bench (Mantack, Scott and Langley) were all new signings made in the previous fortnight.

Another common factor between 2018 and last Saturday's game was that the referee for the York match in 2018 was Mr Kitchen, who coincidentally was the same man who reffed Alty's game last Saturday against Aldershot Town.

Before kick-off in 2018, Altrincham were in good form, having won four and drawn one of their previous five league matches.

Above: Tony Thompson marshals his defence against York in 2018.

In the game itself, a superb second-half performance from Altrincham blew away York City after a fairly even and goalless first 45 minutes.

The first half saw both sides playing decent football but defences were on top and there was little goalmouth threat at either end. But, after the break, Altrincham dominated and took a deserved 57th minute lead. They had advanced on the left through Dale before Davis failed to clear the ball and Hancock hooked it home.

York were rocked for the next few minutes before getting back into the game but without landing any serious shots on goal. The visitors' third and final substitute was the veteran Jon Parkin but he was unable to change things for the Minstermen.

Altrincham wrapped up the game with two goals in the final ten minutes. They went 2-0 ahead after Hulme had won a corner. Taken by Johnston, this came out to Moult who drove home a fine shot from just outside the box (83 mins).

And, as the game went into added time, Hulme laid on a chance for Hancock and his well-struck low effort from the edge of the box made it 3-0. The win lifted Altrincham into the newly expanded play-offs, in seventh place.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Andy WHITE, 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. James JONES, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 11. Owen DALE. Subs: 12. Kallum MANTACK, 14. Charlie SCOTT, 15. Josh LANGLEY, 16. Shaun DENSMORE, 20. Elliot WYNNE.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Reynold said, "'You may have never heard of Wrexham, the racehorse [sic] ground... so to the Wrexham Supporters' Trust [WST], thank you, for your faith and and trust in us... This is the third-oldest club on the planet and we don't see why it can't have a global appeal. We want Wrexham to be a global force'...

They said their goal was to 'grow the team', make a positive difference to the wider Wrexham community, and to always beat rivals Chester... Both parties will now proceed with finalising the details of the takeover...

In a statement, the club said 'Subject to final agreement, league and FA confirmation – the RR McReynolds Company, LLC will take 100% control of Wrexham Football Club Limited from the WST."

The Hartlepool Mail reports that "Saturday’s National League match at the Silverlake Stadium was abandoned at half-time due to a waterlogged pitch and will now have to be replayed within the next 40 days as per National League rules.

Due to rearranged fixtures and FA Cup commitments elsewhere, both clubs have Saturday, November 28 free as it stands.

But with Pools making a 650-mile round trip to Yeovil Town this coming weekend before venturing down to Barnet the following Tuesday, Challinor isn’t welcoming the idea of having his side travel around 1,750 miles and spending over 30 hours together on a coach in the space of a week, especially in the current climate.

'We do a lot of travelling this month with Yeovil away this weekend then straight back to Barnet on Tuesday night which we’ll do on the day,' said the Pools' boss. 'There would then be a possibility to come back down to Eastleigh the following Saturday. As much as we want to play, we want to give ourselves the best chance of winning.

'I’m not too sure how many teams will have done Yeovil, Barnet and Eastleigh away in the space of seven days... We can’t afford one person to get the virus. We’ve spent six hours on a bus on Friday, six hours back on Saturday and then next weekend will be the same before 10 hours in a day for Barnet and back so we need to be really careful.

'If we’re trying to play all of these games and someone does contract it then everyone would have to self-isolate for 14 days which means we’d probably miss four games which isn’t a situation we want to get into.'"

NL Daily reports that Maidstone United’s Joan Luque has spoken in detail about his departure from Dagenham & Redbridge this year...

'I was having a bad time not playing (at Dagenham & Redbridge), then COVID appeared, I split with my girlfriend, and when I was meant to come back, the club told me "you have no flat any more", which was part of the deal, so they basically left me homeless. Then going into pre-season, not playing, not even involved, so all the hard work that I did to come back as fit as possible and try to show the manager I was good enough, from the first day he made me feel like I wasn’t welcome.

'It was a tough time, but if you keep yourself focused on where you want to go and just believe in yourself, keep being professional and not do anything silly for them to have an excuse on you, then all that hard work can pay off. Now that work is paying off, obviously it’s just the start, but to have a start like I’m having at Maidstone is really good'".

Before Tuesday's games, Woking reported that "On loan striker Josh Davison will be aiming to score for a fourth straight game as Woking travel to face struggling Dover Athletic in the National League.

The Charlton Athletic loanee was on target again on Saturday as the Cards came from behind to claim a point in a dramatic game against Yeovil Town. Both teams missed a second-half penalty, before Davison took his Woking tally to four goals in five games as he found the net in the closing stages, ending the Cards’ run of three straight defeats...

It’s been a challenging year for Dover, who saw a number of key players depart in the summer amidst reported financial troubles, with their plight only exacerbated by the global pandemic. Their new look squad has had a difficult start to the season, losing five of their first seven league games, and conceding 17 goals in the process, the second most in the division...

The Cards made just one change on Saturday as Kyran Lofthouse came in at right-back in place of Tyler Reid. It will be interesting to see if Dowse freshens up his side after just a two-day break. The likes of Ben Gerring and Matt Jarvis were unused substitutes at the weekend, whilst Tommy Block could also make his return from injury. Dave Tarpey will be hoping for a rare start."

According to NL Daily, "FC Halifax Town say forward Matty Stenson is set to miss the remainder of the season.

The former Solihull Moors and Leamington player departed last week’s defeat to Wealdstone with an injury.

The club have now given the following update, 'Matty Stenson’s scan results have unfortunately confirmed that his season has been cut short. Matty will see the specialist next week to discuss his next steps.'”

On Monday, Weymouth advised that their "home clash with arch-rivals Yeovil Town on Tuesday evening has been postponed.

Weymouth’s squad was placed into full isolation due to a Covid-19 outbreak following the 2-1 win at Stockport on Saturday, October 31.

Brian Stock’s men are permitted to emerge from that circuit-breaker on Monday. Yet, after consultation with league doctors, the Yeovil clash has been delayed on player safety grounds.

Terras’ director of football Paul Maitland told Echosport 'The bottom line is we were faced with lockdown until tomorrow night, which left us one day to train. We’ve not seen the players since Stockport over two weeks ago; that’s not ideal. It’s also because we’re having to make an assessment on whether the players are physically fit to play, without seeing them.

'We had planned to train on Monday night, a very light session, to see how everybody is and how they’ve recovered. Everybody will recover at different speeds. We’d effectively be going into Tuesday’s game without knowing who would be available, which doesn’t seem right. We’d be in danger of asking players to put themselves at risk when we don’t know the full extent of their recovery'...

Maitland added 'Those that have been ill seem to be well on the mend. We’ve got to do this right and think about people’s cardiovascular recovery. There’s been a strain on their lungs and heart, they’ve had to battle the illness. It would be naïve to expect players to be capable of playing 90 minutes on the Tuesday at the pace the National League is played at. It wouldn’t be sensible... We’ve all agreed it would be taking an unnecessary risk at this juncture.

'The sensible thing is to not play Tuesday, have the players in next week for training, make those assessments and give them a bit of extra time to make sure they’re fully over this... We’re talking about a group that’s been affected'...

Weymouth’s clash with Solihull Moors next Saturday has been postponed after the Midlands side recorded a positive Covid-19 test".

CONNOR HAMPSON INTERVIEWED

"NOT WHAT WE WISHED FOR"

Back in March when the regular 2019-20 season was aborted, Altrincham had unknowingly secured a place in the promotion play-offs, though that was not confirmed till many months later when the National League decided to apply the Points Per Game criterion to the incomplete league table.

Alty had been rocked in January 2020 by John Johnston's unexpected departure to Chester FC but, following the play-off success, the club was looking forward to a stable transition to its return to the top-flight of non-League football, despite James Jones opting to leave for full-time football at Barrow and Elliott Durrell deciding that he preferred a return to Wrexham to staying part-time at Moss Lane.

Unsurprisingly, injury-bedevilled goalkeeper Steven Drench left for Farsley Celtic whilst Craig Mahon, Lewis Walters, James Hooper and Elliot Wynne all moved on, with none of them having played more than a handful of games for the club.

Alty also released Max Harrop who had made the majority of his 2019-20 appearances from the bench. Otherwise the squad looked settled.

But on the very eve of the season striker Jordan Hulme opted to take a full-time contract at AFC Fylde and Alty found themselves without their main striker.

Despite the unwanted departures in 2020 of Johnston, Jones, Durrell and Hulme, twelve seasoned first-team players remained:

1. Shaun DENSMORE (31) - defender, joined September 2008
2. Connor HAMPSON (27) - defender, joined November 2017
3. Josh HANCOCK (29) - forward, joined May 2017 (pictured, above)
4. Tom HANNIGAN (32) - defender, joined May 2016
5. Daniel MOONEY (21) - winger/forward, joined February 2020
6. Jake MOULT (31) - midfielder, joined August 2012
7. Toby MULLARKEY (23) - defender, joined May 2019
8. Tom PEERS (24) - forward, rejoined May 2019
9. Simon RICHMAN (30) - midfielder, joined June 2011
10. Tony THOMPSON (25) - goalkeeper, joined July 2017
11. Andy WHITE (27) - defender, joined December 2017
12. Sean WILLIAMS (28) - midfielder, rejoined May 2018

The initial tranche of new signings comprised Matt Gould, Matty Kosylo, the returning Yusifu Ceesay and Ritchie Sutton, who all promised to strengthen the squad, and there was further promise in the development of home-grown forward Curtis Miller.

As the season got underway Phil Parkinson also took a punt on reviving the careers of Max Clayton and Darren Potter, but both players moved on after the briefest of appearances in the first team.

Covid obliged the postponement of two early home games which meant that with away cup matches, Alty faced seven successive away journeys to play games under the restrictive Covid protocols.

More new players arrived to try and replace the departed, with their arrivals announced on the dates shown below or, where no announcement was made, the date on which they appeared in a match squad:

1. 12 August: Yusifu CEESAY, ex-Blackpool
2. 12 August: Ritchie SUTTON, ex-Morecambe, Tranmere Rovers
3. 16 August: Matty KOSYLO, ex-AFC Fylde, FC Halifax Town, Nantwich Town, Stockport County etc.
4. 16 August: Matthew GOULD, ex- Spennymoor United
5. 22 August: Max CLAYTON, ex-Crewe Alexandra, Bolton Wanderers, Blackpool
6. 29 September: Joel SENIOR, ex-Curzon Ashton, Maine Road, OLdham Athletic
7. 2 October: Fisayo ADARABIOYO, ex-Curzon Ashton, Manchester City, etc.
8. 22 October: Darren POTTER, ex-Liverpol, MK Dons, etc.
9. 30 October: Joe ROBBINS, loanee from Crewe Alexandra
10. 6 November: Billy SASS-DAVIES, loanee from Crewe Alexandra
11. 11 November: Will HALL, ex-Salford City
12. 11 November: Rowan ROACHE, ex-Bamber Bridge, Lancaster City, FC United, Blackpool, Manchester United
13. 13 November: Andy DALES, loanee from Scunthorpe United
14. 13 November: Jamie McDONALD, ex-City of Liverpool, WarringtonTown, Colne
15. 13 November: Alistair SMITH, loanee from Mansfield Town (pictured, right)

But in addition to the disruption caused by some positive Covid tests which meant the postponement of games two and three of the new season, things looked hopeful for a decent season in 2020-21.

However, injuries began to mount up. Listed below are those who have missed two or more succesive games through injury, and are currently out of action. The date of the player's last league appearance to date is shown.

Sean Williams (v Eastleigh, 10 October), Simon Richman (v Hartlepool, 27 October), Toby Mullarkey (v Hartlepool, 27 October), Yusifu Ceesay (v Wealdstone, 7 November), Dan Mooney (v Dover 31 October, apart from five minutes v Solihull. Yet to complete more than 68 minutes this season), Ritchie Sutton (v Wealdstone, 7 November), Andy White (v Hartlepool, 27 October).

So, indeed, as Bill stated, "this has not been the start to the season that we would have wished for".

Hopefully, the worst may be over on the injury front and, surely, not all home games, (where in a normal season Alty might expect to gather the majority of their points), will be blighted by difficult playing conditions. As the new arrivals blend in with each other and the injury list diminishes there is surely hope for an upturn in fortunes before the calendar year end.

CHESTERFIELD RELISH ALTY "MAGIC"!

The Spireites said "If ever there was a game of two-halves! Chesterfield’s performance against in-form Maidenhead United, who notched up their fifth straight National League win to move up to fourth place, was a perfect example of that oft-used cliché; chalk and cheese.

John Pemberton, the players and Spireites watching or listening from afar must have been over-the-moon at the break and sick as parrots by the end.

With midfield dynamo Joe Rowley making his first start in a few days short of a year and goal-poacher Scott Boden in for the first time since the season opener, the home side’s opening 45 was much more than decent. The two recalls plus the third personnel change, Jordan Cropper, were all giving the Magpies plenty to think about. Rowley seemed on fire, here there and everywhere, running with the ball and finding space when he didn’t have it.

Boden demonstrated his finishing abilities with an early Goal of the Season contender and his anticipation of Tom Denton’s flick-ons reminded us all that the two of them form a more than decent partnership.

Cropper’s runs down the right and whipped in crosses offered ammunition for the blue shirts in the box. Laurence Maguire headed against the bar from close whilst, at the other end, Kyle Letheren only had one decent save to make, getting down low to his left to paw away a header. Best 45 of the season so far? If not, it was pretty close!

After the break, the fluidity, movement and swagger from Spireites wasn’t there from the start and Maidenhead began to turn the tables...

The National League’s top scorer, Sam Barratt, had been pretty anonymous before the break but his scoring boots were located in a somewhat innocuous moment when a bobbling cross in from the right wasn’t dealt with by the collective rearguard of Chesterfield and the ball crept in at the far post for a real body blow of a goal...

The visitors... punished the hosts even further and the in-form Barratt’s goal-touch moved from boot to head as he glanced in a near post corner to turn the tables... Despite plenty of effort, the Spireites were unable to match their first-half level of play and the game slipped away, a fifth loss of the National League season, all of them by a single goal and the third of them which had seen Chesterfield score the vital opening goal.

The players will need to get up, dust themselves down and work their socks off on Tuesday for the club’s first visit to Altrincham’s Moss Lane; now there’s a name that conjures up some magic, so let’s hope Spireites can notch up back-to-back league wins on the road...

Team v Maidenhead (3-5-2 to start): Letheren; Sharman (Rawson 79), Evans, Maguire; Cropper, Rowley (Kiwomya 89), Butterfield, Weston, Buchanan; Boden, Tom Denton. Subs (not used): Wharton, Hollis, Smith">

ALTY OLD BOY

He admitted that "I'm probably a flawed character myself, Bernard [Morley, his co-manager] is the same; we've been in trouble before, when we were younger". He believes in giving people a second chance and "Lacey is the latest on Chester's recovery conveyor belt as the club aims to help rehabilitate him.

"Now 27, after starting out at Bradford City, Lacey fell down the pyramid after problems with drugs which saw him spend 16 months in prison beofre being released in January last year".

The article does not mention Alty but tells us that Lacey has suffered illness and a red card already this season as he rebuilds his career.

Paddy spent his apprenticeship with Sheffield Wednesday before he moved to Bradford City on a one-year contract. Whilst with Bradford, Patrick Lacey had a month's loan in 2011/12 season at Vauxhall Motors. In March 2012 he joined Droylsden before he joined Altrincham on 26 July 2012, having impressed as a trialist for Morecambe in a pre-season game against Altrincham, a few days earlier.

His Altrincham appearances comprised 12(+21) matches.

ON THIS DAY: 16 November

For the second successive home league match Altrincham found the net five times, albeit with a ten-week gap between those matches!

Right: Tom Hannigan is congratulated by John Johnston on his opening goal

And you would have got very long odds on the final score in this match after the first 25 minutes of this game, during which Hereford FC were comfortably the better side.

So, it was against the run of play when an Alty corner was deflected into Tom Hannigan's path and the centre-back stooped to head home from close range and put his side ahead (26 mins). To compound the visitors' misfortune it was 2-0 barely a minute later when Jordan Hulme scored with a clever back-flick from Andy White's low cross from the left.

And it could have been even worse for Hereford shortly afterwards as Hulme hit the bar with another clever flick from a Densmore feed (32 mins). The visitors remained second-best for the rest of the first half.

After the interval, Altrincham did make it 3-0 in the 57th minute as Hulme drove the ball home after a Johnston advance up the right. But Peter Vincenti made it 3-1 after 63 minutes when he sidefooted home after Josh Gowling had nodded down a freekick.

However, three minutes later, Alty restored their three-goal lead following another Johnston raid. This time, the striker slotted the ball home from near the penalty spot. Another two minutes had elapsed before Shaun Densmore swept home a fifth goal for the hosts, from a Hulme feed. The final twenty minutes were relatively uneventful as Altrincham remained eighteenth but with games in hand on virtually everybody else. At this stage of the season, promotion seemed an improbable prospect!

For this match Altrincham were without the previous week's match-winner, Tom Peers, who had a slight groin strain. So Jordan Hulme had returned to the starting eleven, whilst Luke Wall made his debut in the no.11 shirt with Yusifu Ceesay sidelined by injury. Connor Hampson was on the bench, having also missed starting other recent games through injury.

This game marked Josh Hancock's 100th appearance for Altrincham.

ALTRINCHAM (Red & white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks): 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 3. Andy WHITE, 4. James JONES, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Sean WILLIAMS, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 11. Luke WALL. Subs: 12. Max HARROP, 14. Simon RICHMAN, 15. Connor HAMPSON, 16. Toby MULLARKEY, 20. Joel TORRANCE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

One member of the Moors’ first-team squad returned a positive result, which means all staff and players at the National League club will now self-isolate.

It means the postponement of the following fixtures for the club:

• FC Halifax Town (14th November)
• Torquay United (17th November)
• Weymouth (21st November)".

Reviewing last weekend, the Vanarama National League concludes that "It was a wild day in the wind and rain across the divisions as the action returned.

Torquay United...had to settle for a home point despite going ahead through Sam Sherring. Sorba Thomas made it 1-1 on the stroke of half-time...

Sutton United were five-star as they continued their fine start by demonising [demolishing?!] King’s Lynn Town.

There was a stunning hat-trick for Issac Olaofe as Matt Gray’s men continue to move in the right direction thanks to this 5-1 win.

Maidenhead amazingly moved up to fourth as Sam Barrett struck twice... as the in-form Magpies came from behind to win 2-1 at Chesterfield.

Yeovil were denied their first win with seconds to go. Woking star Josh Davison broke Glovers hearts late on to earn a 1-1 draw at Kingfield.

There was frustration too for Eastleigh and Hartlepool, the live BT Sport game abandoned at half-time.

Bromley put on their best performance of the season to win 3-1 at Barnet; Joe Kizzi, James Alibi and Michael Cheek on target.

Aldershot won 2-1 at Altrincham as they carry on improvement. Toby Edser and Chike Kandi struck gold in Manchester".

The Eastern Daily Press says that "Ian Culverhouse pulled no punches as he reflected on the most punishing performance of the season. The Linnets boss said his players had been naive and weak from start to finish as they crashed 5-1 at Sutton United.

But what will probably annoy him more than anything is the lack of leadership shown... And that’s probably why Culverhouse can’t wait for the international clearance to come through quickly for Kyle Callan-McFadden, whose departure from League of Ireland side Sligo Rovers is set to bring an end to a long waiting game for Director of Football Rob Back...

What does the former Canaries [Norwich] FA Youth Cup winner bring? 'Leadership,' he said. '“We need it, strength as well, because he is a strong defender and he plays on the front foot. After that display he won’t find it hard to get in the team, hut we need to have options and we need big men now to stand up and lead this club forward, and hopefully he will be one of them...

'We have got enough experience, not probably at this level, but we have enough experience... There aren’t too many that haven’t got a lot of games under their belt in that side, but it just looked today the towel was thrown in very, very quickly and that hurts, that really did hurt, because I didn’t think I would have to go through that conversation again.'

The ‘conversation’ was the one held in the dressing room after the match and one that had been heard there at times during the recent four-game losing run...

'I thought we were weak today, really weak, all over the pitch, back to front, really poor... The goals we are giving away are rubbish goals so we have got to have a look at ourselves there but I just thought from start to finish we were poor...

'The goals we are giving away at the moment, two from corners again, is unacceptable at any level. I have always been really critical and made sure we don’t give goals away at set-plays and at the moment we look like a sieve'...

There has been one exit, albeit a quiet one. Kyle Barker, who signed on loan from Peterborough United, has returned to London Road without making an appearance. He was due to be at Lynn until January.

'He’s gone back', confirmed Culverhouse. 'It is purely game time, because we are trying to find our feet and get a foothold and we just couldn’t get him in. We were a bit of overloaded in that position anyway, but he is a fine player and a really good lad and I wish him all the best, but it is probably just the wrong time.'

During the warm-up Jake Jessup, the former Lowestoft Town keeper now with Coggeshall, was warming up with assistant manager Paul Bastock and number one Archie Mair, but it seems a move is unlikely".

At Barnet "The Bees' four-game unbeaten streak came to an end, as Bromley took all three points at The Hive London.

Barnet started with purpose and on the front foot and looked to extend their unbeaten run to five games after their FA Cup victory over Burton Albion.

Bromley had an early penalty shout waved away by the referee, much to the disbelief of the travelling side. But their disappointment was forgotten when they took the lead from a corner in the 13th minute. Joe Kizzi headed the away side in front with a clinical and accurate header... whilst Barnet struggled to get their foot on the ball and get any meaningful possession...

Bromley then doubled their lead through James Alabi firing it into the top corner of the Barnet net. It was the least Bromley deserved after an impressive first half display... Both teams started the second half loosely, with neither side able to dominate possession. Bromley extended their lead just before the hour with a fine finish from Michael Cheek...

Michael Petrasso got a goal back for the home side, with a great finish to beat Cousins at his near post. The goal gave the Bees a glimmer of hope... Bromley took the sting out of the game in what was a professional performance from the away side".

At the other end of the country from Hartlepool, Dover Athletic "can confirm that all the management, backroom staff, and players have tested negative for Covid-19 after the club received the results on Saturday evening.

Training was cancelled on Friday and all were tested privately at Crabble before being sent home as a precaution after the club was made aware of the situation on Thursday evening.

It means manager Andy Hessenthaler’s squad will return to training on Monday and Tuesday’s National League game against Woking at Crabble will go ahead as scheduled." According to the Hartlepool Mail, "Whether it was the long journey only to have a match abandoned, more injury woe for Luke Williams or the continuation of the ‘BT Sport curse’, it was far from a normal matchday for Hartlepool, yet it still had a very familiar feel to it.

Pools' boss Dave Challinor marked a year in charge of the club with a 300-mile trip down to face the Spitfires in front of the BT Sport cameras... Thanks to a herculean effort from the Eastleigh ground staff, with the added pressure of BT Sport watching on, the pitch became somewhat playable... That was ultimately short-lived as the torrential conditions continued to batter the pitch and the players with wind and rain swirling around The Silverlake Stadium.

Silverlake proved to be a very apt title in the circumstances as water flooded the dugouts and pooled dangerously on the pitch... And after 45-minutes of splashing around, the referee finally decided to end the farce...

12 months ago this week, Pools made the mammoth trip down to Yeovil Town only to have the match called off due to a waterlogged pitch, only that time it was before kick-off...

That match at Yeovil was also Luke Williams’s last competitive outing for the club until this weekend as he was named in the starting line-up at Eastleigh. It was the first time the injury-plagued midfielder had started a competitive game since 2017. But his road to recovery took another cruel turn as he lasted just 17-minutes before being forced off with a muscle injury after going in for a tackle.

On the surface, starting Williams in such horrible conditions seems like a ridiculous decision in hindsight. When the Pools team was revealed with Williams starting in attacking midfield, there was a sense of excitement but also real trepidation... Many would have expected him to be eased into games from the bench, not thrown in almost literally at the deep end having played around an hour of competitive football over the past two and a half years... The abandonment has effectively wiped the 27-year-olds first start in three years from the history books...

And given his reaction on the field on Saturday, it’s hard not to fear the worst. Williams’ injury record is almost unprecedented in the modern professional game, and for good reason... The fact that he's managed to earn three contracts from three separate managers at Pools despite playing virtually no football says more about him as a player than anything".

ALTRINCHAM 1-2 ALDERSHOT TOWN

Aldershot started well and took a deserved lead in the twelfth minute. A clearance found its way to Edser who exchanged passes with Panayiotou just outside the corner of the box on the Shots' left. Edser sold Robbins a dummy as he moved inside and from the edge of the box, he beat Thompson at the near post. Otherwise Robbins had a good half for Alty.

Right: Tom Peers netted Alty's first home goal of the season.

After weathering the early dominance of the visitors, Alty got into the game and, six minutes after falling behind, should at least have tested keeper James. Peers was put clear up the middle but he delayed his shot just long enough for the back-tracking Ogie to get in a foot to concede a corner. However, Kosylo took three poor corners during the first half as Alty failed to trouble the opposition keeper before the interval.

Alty were better in the second half and debutant Dales hit the crossbar with a fine shot (65 mins). But The Shots doubled their lead against the run of play in the 80th minute when substitute Kandi slotted home from the edge of the box.

Altrincham did get their first home goal, very late on, when good work by debutant Smith fed Peers who turned and shot from inside the box with keeper James making a hash of trying to save it and only helping it into the net (89 mins).

Match report here.

ALTY SHOT DOWN

Edser started for the first time since October 6th and rewarded the decision with a great finish inside the first 15 minutes.

Kandi came off the bench to double the advantage just over ten minutes from time with a well-taken goal, relieving a bit of second-half Altrincham pressure.

The hosts did get one back through Tom Peers with a couple of minutes to play...

Danny Searle was forced into a number of changes after last week’s victory over Notts County. Mo Bettamer was away on international duty with Libya while Craig Tanner and Jamie Sendles-White had picked up injuries during the week. They were all replaced by debutants Joseph Hungbo, Mike Fondop and Giles Phillips. Chike Kandi also dropped to the bench and Edser made his first start in over a month.

It was a good start by Aldershot, having lots of possession in the attacking areas... Aldershot took a deserved lead through Edser’s first goal for the club. The midfielder again linked up with Ogie on the left, this time getting the one-two back in the middle about 20 yards out before shifting it cleverly onto his weaker right foot and firing into the near post, wrong-footing goalkeeper Tony Thompson in the process.

Tom Peers had an excellent chance for the hosts when a misjudged ball found its way in behind the Aldershot defence, but Ogie got back very well and quickly to block the attempt...

Altrincham squandered a great opportunity in the 56th minute when the ball fell to Peers inside the box, but it was well defended in the end by the visitors...

Dales ran at George Fowler before cutting inside on his right foot and curling an impressive effort over James. Unfortunately for him, it hit the bar...

It wasn’t until 11 minutes were remaining in the match that the next goal of the game was scored. It was scored by Aldershot Town again, with Kandi also grabbing his first goal for the club...

Peers did manage to get a goal back in the 89th minute with an effort perhaps disappointingly not dealt with properly by James as he wasn’t able to prevent it going in the back of the net".

FA YOUTH CUP

The draw for the Third Round has been made and the winners of the above tie will be at home to either Hull City or Doncaster Rovers in a game to be played by 12 December.

NEXT OPPONENTS: CHESTERFIELD

In an open first half, Scott Boden scored his first goal of the season after half an hour with a clinical first-time finish.

But Town made a lacklustre start after the break and Maidenhead equalised when Sam Barratt’s cross evaded everyone and nestled in the far corner, before the league’s top scorer grabbed his second of the game and ninth of the season with 20 minutes to go when he glanced in a header at the near post from a corner.

On the sluggish start to the second half, Pemberton said 'All of a sudden we stopped getting on the ball and we looked a yard slow for 15-20 minutes. It is almost like we are waiting to go behind before we get going again. I don’t know whether it is a mental thing.

'I have been involved with this team now for a while and I could sit in the dressing room and say the same things over and over again... In the moments when we are under pressure and we know what is coming we have got to see it out and we have got to be consistent in doing it. We knew what was coming for 15 minutes and we could not weather the storm and we have paid the price again.'

It is now five defeats out of seven for Chesterfield with the Spireites once again hovering over the relegation zone. Pemberton said 'There is only one thing that happens when a team is getting beat, and it gets aimed at me. I understand that and I am all right with it, I can deal with it... I thought the first half we were okay, we were good.

'The first goal is a joke, it is a poor goal, it trickles in the far corner, and the second we goal we lose a man from a corner. It is disappointing thing because we have had chances and we have got to be a bit more ruthless.'”

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The sides went in 0-0 at half-time before the officials made the decision to abandon the match. With player safety paramount, it was a decision that Pools boss Dave Challinor supported...

'It was absolutely the right decision... It was impossible to play on and dangerous for the players. But the level we’re at and the pitches we have, it’s not like we have a couple of areas of concern, the whole pitch was saturated so to get water off it with no guarantee that the rain would clear up just made it an impossible task.

'A lot of work went on in the build-up to the game to get the pitch in a decent state to start the game which was absolutely fine. That took a lot of time and then they had 15 minutes at half-time to try and do work that took the volunteers hours this afternoon, it was going to be an impossible task.'

Pools were first informed that the game could be in doubt on Saturday morning due to the weather forecast in Hampshire".

Lynn News reports on a "Sobering afternoon for King's Lynn Town as they fall to heavy defeat at Sutton United.

King's Lynn Town were brought back down to earth after last week's FA Cup triumph as they were convincingly beaten by high-flying Sutton United in the National League.

Isaac Olaofe was the outstanding performer for Sutton, scoring a hat-trick... Despondent Lynn manager Ian Culverhouse said 'You can't defend like that, you just can't. All over the pitch we were poor and I said the performance was weak. There's no positives after that. We just have to throw it in the bin, lick our chops and just come back stronger but there's no positives from start to finish.'

The Linnets struggled to cope with Sutton's pressing as Culverhouse's side were restricted to just one effort on goal in the first-half, before the home side ran away with the game after the break...

Matt Gray's side continued their strong start to the season as Archie Mair's goal was peppered by The U's in wet and windy conditions. Olaofe's deserved first goal arrived after 24 minutes... the forward emphatically finishing past Mair after the ball fell into his path inside the box...

Lynn's first effort on goal was not until the 40th minute...

Sutton continued their dominance in the second-half with Olaofe heading in at the near post from a corner leaving Mair with no chance after 53 minutes...

Sutton killed off the game with a third as Tobi Shoa-Silva followed up to finish into an empty goal after a free-kick had crashed off the underside of Lynn's bar on 68 minutes.

Just one minute later, Olaofe completed his brilliant hat-trick before Southwell fired low into the bottom corner as a consolation goal for the Linnets 10 minutes later.

A miserable afternoon for the West Norfolk side was further compounded just before stoppage time as Harry Beautyman headed in from another Sutton corner..

Culverhouse said 'It's the second one that has got a hat-trick against us and we keep giving balls away by the looks of it'".

Torquay United "had to settle for a point at Plainmoor after taking the lead in wet and blustery conditions against Boreham Wood.

In a game of few clear-cut chances it was Sam Sherring that opened the scoring for United, heading home inside the box in the 15th minute. Boreham’s response came from a fortuitous deflection from a cross from Sorba Thomas. United were reduced to ten men in the 71st minute when Adam Randell received a second yellow card...

It was United that took the lead. A free-kick from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans found Sam Sherring who notched his second of the season... United were unlucky to go into the half-time break level in the match...

Adam Randell, having received his first yellow card in the 30th minute, then received a second for an innocuous challenge for the ball. United were down to ten men just when they were pushing for a winner".

At Barnet "Following significant issues with this afternoon's Live From The Hive broadcast, the Club would like to issue the following statement.

First of all, it is our duty to apologise to each and every person who tuned into this afternoon's stream, the service and quality provided was absolutely not up to anywhere near an acceptable standard.

Since our last game, we have worked in detail with our streaming providers TourLife to highlight the problems faced in the opening two home matches. We were assured that any issues had been ironed out and that a high-quality stream would be delivered this afternoon. It is quite clear that those promises were not delivered and the standard provided was extremely poor.

Four camera positions were set up;... However, our providers informed us 10 minutes before kick-off that they were experiencing severe technical problems with the feed and as such only had picture from the two 18 yard camera angles.

Despite spending the vast majority of the game working on the issues, they weren't resolved and as such there was no main camera view of the action. This along with the various unresolved audio issues faced meant that the quality of the stream was nowhere near ours or your expectations and no commentary available... We will also be having immediate talks with our streaming providers".

Home supporters may have been pleased to see little of a 1-3 home defeat to Bromley!

From the other side, Bromley report that they "made the trip to The Hive to take on a Barnet side who were full of confidence, having knocked League One Burton Albion out of the FA Cup six days previously.

It was the Ravens who started on the front foot though, and on 11 minutes, they would take the lead. An excellent, inswinging corner from Frankie Raymond met the run of Joe Kizzi on the edge of the six yard box, and he flicked beyond Scott Loach.

Bromley [later] had a second. Excellent play from Billy Bingham saw him cross for Michael Cheek on the edge of the box, who unselfishly played the outstanding James Alabi in on goal, and he made no mistake, marking his first competitive start for Bromley with a powerful finish...

It was more of the same in the second half, with Bromley dominating proceedings. Their pressure would earn another goal on 57 minutes. Jerome Binnom-Williams was unable to clear his lines, and sliced a clearance into the path of Cheek, who, from the edge of the box, unleashed a stunning, first time volley, which nestled in the bottom corner.

Bromley were cruising, and could have made it four not long after...

The hosts weren’t giving up though, and pulled one back through Michael Petrasso on 68 minutes, a thumping effort from just inside the box".

SATURDAY LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Altrincham 1-2 Aldershot Town
• Barnet 1-3 Bromley
• Chesterfield 1-2 Maidenhead United
• Dagenham & Redbridge P-P Stockport County [Covid-19 at Stockport]
• Eastleigh A-A Hartlepool United [Abandoned at HT due to waterlogging]
• Solihull Moors P-P FC Halifax Town [Covid-19 related]
• Sutton United 5-1 King's Lynn Town
• Torquay United 1-1 Boreham Wood
• Wealdstone P-P Dover Athletic
• Woking 1-1 Yeovil Town

BEFORE THE GAME

Details of Alty's streaming service for this match are here.

At least eight players were receiving tretament this week and it seems very unlikely that more than the odd one may be fit to face The Shots, with Ritchie Sutton and Andy White seeming the most likely such candidates. The other six sidelined are Sean Williams, Toby Mullarkey, Simon Richman, Fisayo Adarabioyo, Dan Mooney and Yusifu Ceesay

Aldershot Town have a pre-match video interview with Michael Koopowitz.

THREE JOIN ALTY

With eight players in the injury bay during the week (Ritchie Sutton, Andy White, Sean Williams, Toby Mullarkey, Simon Richman, Fisayo Adarabioyo, Dan Mooney and Yusifu Ceesay), Altrincham FC reports that the club has made three signings in advance of today's match against Aldershot Town.

Midfielder Alistair Smith (21) has joined Alty on loan from Mansfield Town where he graduated from their Academy. He has made six first-team appearances for Mansfield and has previously been on loan at Loughborough Dynamo, Frickley Athletic as well as Kettering Town.

He now joins Alty on a similar basis. Alistair has previously played against Altrincham, during last season, during his loan spell at Kettering Town.

Left: Alistair Smith is policed by Jake Moult in the February 2020 clash between Altrincham and Kettering Town.

A second new arrival confirmed by Altrincham is another player who has appeared for an opposition team against The Robins in recent times.

He is striker Jamie McDonald, who has joined Alty on a non-contract basis from City of Liverpool. A report from NL Daily confirmed that "City of Liverpool FC striker Jamie McDonald has signed for Altrincham.

The Purps have confirmed the move to the National League for the one-time Warrington Town man.

The 27-year-old has played a prominent part in City of Liverpool’s rise in recent seasons.

McDonald returned to the club for a second stint in August 2018, having been with Warrington".

Above: Jamie, no.9, takes to the field at the JDS in January 2018 when Warrington Town played out a draw with Altrincham in the EvoStik Premier.

Jamie first left City of Liverpool in 2017 to join Warrington Town where he became their top scorer over the 2017-18 season. He played against Alty in both league matches that season.as well as the FA Trophy clash in which he scored the winning goal. However, after attending the Jamie Vardy V9 Academy that summer, he left Warrington and rejoined City of Liverpool.

Completing a trio of new arrivals who have all previously played against Altrincham is winger Andy Dales. Aged 26, Dales has been signed on loan from League Two Scunthorpe United.

Andy was formerly at Mickleover Sports and has also featured in the England C squad. He was in the Sports team that played Alty home and away in the 2017-18 season. His move to the EFL came at the conclusion of that campaign. At Alty he has been assigned squad number 32.

Dales is seen, right, with Alty's Max Harrop, in the game at Mickleover.

Dales (born 13 November 1994) matured in the Derby County youth system, having spent a decade with The Rams and earned a contract there in 2013. Like his fellow new signing, Jamie McDonald, Andy has been involved with the V9 Academy of Jamie Vardy.

He joined Scunthorpe United in June 2018 and netted on his professional debut for The Iron, going on to make 25 appearances (20 in League One) in 2018-19 followed by a further six in 2019-20, of which three were in League Two.

He had a loan spell at Dundee (12 appearances) in early 2019 before another loan, comprising four appearances, with another Scottish Premier club, Hamilton Academical a year later.

The trio's arrival brings to seven the number of new faces to join the first-team squad in the past fortnight, with Will Hall, Rowan Roache, Billy Sass-Davies and Joe Robbins being the other players concerned.

Assuming that all three receive an Altrincham squad number, they will bring to thirty-one the number of players who are, or have been, a member of the first-team squad this season. That is a number inflated by a significant injury count which stood at eight in number after the midweek game with Solihull Moors.

ANOTHER ALTY SPONSOR

The rapidly-expanding tax specialists are based a stone's throw from The J.Davidson Stadium but have offices as far afield as Vancouver and have added their name to the select list of partners so instrumental to the club's thriving fortunes.

Market leaders in their specialist field, their partnership with Alty promises to be high-profile after they agreed naming rights for the iconic Golf Road end, where support for the Robins is often at its loudest and most fervent.

As a result, the end often credited by manager Phil Parkinson with sucking the ball over the line for a dramatic, last-gasp Alty winner, will henceforth, or for this season, at least, be known as The Catax Golf Road.

Given the nature of Catax's success story, as an Altrincham concern spreading their wings and making their mark across the length and breadth of the country, they seemed a natural fit for a club following a similar path after winning promotion and stepping back up to the Vanarama National League a few months ago.

Catax, who specialise in helping organisations secure grants and tax relief for capital investments, welcomed the new tie-up and were particularly impressed with their highly-visible presence at The J.Davidson Stadium, first aired against Solihull Moors on Wednesday night.

Above: The Golf Road End seen in October 2019.

'It was great to see our name across the top of the Golf Road roof like that, and I though the board looked fantastic,' said Catax group sales and marketing director Chris Stanley. 'The relationship already existed in a way, as one of the Altrincham directors and our Chief Executive Officer know each other, but there were plenty of other reasons why it made sense to get involved.

'Catax has always been an Altrincham-based business. We started in King's Court, then moved premises to Goose Green, then on to where we are now, a stone's throw away from the ground, next to Stamford Park.

'Each time we have outgrown our office, we have looked for somewhere bigger, but we have never moved out of Altrincham. So it just felt right to support the club and sponsor it in this way...

'We are fully aware we are not going to get millions of people seeing the board, but that's not really what it's about. It's more about a local business supporting a local club, and it's also the case there will be a lot of business owners in the Altrincham area who will see it or be made aware of it, so that could lead to the chance to support more local people with our services...

Altrincham co-chairman Bill Waterson commented: 'It's great to have a new major sponsor with such strong links to Altrincham. With a head office so nearby, they are truly local'".

ALTRINCHAM BOARD STATEMENT

Altrincham FC have issued "Co-Chairman Bill Waterson's latest 'From The Boardroom' column for the Robins Review, which will appear in the online programme for Saturday's Vanarama National League fixture with Aldershot at The J.Davidson Stadium".

In the article Bill says "This has not been the start to the season that we would have wished for, but it’s the one that we’ve got. This current situation is the one we have to manage... We find ourselves at the wrong end of a tough league, and we find that we are being abandoned by Lady Luck. We are not in a panic, but we are not unconcerned, either. We are keeping a clear head and focusing on resolving our issues and ameliorating the situation.

We are convinced our strategy is sound; two promotions in three seasons give proof to this sentiment. And we know we are facing the toughest challenge faced since I joined the board in 2017. We have seen significant progress on and off the field in 2020, despite the limitations imposed by COVID-19...

Our focus remains strongly on retaining our National League place at the end of this season. We reiterate that money is available to bring in players. And in response to the injury crisis that has seen us lose eight members of our squad, we have further increased the player budget to ensure that we are not constrained in our reaction to the current situation...

Please trust in our judgement and recognise that this board is working harder than it ever has done to move us forward".

ALTRINCHAM APPOINT A GENERAL MANAGER

Paul has made a huge impact at The J.Davidson Stadium since arriving from Stalybridge Celtic in June last year and taking over as Club Secretary from Derek Wilshaw, who retired after 13 years' sterling service...

Paul said, 'I am obviously delighted to have been appointed General Manager at Altrincham FC, and I am relishing the opportunity to combine the position of Club Secretary with these new responsibilities and fulfil both roles. I had indicated to some of the Directors that if such a role became available, then I would be interested in talking to the club about it. I received a call from Lawrence [Looney, co-chairman] a few weeks ago, where he pitched the job to me, and it appealed to me instantly...

'Of course, it meant resigning from my previous job. I had been a sales rep for well over 35 years, travelling up and down the country selling lots of different products. I worked mainly in two industries; firstly, in the Automotive Aftermarket for many years selling car parts and, secondly, for the last 15 years, in the Commercial Cleaning Machine Industry, selling pressure washers, industrial vacuum cleaners and floor cleaning machines.

'It was becoming more difficult trying to juggle the two jobs, as the demands of playing in a higher division are much more intense and require a lot more time and energy, so once I was offered the role of General Manager at Altrincham, it was a no-brainer for me to make the decision to change jobs'".

PARKINSON ON MIDWEEK DEFEAT

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Ben Strevens and Dave Challinor are not the type of managers to compromise... The sheepish Challinor faced the cameras two Saturdays ago, embarrassed by the 5-0 home defeat to Torquay United and refused to call it just a bad day at the office...

'That defeat should fester in the back of the players’ memories for the rest of their careers,' he told the Hartlepool Mail. 'I don’t think we can move on from the Torquay result because there is still so much work to do. I was disappointed and embarrassed. It was nowhere near where our expectations are. The scoreline was one thing, the manner of the defeat another'...

Pools pushed Salford City all the way in the FA Cup on Saturday before going out in extra time.

Eastleigh, meanwhile, took League One Milton Keynes Dons to penalties but couldn’t join what would be 12 National League braves in the second round... Now in the play-off places, Strevens says they still haven’t really hit their stride.

'I’m not being disrespectful to any team at our level,' the Spitfires boss said after the unlucky defeat to MK. 'But nobody is going to pass the ball as well as they have and we’ve dealt with it... If you gave me the choice between getting far or being around the promotion places, I would have to pick the promotion places.'

Eastleigh’s one to watch is easy; new striker Ben House, the National League Player of the Month".

Meanwhile, Eastleigh add that "Manager Ben Strevens was pleased with his sides performance last weekend, despite losing on penalties. The Spitfires kept their first clean sheet of the season with the defence, and goalkeeper Joe McDonnell, in inspired form against the Sky Bet League One side.

Having only lost once in the league, Eastleigh will want to continue their excellent start to the season".

At King's Lynn Town "Following on from last week's FA Cup heroics, the Linnets return to the bread and butter of the National League tomorrow when they visit Sutton United.

Ian Culverhouse will pick from the same squad as last week with the addition of Kairo Mitchell who was cup tied against Port Vale. Aaron Jones and Michael Gash are still missing through injury and illness, and Kyle Barker’s loan spell from Peterborough has ended.

Sutton are currently in fifth place in the National League having won 4 of their 5 games so far, their only defeat came against Notts County although they were knocked out of the FA Cup by Bromley. In their 5 league games so far Sutton have scored 8 goals conceding 3. Leading scorer is Harry Beautyman with 2....

Away from home Sutton United have won all 3 matches with the last of those against Yeovil Town the last time they played".

Yeovil Town "confirm the signing of 17 year-old Toby Stephens, on his first professional deal for the next two seasons.

After spending time within the club's academy, moving up the the Yeovil Town U18's last season, Stephens... a hard-working midfielder by trade...will be looking to learn from the experience within the ranks amongst the first team squad". Torquay United return to National League action on Saturday, as Boreham Wood head to Plainmoor to take on Gary Johnson’s side.

With Sunday’s FA Cup disappointment against Crawley now consigned to the archives, United will look to continue their recent fine league form, with six wins out of seven seeing the club proudly sitting in the top spot, whilst earning Johnson the Vanarama National League Manager of the Month accolade in the process.

Midweek fixtures had implications for both sides, with Wealdstone’s victory at Halifax seeing Torquay’s lead at the top of the fledgling table reduced to two points, whilst The Wood went down to a home defeat against Dagenham & Redbridge..

The Gulls’ boss [said]... 'In my opinion Boreham Wood will be one of the teams that will be competing in the top half of the table at the end of the season'"

Facing Dover on Saturday, Wealdstone remind us that "The Stones' 1-0 win at FC Halifax Town on Tuesday night was their fifth league win on the bounce and moved them into 2nd position in the National League. Postponements have meant that this is Dover's first game in two weeks, and they currently sit in 22nd position following a 1-0 defeat against Altrincham on Halloween.

Charlie Wakefield is on the last game of his three-match suspension and Charlee Hughes and Adel Gafaiti remain out on loan.

Dean Brennan [said] 'Halifax were a good team with a good manager, who are well coached, and Dover are the same. They have an experienced manager and good players, I watched them play Altrincham when we researched Altrincham last week and they're a good side. There's just no easy games in this league. We can't be over confident.'

Dover's Louis Collins [is a] 19-year old striker made the step up from Sevenoaks Town in the summer to join the Whites and has three goals in the last three games, which included an impressive brace and an assist away to Yeovil Town in the FA Cup".

BEFORE THE GAME WITH ALDERSHOT TOWN

The 20 year-old started his career in the youth system at Premier League side Crystal Palace, where he was named Under-16 Player of the Year and also captained the club’s under-18 side, before signing a professional contract in 2018.

Following this, Hungbo saw himself sent on his first loan to Isthmian League Premier Division side Margate FC in January 2019, before switching from Palace to Watford in July later that year.

After his move to Watford and an impressive run of form with their under-23s, Hungbo was involved in the Hornets’ away Premier League game against Leicester City in December 2019 and... earned his first-team debut for Watford in a 2–1 FA Cup third round replay defeat against Tranmere Rovers"."

And another recent signing, former Chesterfield man Mike Fondop, said "I’ve been looking for a new challenge as well, so I’m delighted to sign for the club'".

THE LAST MEETING WITH ALDERSHOT TOWN

Altrincham last met Aldershot Town at Moss Lane on Saturday, 19 March 2016 in a Vanarama National League match which soon to be relegated Alty won 4-0 and so lifted themselves temporarily out of the bottom four.

Michael Rankine had recovered from illness to return to the bench where he was joined by new loan signing, Jimmy Phillips from Gateshead. Jordan Sinnott again started in right midfield with Scott Leather at right-back.

Above: Damian Reeves is mobbed by team mates after opening the scoring.

Although Alty started with leading scorer Michael Rankine on the bench, they still netted four times, a feat achieved for the first time in the league since a 4-1 win against Chester on New Year's Day 2015. And you had to go back to April 2014 and a 5-0 away win at Histon to find a bigger margin of victory. Ironically Alty were to finish the 2015-16 season with a 5-0 home win against Welling but it did not spare them relegation.

Aldershot started the game quite brightly but then Altrincham improved and deservedly took a 32nd minute lead. Following a Sinnott throw from the right, Lawrie lashed a low, left-footed ball into the box where Damian Reeves turned it into the net from close range.

Alty doubled their lead some 90 seconds into the second half when Josh Ginnelly scored a superb goal. The on-loan Burnley man ran more than fifty yards up the left before slotting a low shot across goalkeeper Smith and into the net. The game was over for Aldershot when they conceded an unnecessary penalty on the hour mark. Lawrie was blatantly pushed over, as a high Sinnott cross sailed over the head of everyone in the box. Jake Moult blasted home the spot kick to make it 3-0 after 61 minutes.

Man of the Match Ginnelly got forward again in the 69th minute and, from his cross, Sinnott volleyed an excellent goal, his second in successive games. After the match Shots' captain and goalkeeper, Phil Smith, and a number of players seemed to apologize to the sizable away following, the same fans who had witnessed the Hampshire club's 8-2 thrashing at Chester on their last visit to the North West.

The referee was Mr Robert Jones, now to be seen operating in the higher echelons of English football.

ALTRINCHAM : 17. Tim DEASY, 6. Scott LEATHER, 5. Luca HAVERN, 28. Marcus HOLNESS, 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 2. Jordan SINNOTT, 4. Jake MOULT (capt), 8. Simon RICHMAN, 7. James LAWRIE 15. Josh GINNELLY, 10. Damian REEVES. Subs: 12. Sam HEATHCOTE, 19, Ryan CROWTHER, 26. James PHILLIPS, 14. Josh O'KEEFE, 9. Michael RANKINE

ALTRINCHAM OLD BOY

Right: Albert Quixall as protrayed in the Altrincham matchday programme.

Some six months after United had been decimated by the Munich Air Disaster on 6 February 1958, Quixall had crossed the Pennines to join Matt Busby's United. He remained at Old Trafford for the best part of five years.

His appearances at Alty owed much to his friendship with Freddie Pye, the club's manager.

VIEW FROM THE MOORS

In a dominant display, Sbarra got the ball rolling with a smart finish before Osborne doubled the visitors' lead with a pinpoint effort from just outside the area.

Moors manager Shan made three changes to the side who overcame League Two Scunthorpe United 3-2 in the FA Cup on Sunday. Centre-half Jordan Piggott was handed his full Moors debut, as Tyrone Williams moved to right-wing back to fill the void left by Cameron Coxe who was away on international duty.

On the opposite flank, Mitch Hancox reverted to a more familiar left-wing back with Jordan Cranston given the night off, allowing the evergreen Darren Carter to come back into the side.

A final change saw Moors playmaker Jamey Osborne start in place of Callum Maycock who dropped to the bench.

Full of confidence, fresh from taking the scalp of Scunthorpe, Moors dominated the opening exchanges with Shan’s side camped in the Altrincham half right from the off..

A misplaced header by Joel Senior dropped to Osborne who drove into the box, picked out Sbarra and the midfielder showed composure to fire it home.

Shan’s men had been the better side but it was a gift from the home side. One, which inexplicably, they repeated moments later, as another error led to Moors’ second.

Again Osborne was the beneficiary of a loose ball, but this time provider turned scorer as Moors’ number 10 picked his spot and curled it beyond Tony Thompson in the home goal.

Moors had been ruthless, they were now in complete control, having made their hosts pay for two incredible lapses in concentration... It was one-way traffic, with Ryan Boot’s goal rarely under threat... Altrincham started to find their feet towards the close of the half but no chances were created... Moors had to withstand a few nervy moments at the back but, all in all, they cruised through the second half".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Eastleigh v Hartlepool United... Hartlepool come into this match with an identical record to Eastleigh as they both sit on eleven point...

Chesterfield v Maidenhead United... - Maidenhead are one of the in form teams in the Vanarama National League right now with four impressive wins on the bounce. These include two wins on the road at Notts County and Wrexham, as well as home wins against Solihull Moors and Dagenham & Redbridge...

Sutton United v Kings Lynn Town... Sutton United have only played five matches, but have started well with four wins... Away from home, Sutton United have won all three matches... Kings Lynn Town have made an entertaining start to the season with 30 goals featuring in their opening seven matches. After four defeats on the bounce Kings Lynn Town got their second win of the season at home to Woking...

Torquay United v Boreham Wood... The Gulls sit top of the table after winning six of their seven opening matches... The visitors have won two of their opening six matches. Defensively, Boreham Wood have only conceded four goals, however at the business end have only managed a return of five goals. The Wood’s defeats have only been by one goal each time...

Wealdstone v Dover Athletic... Dean Brennan’s Wealdstone continue to be the surprise package this season having won five of their eight matches and currently sitting in second place. The home side welcome Dover on the back of five wins on the spin, with the most recent a 1-0 away win at Halifax on Tuesday".

The Dorset Echo reports that "Weymouth 'won’t be the last' club to suffer a major Covid-19 outbreak this season, chairman Ian White believes... The Terras [have] returned a 'substantial' number of positive tests.

National League officials were consequently forced to place Weymouth into full isolation until Monday, November 16. The decision means the Terras will not host Wrexham in front of the BT Sport cameras on Saturday...

The chairman... told Echosport 'We will look at travelling away and see if we can find an easier way to do it... To be fair to the club, I don’t think there’s much wrong with the Covid policy, all of them have worked really well. It’s happening all over the place... If we could all sit there and say "right, it happened there, this is what caused it" you might be able to put things in place.

'Our whole Covid policy works really well but we’re not the first club that suffers like this and won’t be the last, that’s for certain.'

White would not be drawn on exact numbers of cases, adding 'It’s quite substantial because we had a slight issue when we played Sutton and were able to play. I’m not going to go into numbers or names but it’s substantial enough that we aren’t able to play and the National League have put us into complete isolation.'”

According to NL Daily "Ian Scobbie has reportedly left his role as director at Hartlepool United.

Scobbie was brought in by Raj Singh to form part of Pools’ new board back in 2018.

The Hartlepool Mail report that Scobbie resigned from his position last week and this was officially confirmed on [by] Companies' House yesterday evening (Wednesday).

It leaves Singh as now the only named officer at the club."

King's Lynn Town "manager Ian Culverhouse believes the club's new hybrid training model is a big step towards the club eventually going full-time.

The club has secured daytime training facilities at Alive Lynnsport and has begun training there on two mornings and one evening a week.

Lynn's training plan also includes arranged breakfasts, lunches and vitamins, engaged sports scientists and dietary specialists as they bid to keep pace with the full-time clubs in the National League.

Culverhouse said 'It is absolutely massive for the development of this football club and its progression. It is about trying to grow it further as it has moved on at a massive pace in the last two years. It's another step towards professionalism and making it as a professional environment for the players as we can.

'We can do a lot more analysis with the staff we've got and work one-to-one with the players.... It gives me more contact time with the squad and will give the players a lot more rest after work. They won't have to jump in their cars and travel two hours in their cars to come to training at the end of a working day.

'I'm grateful to Stephen (Cleeve) for letting us have a go at it because it might just give us the chance to stay in this league'.

With performance analyst Matt Loades and sports scientist Ben Algar arriving at the club over the summer, a lot of the workload has been taken off the shoulders of Culverhouse and his trusted assistant Paul Bastock.

Algar already had two years of experience with Leicester City and Norwich City before becoming part of the backroom team at The Walks. His role involves analysing the players’ physical attributes, consulting with the manager about physical performance and producing physical data reports regarding weekly training load...

Bastock recently admitted... 'We have got all this information which we never had before. It was just me and the gaffer before, we were Youtubing and trying to find out everything we could through the internet and now we get all the information, we can prepare the boys right.'"

And NL Daily also reports that "King’s Lynn Town have confirmed the departure of loan midfielder Kyle Barker.

The Peterborough United prospect had joined the National League Linnets last month on a loan deal that was set to run until January.

Having made one solitary substitute appearance for Ian Culverhouse’s side, though, Barker has now returned early to League One Posh."

In the Derbyshire Times we learn that "Spireites boss John Pemberton said they may have to dip into the transfer market ‘very soon’ to bring in cover for striker Nathan Tyson.

The experienced forward is set to be out injured with a hamstring injury for at least a couple of weeks. Although Town still have Tom Denton, Luke Rawson, Alex Kiwomya and Scott Boden up front, the Blues will miss Tyson’s pace and ability to stretch defences...

'If he is going to be out for a while then we might look... to bring some cover in, certainly while he is out. We are always looking to bring players in. I want to chuck players at the chairman all the time. You are not doing your job properly if you are not looking at players to see how you can better what you have got so I think that is important'...

In other news, former Chesterfield striker Mike Fondop has signed a short-term deal with Aldershot Town after leaving the Spireites as a free agent in the summer. 'I spoke to Mike in the summer and Mike wanted to keep his options open and that is where we left it,' Pemberton said. 'I never heard back from him. There was never a conversation about bringing Mike back because Mike never wanted that conversation.'"

ALTRINCHAM 0-2 SOLIHULL MOORS

Match report here.

NEXT OPPONENTS: ALDERSHOT TOWN

In the Hampshire club's case, the original Aldershot folded in 1992 when they were unable to complete that season. The new club, Aldershot Town, was established later in 1992 and has since risen through the divisions after starting in the Isthmian League Division Three (step 5 of the non-League pyramid). Unlike many clubs which hit financial trouble, Town were fortunate in being able to play at the stadium formerly occupied by their forerunner club, The Recreation Ground.

The Shots regained Football League status for the town for five years (2008-13) before returning to what is now The National League.

ON THIS DAY: 12 November

For the game, manager Jim Harvey rang the changes, leaving senior players Jake Moult, Damian Reeves, Tim Deasy, Simon Richman and Alan Goodall on the bench as Altrincham started with only one player who had been at the club the previous season (James Lawrie).

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

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

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

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

Altrincham had Wayne Thomas available after being cup-tied last Saturday and he started but Tom Hannigan had been injured in the previous match at Lincoln and was out for this game. Jim Harvey's multiple changes included making John Cyrus his new captain. On the eve of the match, Altrincham had signed defender Luis Morrison-Derbyshire and he started as did the other recent arrivals, Curtis Obeng and Simon Lenighan.

In all, there were three league debutants for this match (Obeng, Lenighan and Morrison-Derbyshire) but the afternoon ended with another defeat and The Robins ended the game nine points from safety.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Andrew DAWBER, 2. Sam PATTERSON, 3. Andy McWILLIAMS, 4. John CYRUS (capt), 5. Luis MORRISON-DERBYSHIRE, 6. Wayne THOMAS, 7. Greg WILKINSON, 8. Simon LENIGHAN, 9. Curtis OBENG, 10. James LAWRIE, 11. Sean MILLER. Subs 12. Damian REEVES, 14. Jake MOULT, 15. Alan GOODALL, 16. Simon RICHMAN, 20. Tim DEASY.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Stones' boss Dean Brennan made three changes from the side that beat Altrincham on the weekend, with Connor Smith, Jorome Slew and Ross Lafayette coming back into the starting eleven.

The hosts gave Stones a numerical advantage early on, when Jeff King was sent off following a heavy tackle on Jacob Mendy after just three minutes... It was Halifax who had the best opportunity of the first half... but Harry Isted pulled off a brilliant reactive save...

The early dismissal set the tone for the game with both sides cautious to over-exert themselves physically, meaning every foul was heavily contested. The drama bubbled over to the touchline with both managers sent to the stands just before half time.

The second half was far more subdued but the referee did find time to present another red card in the game. Halifax's Danny Williams was given a second yellow card on 78 minutes for a foul on Michee Efete on the edge of the box...

The Stones finally made the most of their numerical advantage, Moses Emmanuel's cross was headed out by Luke Summerfield but only to Parish on the edge of the area who smashed in a pinpoint effort... That win moves Wealdstone up to second place in the National League".

FC Halifax Town's version of events is that "Nine-man FC Halifax Town were narrowly beaten 1-0 by Wealdstone...

Four red cards and just one goal as the result was overshadowed by refereeing decisions. Jeff King, Danny Williams, Pete Wild, and Dean Brennen were all sent off by referee Paul Marsden.

Just four minutes into the game and the referee pulled out the red card. King went in with a strong challenge but seemingly fair challenge and, following a short confrontation between King and a few Wealdstone players, King was sent off.

Town were given further issues when Matt Stenson went down holding his knee in the 11th minute. The forward managed to continue but went down again just five minutes later. Following this, Dom Tear was brought on at right wing-back.

It took 34 minutes before any real chance was made...

As half time approached, substitute Tear made a great going forward and was brought down with a strong challenge. The referee only showed a yellow card to Daniel Green and this caused some arguments between the dugout. Manager Wild was then shown a red card as was Wealdstone manager Brennen.

Wealdstone started the brighter of the two sides, looking to use their man advantage... As the game continued, the defences appeared to be coming out on top...

With just over 10 minutes left, Town were reduced to nine men with Williams being shown a second yellow card for a foul on the edge of the Town box... With just minutes left on the clock, Wealdstone took the lead. The visitors had a man un-marked on the edge of the box and Daniel Parish fired it low into the bottom corner, out of Johnson’s reach.

The result sees Town drop to 20th whilst Wealdstone climb to second".

At Hartlepool United "Next week’s National League fixture against Wrexham AFC will now kick-off at 7pm.

The tie will still be played on Tuesday 17th November at Victoria Park, with both teams agreeing with the league to bring the kick-off time forward by 45 mins.

The game will be live-streamed via the usual platforms and all the information will be provided in the coming days as Pools lineup against the red dragons in their 2020 Remembrance day shirt."

An update from Stockport County tells us that now "Multiple members of the playing staff have tested positive for COVID-19 following a comprehensive testing programme of all players and staff.

The Club has enforced strict protocols since the outbreak of the virus and will now start a period of isolation based on National League and Government guidelines.

We can confirm that the upcoming fixtures against Dagenham & Redbridge and Eastleigh will be postponed and rescheduled. The upcoming FA Cup fixture against Yeovil will go ahead as planned".

Bromley’s "League fixture at Barnet on Saturday will be only the fifth meeting between the two Clubs in modern times. The fixtures of the 2018/19 season were the first meetings for 62 years.

The two Clubs first met in the 1899-1900 season in London League Division One at Bromley, when a 1-1 draw was played out. However, the return fixture was never played as both Barnet and Bromley were expelled from the League over questions concerning illegal payments to players.

Regular meetings then took place from 1919 in the Athenian League until 1952, when Bromley were elected to the Isthmian League, but in the following five seasons the two Clubs met in Cup competitions, with the last of these meetings coming on 4 May 1957.

Last season both Clubs won their respective away fixtures by the same 2-1 score line."

At Meadow Park, "In a game that they largely dominated, Boreham Wood were undone by a 58th minute Myles Weston goal in a disappointing defeat against Dagenham & Redbridge to register their first home defeat in 15 games stretching back over a year.

Boreham Wood made some changes from Saturday, the injured Ricketts and Whitely were replaced by Piero Mingoia and Adam McDonnell, whilst Shaq Coulthirst started in place of Matt Rhead. In a first half of very little activity, it was the home team who enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and showed more energy despite playing 120 minutes in the Emirates FA Cup only three days earlier.

Sorba Thomas was very lively early on and caused the visitors all sorts of problems... Paul McCallum headed wide. The big centre forward didn’t look like the same player who impressed so much for Barnet last season and Eastleigh the season before.

The Daggers made a change at half time which would eventually win them the game. The dangerous Myles Weston replaced Will Wright and there is no doubt, he added something to the visitors' attack. Boreham Wood were still dominating possession...

After 56 minutes the ineffective McCallum was replaced by ex-Wood player Angelo Balanta and straight away the Daggers took the lead. An excellent cross by former Barnet player Elliot Johnson caught the Boreham Wood defence napping and Myles Weston was well placed to finish beyond Nathan Ashmore.

Shaq Coulthirst was immediately replaced by Matt Rhead to give Boreham Wood the focal point they seemed to be missing in attack. McDonnell and Mafuta went close for Wood before Elliot Justham brought Tshimanga down in the penalty area on 73 minutes. Last season’s top goalscorer, following his two successful penalties on Saturday would have fancied his chances against Justham. However, the former Luton Town goalkeeper produced a fantastic save by tipping Tshimanga’s well struck shot onto the bar.

There was now a feeling that this was Boreham Wood’s chance gone. While they huffed and puffed for the final 17 minutes, David Stephens came on to add more height in an unfamiliar centre forward role. The score remained 1-0 to the visitors. In fact, by the end, the Daggers looked more likely to add to their lead than Boreham Wood did equalising. All-in-all it was a disappointing night for Boreham Wood who had dominated for the large part but just couldn’t break down a resolute Daggers defence, who seemed to be heading balls out for fun. Perhaps in the end, the 120 minutes and penalty shoot out on Saturday took its toll. Ultimately, it was a momentary lapse in defence that cost Boreham Wood in the end.

A fairly upbeat Wood Manager Luke Garrard said after the game 'I don’t think we deserved to lose a game of football. We were the better side and looked strong despite playing 120 minutes on Saturday. The manner from which the goal was conceded was disappointing'".

Next Saturday's visitors to Altrincham are Aldershot Town who "are auctioning off match-issued poppy-printed shirts from our away game against Altrincham FC on Saturday November 14!

The match-issued shirts will be signed by said player on the front and back of the shirt and will include a Certificate of Authenticity as well!

The minimum price for these rare shirts will be £45 and from there you will be able to bid as high as you like!

We will also be auctioning off the signed full-squad football from the Army FA Match Ball sponsored game against Notts County last Saturday, that they have very kindly donated to the club as part of their Poppy Shirt Auction".

BACK TO LEAGUE ACTION FOR MOORS

The Moors put the disappointment of defeat at Maidenhead United in their last league outing to bed, with Sunday's success in the Emirates FA Cup. A win would take Moors into the play-off places, with the fixture being their game-in-hand...

Jimmy Shan was boosted by the return of Jamie Ward, who came on as a late substitute on Sunday following a thigh injury picked up on opening day.

Justin Donawa, who was cup tied for the trip to Scunthorpe, comes back into contention.

Alex Gudger (knee), Nick Clayton-Phillips (foot), Adam Rooney (hamstring) and James Ball (thigh) are all back out on the grass and are expected to return to action within two to three weeks.

Defender Callum Howe has a long-term knee injury, and underwent an operation on Monday".

BEFORE THE GAME: ALTRINCHAM v SOLIHULL MOORS

Conditions should be much better tonight when Solihull arrive, buoyed by an impressive giantkilling in the FA Cup last Saturday at Scunthorpe. They face another away trip in Round Two when Morecambe will be their destination.

As previously chronicled here, this is The Moors' first visit to Moss Lane since the 2013/2014 season which was the last of a three-campaign spell when Alty and the Moors were together in the Skrill (now National League) North division (2011-2014). So the last Alty v Solihull Moors game was in a 1-0 win for Alty in a match in November 2013 which was settled by a 17th minute James Walshaw penalty.

This is therefore the first time that Alty and Solihull Moors have met in the top flight of non-League football. In almost a reversal of the current situation when away games have predominated so far, the 2013 match was Alty's ninth home game out of 15 league fixtures that season, which was to end in their promotion.

Altrincham FC have announced how to access the Alty TV live stream of Wednesday's league game at home to Solihull Moors.

Season ticket holders have free access, otherwise it is £9.99.

"Supporters are also invited to purchase a digital copy of the Robins Review match day programme (£2.50), which can be added to your ticket payment here as part of the order process.

The broadcast is scheduled to start at around 19:15...

With season tickets now safely with the majority of our supporters, we have been able to set up individual, personalised codes for each season ticket holder... We ask that you use these six digits as your discount code for all future Vanarama National League games".

MEDICAL UPDATE

Those sidelined are:

Sean Williams	Toby Mullarkey	Simon Richman	Andy White
Fisayo Adarabioyo	Ritchie Sutton	Yusifu Ceesay	Daniel Mooney

1. Sean Williams, who had a floating piece of bone in the back of his ankle before he joined Altrincham; results are awaited from an MRI scan. He is still "weeks" away from playing.
2. Toby Mullarkey was originally injured in pre-season at Alfreton; fracture in his lower leg has been identified and he has three more weeks in a boot and then will need to regain fitness.
3. Simon Richman was fouled at Hartlepool; his scan found a chip in his lower leg bone, like Toby Mullarkey. He has an appointment at a fracture clinic.
4. Andy White has an ankle problem from Hartlepool game, has needed pain killers. Not long=term possibly ready next Saturday
5. Fisayo Adarabioyo was one of the three players injured at Wealdstone last Saturday. He rolled his ankle which affected his posterior ligament. He will be a few weeks out of action.
6. Ritchie Sutton suffered a quad strain which is not too severe.
7. Yusifu Ceesay; his was a precautionary withdrawal from the game with a tight hamstring issue.
8. Dan Mooney was injured in pre-season at Nantwich; originally he had severe ankle ligament issues, which were on the mend before the Covid issue disrupted the team's training. He will have a fitness test for Wednesday's game.

ALTY OLD BOYS

On the mark last Saturday for Bradford (Park Avenue) was Nicky Clee.

As reported here several days ago, former Altrincham loanee Ryan Shotton (right), most recently at Middlesbrough, in The Championship, has signed forms for Leek Town. The Non-League Paper quotes Leek manager Neil Baker as saying, "He has been used to plush training facilities at Stoke and Middlesborugh... We've had to make do with training on park pitches and even the club car park!".

The article explains that Ryan "has been a free agent since leaving Neil Warnock's Middlesborugh in the summer.

'Ryan's been terrific. He's a really good guy; no edge to him at all.

'It's been a pleasure to have him here. He's always just got on with it and is actually thankful to be here... He's only 32, there's still plenty of football left in him. He raises the standard of the other players'".

MIDWEEK FIXTURES

• Boreham Wood 0-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
• FC Halifax Town 0-1 Wealdstone

Wednesday 11th November

• Altrincham v Solihull Moors k.o. 7.45pm
• Notts County P-P Stockport County (Covid-positive tests at Stockport)

THROUGH THE YEARS: 11 November

ON THIS DAY: 11 November

The teams wore black armbands and held a minute's silence to mark Remembrance Day.

Above: Alty observe the minute's silence on Remembrance Day 2017.

Without the injured Disney, Taylor, Jones, Hannigan, Short and Amis, along with the suspended Moult, and with Miller and Omotola out on loan spells designed to see them back to full fitness, Shaun Densmore started in his most accustomed role, at right-back, and was named as captain. Simon Richman returned after completing his suspension.

The Rams started with three men who had recently been at Altrincham; Sam Heathcote, Kyle Brownhill and Jerome Wright.

For the second successive game Altrincham fell behind in only the second minute, having conceded at the same stage against Buxton in the previous fixture. This time Joel Bembo-Leta was hit in the back by Tony Thompson's kick upfield and the ball was diverted into the path of Sam Heathcote, who netted a well-struck goal against his former club.

But, ultimately, a Jordan Hulme hat-trick saw an injury-ravaged Altrincham progress comfortably to the next round. Alty nevertheless drew level in the 17th minute when Hulme headed home a corner taken by Ramsbottom's tormentor, John Johnston. Hulme's second also came from a left-sided corner, with the striker this time hitting a rising shot into the net.

Four minutes after the interval Hulme's deflected shot made it 3-1 and five minutes from the end, Poole's long shot was spilled into the net by keeper Taberner.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Shaun DENSMORE (c), 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Max HARROP, 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. James POOLE (c), 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs: 12. Tom PEERS, 14. Sam SHERIDAN, 15. Callum JONES, 16. Mason WALSH, 20. Tim DEASY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"Wealdstone made it four league wins on the bounce after a tight 1-0 win over Altrincham on the weekend that propelled the Stones to their highest league position in over 30 years as they sit in 3rd place in the National League. FC Halifax are coming off of a two-week layoff after the entire squad and staff have been isolating following a COVID-19 outbreak at the club which had saw [sic] this fixture originally postponed. This will be the first time the two sides will meet.

Charlie Wakefield continues his three-match suspension and Charlee Hughes and Adel Gafaiti remain out on loan.

Dean Brennan said of Halifax, 'They will be in training Monday after two weeks off due to COVID, they are a good side with lots of speed and they are obviously very seasoned at this level'.

Who to watch for; Neill Byrne, the 27-year-old is an experienced National League defender and is currently in his sixth successive season at this level after spells at AFC Telford United, Macclesfield Town, Gateshead and AFC Fylde, narrowly missing out on promotion and winning the FA Trophy at the latter. The Irish centre-back makes the first team spot his own at any club he goes to at this level and will provide a physical challenge to Stones' attacking threat."

Meanwhile, FC Halifax Town announce that "Jacob Hanson will join Curzon Ashton following the cancellation of his contract. This move will give Jacob vital game time and we wish him every success for the future." Hartlepool United report that "The National League and BT Sport have confirmed the live broadcast of Eastleigh versus Hartlepool United next Saturday evening.

Both sides are looking to continue their strong start to the season in the mid-November fixture, with kick-off moved at the Silverlake Stadium to 5.20pm.

Eastleigh go into the match currently fifth in the Vanarama National League table. Dave Challinor’s Hartlepool will be tough opponents for the Spitfires, however, having won all three of their away matches".

NEXT VISITORS: SOLIHULL MOORS

And later in the game Yusifu Ceesay was substituted with what was believed to be an injury.

If none of the above is fit on Wednesday, Altrincham will be left to choose from just fourteen outfield players who have made a first-team appearance this season. Two of those 14 are loanees from Crewe Alexandra (Joe Robbins and Billy Sass-Davies).

Alty go into the game lying twentieth in the table but mitigating factors are the facts that all but one of their six league matches this season have been played away from home and they have a game in hand on a third of the teams in the National League. And, currently, just three points separate Alty from tenth-placed Notts County.

Solihull Moors had a fine FA Cup win away at Scunthorpe on Saturday and they lie eighth in the league, with four points more than Alty from the same number of games played (six).

Wednesday's game is the first of three home fixtures in six days as Aldershot Town visit on Saturday and next Tuesday, Chesterfield visit Moss Lane for the first time.

The league record against Solihull Moors is:

• At home: P3 W2 D1 L0 F4 A2
• Away: P3 W1 D0 L2 F2 A4
• All: P6 W3 D1 L2 F6 A6

ON THIS DAY: 10 November

The game was touted as potentially the last-ever FA Cup tie at Bootham Crescent as York prepared to move to the outskirts of the city but that has, of course, been affected by Covid-19.

Above: Alty salute their supporters after the final whistle at York.

Yusifu Ceesay started for the first time after his injury lay off but Connor Hampson remained sidelined, on the bench. Tom Peers was preferred up front as Jordan Hulme moved to the bench.

And it was a goal, eight minutes from the end of normal time, by Tom Peers which secured Altrincham's place in Round Two of the FA Cup and condemned York City to their first defeat of the season.

Alty had started the game well before York settled as the first half ended goalless.

In the second half, Dan Maguire's theatrical fall over Tony Thompson convinced referee Bell to award a penalty, which was a very dubious decision. But Thompson saved Bond's spot kick and a follow-up hit the bar (57 mins). Despite losing Yusifu Ceesay to injury soon afterwards, Altrincham raised their game in the final stages.

The winner arrived when Peers fired home Jordan Hulme's feed from about 15 yards, before they saw out the closing stages fairly comfortably despite the home keeper going up for three corners.

The match was watched by 3,222 supporters, with 354 in the away end.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 3. Andy WHITE, 4. James JONES, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Sean WILLIAMS, 9. Tom PEERS, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 11. Yusifu CEESAY. Subs: 12. Max HARROP, 14. Simon RICHMAN, 15. Jordan HULME, 16. Toby MULLARKEY, 17. Connor HAMPSON, 20. Joel TORRANCE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The League One club were held to a goalless draw after extra time but Fraser swept home the visitors’ fifth penalty after Tom Bearwish had smashed Eastleigh’s final kick against the bar.

It protected Milton Keynes’s record of having never lost to non-League opponents in the FA Cup and sent them through to the second round for the first time in three seasons.

Russell Martin’s side could easily have lost in normal time though had Ben House not spurned a great chance for Eastleigh, dragging his right-foot shot wide after being played through on goal and if Alex Wynter [had] buried his header from close range.

The Spitfires now take on Hartlepool United in Vanarama National League action, live on BT Sport this Saturday at 5.20pm!"

Meanwhile, the Hartlepool Mail tells us that "Hartlepool United’s FA Cup campaign came to an end at Salford City on Saturday afternoon.

After making over £100,000 from the competition last season, Pools were not quite as fortunate this time out as they were beaten 2-0 by the Ammies at the First Round stage. Despite the early exit, Pools were still able to make £15,032 in total prize money after amendments were made to the funding distribution for first and second round ties to allow losing teams to receive money...

'I think it’s sensible, the big thing about the FA Cup was for lower league sides, regardless of whether you won or not, the costs were never an issue due to sharing the gate receipts or tv money, so it was always covered,' he told The Mail. 'If you’re a non-league team and you’re travelling to Ipswich or a top League One club who are based far away, realistically the travel is going to cost a few thousand pounds to travel and stay overnight which is a lot of money.

'Previously in the FA Cup those costs would have been covered by the gate receipts. I think sharing the prize money helps to cover losses more than anything else which is the main thing at the moment. The prize money may be reduced for the winners but I don’t think anyone would disagree that the amount of prize money should include some for the losing team, especially in these circumstances.

'For us, it covers our costs and we get something from it which is fair and right. Having no crowds in is not ideal but Salford win and progress so good luck to them. Like us, I’m sure their hopes are firmly on getting promoted from their division rather than going on a big cup run'...

He added, 'The club is in a difficult situation at the moment so we need every penny we can get. But it is what it is, we’re out of it now... We now turn to what is, in my opinion, a more important game against Eastleigh next weekend.'” The game at Eastleigh has been chosen for BT Sport live coverage with the kick-off time on Saturday pushed back to 5:20pm.

Weymouth report "Lining up for Bournemouth, Ollie Harfield patrolled [as a] full-back against the likes of Italy defender Ignazio Abate, former Liverpool midfielder Suso and Senegal striker M’Baye Niang.

Fans could have forgiven Harfield, who now plays at Weymouth, for feeling a few pre-match butterflies against the San Siro giants... Signing his first professional contract with the Cherries aged just 17, Harfield then enjoyed considerable experience at Boreham Wood... The Wood faced Tranmere Rovers in the 2018 National League play-off final at Wembley in front of over 16,000 fans.

While Harfield was an unused substitute that day... 'It was an amazing experience to have under my belt. Turning up on the coach, walking through, seeing the Wembley arch... Obviously it’s nice to play in the bigger stadiums but football is football, wherever you’re playing'.

From Boreham Wood, former Southampton academy prospect Harfield decided to exit Bournemouth in search of more match minutes at Dagenham and Redbridge. His reward was 29 games for the Daggers, complete with one goal... Harfield impressed at National League level and was offered a new deal on the Daggers’ retained list.

However, he decided to move back to the south coast, where Weymouth snapped him up. 'I wanted to move closer to home, so that’s when Weymouth came up and it went from there,' he said. 'The main thing was I did miss home a little bit... I always speak to Moles (Mark Molesley, ex-Terras’ boss) because he was my manager at Bournemouth... I knew a lot of the boys at Weymouth because a lot of them are obviously ex-Bournemouth'...

With 40 starts and 10 assists to his name as Weymouth sealed promotion to the Vanarama National League, Harfield played a key role. Sharing a pitch with AC Milan four years ago might well have played a part, but perhaps more importantly he shared it with three future Terras. Corey Jordan, Jake McCarthy and ex-Weymouth left-back Callum Buckley all took to the field that day'".

Aldershot Town "announce the signing of forward Mike Fondop on a short-term deal!

The Cameroonian, who played for Chesterfield last season and scored 10 goals in the National League, has experience at this level of the game with Guiseley AFC, Wrexham and FC Halifax Town.

The 26-year-old, who arrives as a free agent... said upon his arrival at the club... 'I’ve been looking for a new challenge as well, so I’m delighted to sign for the club'".

Stockport County report that "Wednesday’s scheduled National League game against Notts County at Meadow Lane has been postponed, after a member of our playing staff tested positive for Covid-19.

As a result of the positive test that player is now isolating, whilst the rest of the players and coaching staff have today undergone tests of their own, and will also now isolate whilst we await the results.

As this could take anywhere between 24-48 hours, the decision has been made to postpone Wednesday’s fixture in order to minimise the risk of further infection.

Once all results have been received, further discussions between our medical staff and the National League will take place in order determine when the squad will return to first-team action".

Notts County confirm that "Wednesday's Vanarama National League home match against Stockport County has been postponed due to several Covid-19 events being reported by our opponents, including a positive test result.

Our CEO, Jason Turner, said 'We welcome the early notice of this decision and will now turn our attentions to our next scheduled match, away at FC Halifax Town next Tuesday'".

FA CUP DRAW

• Stockport County v Yeovil Town
• Portsmouth v King's Lynn Town
• Peterborough United v Chorley
• Morecambe v Solihull Moors
• Mansfield Town v Dagenham & Redbridge
• Marine v HaSvant & Waterlooville
• Canvey Island v Boreham Wood
• Barnet v MK Dons
• Tranmere Rovers v Brackley Town

MANAGER INTERVIEWED

Right: Phil Parkinson's glass is more than half-full this season.

ALTRINCHAM v SOLIHULL MOORS

"We found game planning for this game very difficult because of their inactivity due to Covid, but also not knowing what they're going to have available; they've also played several different shapes and systems this season... The pleasing thing for me was the performance".

Solihull Moors add that "A Stephen Gleeson double helped Moors shock League Two Scunthorpe United with a 3-2 away win...

Gleeson gave Moors the perfect start, with only four minutes on the clock, he settled any nerves, coolly slotting a penalty after Cameron Coxe had been fouled. It was a short-lived advantage as John McAtee’s cross-cum-shot brought the Irons level...

Moors were quick after the restart and Krystian Pearce’s looping header put Moors back in front... Gleeson smashed home his second penalty of the game with 10 minutes remaining... but shortly after, Irons' substitute Kevin Van Veen capitalised on a Ryan Boot mistake to make for a nervy finish...

Ahead of the clash, Moors manager Shan made two changes to the team that had tasted defeat at Maidenhead last time out. Darren Carter dropped to the bench as Mitch Hancox took up the left-sided centre back spot whilst Joe Sbarra came back into the starting line-up, in place of Jamey Osborne. Kyle Hudlin retained his place in the side, following a promising debut last weekend, the tall striker once again leading the line for Shan’s men.

Forward Jamie Ward was named amongst the substitutes in what was a welcome return for the Northern Irishman who had been missing since the opening day of the season...

In one final action, Scunthorpe’s Tyler Cordner received his marching orders for a second bookable offence, after a foul on Ward. The late dismissal extinguished any hope of a late comeback from the hosts and Moors sealed their place in Monday night’s Emirates FA Cup second round draw for the third season running.

Solihull Moors: Boot; Coxe, Williams, Pearce, Hancox, Cranston (Carter, 72); Storer, Gleeson; Maycock, (Osborne, 72) Sbarra; Hudlin (Ward, 80). Subs not used: Clayton, McNally, Piggott, Shergill."

PAST ENCOUNTERS WITH SOLIHULL MOORS

The Moors are the product of a merger in 2007 between Moor Green and the then more lowly placed Solihull Borough. Altrincham first encountered Moor Green in the Conference North division in December 2004 when the Midlands club played at the Moorlands ground, situated in the Hall Green suburb of Birmingham, near Solihull.

Right: On a gloomy afternoon at Moorlands, Bridgewater (in blue, foreground, left) scored Moor Green's opener against Altrincham in a draw in 2004.

After an arson attack on Moorlands, which was in January 2005, just a month after Alty's visit, the 2007 merger of Moor Green and Solihull Borough saw Solihull Moors plying its trade in the Conference North whilst Alty were then in the top flight.

So the first meeting for Altrincham with Solihull Moors was not until 2011-12 season after Alty's relegation back to the North division. In that campaign the match at Moss Lane ended 1-1 on 24 March, 2012. In all Alty and the Moors were together in the North division for three consecutive seasons (2011-2014) before Alty were again promoted.

Then, in 2016, as Alty were relegated back to the North division, the Moors were promoted at the same time in the opposite direction so the clubs' paths did not cross again until now.

The league record with the Solihull Moors club is therefore:

• At home: P3 W2 D1 L0 F4 A2
• Away: P3 W1 D0 L2 F2 A4
• All: P6 W3 D1 L2 F6 A6

ALTY OLD BOYS

ON THIS DAY: 9 November

Though bottom of the table, Altrincham went into this game with just one league defeat in their last eight league outings, a run sustained in recent games without key players. Alty had been without Chris Denham and James Smith [right] for recent matches and neither was again fit to start in this match; but Denham was available from the bench. Michael Welch had injured himself in Saturday's warm-up so he was unavailable for this fixture. So Alty's starting eleven was unchanged from the draw at Bath City, last time out.

Altrincham conceded a goal after 29 seconds of the match and then did so, again, a minute before the interval but, in between, they played some good football, as they also did in the early part of the second half.

Indeed, had Twiss's volleyed goal from a Denham cross from the right been allowed to stand in the 70th minute, they might have got something out of the game but referee Handley took his assistant's assurance that the goal was offside and ruled it out. After that the visitors were fairly comfortable and the pace of their attacks throughout the game ensured that they deserved the points.

After Alty had kicked off the match, the Dons' Welland sent an aerial ball forward up the middle and it dropped behind the Alty defence to Kedwell, who beat the advancing Coburn comfortably. Kedwell also got the second, after 44 minutes when he converted a right-wing cross. And the match ended 0-2.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 27. Andrew MILNE, 5. Robbie WILLIAMS, 4. Marc JOSEPH, 17. Wes BAYNES, 6. Shaun DENSMORE, 7. Robbie LAWTON (capt), 25. Matt SOMNER, 15. Ryan BROWN, 11. Nicky CLEE, 9. Michael TWISS, Subs: 21. James COATES, 8. Damian REEVES, 20. Sam HEWSON, 16. Anthony DANYLYK, 10. Chris DENHAM

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Altrincham v Aldershot Town
• Barnet v Bromley
• Chesterfield v Maidenhead United
• Dagenham & Redbridge v Stockport County
• Eastleigh v Hartlepool United
• Solihull Moors v FC Halifax Town
• Sutton United v King's Lynn Town
• Torquay United v Boreham Wood
• Wealdstone v Dover Athletic
• Woking v Yeovil Town
• Weymouth v Wrexham k.o. 5.20pm

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Magpies returned to National League action following a a three-week break as a result of several positive Covid tests, but it was a miserable afternoon for Neal Ardley's side as they were beaten at Aldershot...

Aldershot took full advantage of some horrendous defending to take the lead when Harrison Panayiotou seized possession and rifled in a terrific finish...

Notts huffed and puffed in an attempt to salvage a point with Elisha Sam being denied by James again as Leigh Curtis picked out the big talking points from the defeat.

Callum Roberts needs to get fit pronto. The former Newcastle winger missed Saturday’s game because of a calf problem... Without him, there is only one other ball carrier in the squad in Enzio Boldewijn, but his confidence looks to shot to pieces if his late cameo here is anything to go by...

Too many players just didn’t look right... It was as if they had not played for a year let alone three weeks, as passes never found their target, the ball just wouldn’t stick in the final third and defensively it wasn’t much better either...

It was a bewildering performance... But they can’t dwell on it for long as a huge game against Stockport awaits next Wednesday...

The National League is a crazy division as proven by the sides that are currently up there in the likes of Maidenhead, Sutton and Wealdstone...

Of the teams to beat Notts so far this season, Maidenhead, Dover and Aldershot are not in the same league in terms of the quality players they have at their disposal... Notts just did not have the capacity to cope...

They have to find a way of coming through wars of attrition... The ugly side of the game is just as important as the beauty".

The Eastern Daily Press tells us that "FA Cup hero Sonny Carey is looking for another big away day as King’s Lynn Town go into the draw for the second round on Monday night.

The Norwich-born teenager scored the late goal which gave Lynn a surprise 1-0 win at League Two Port Vale on Saturday...

Said the 19-year-old midfielder, who joined Lynn from Wroxham a year ago, 'It feels brilliant.. The gaffer just said to keep playing our own way. We didn’t come here just to sit back, we wanted to try and impose our game on them and it was great to come on and score the winner...

'We came in and everyone was throwing water around and jumping on each other; it was brilliant. For a lot of us this is the first time we have played at a League Two ground and when you have come to a place like this and got that result, it is a great feeling'...

Manager Ian Culverhouse described his team as 'magnificent' after Saturday’s win... 'To a man they were superb, I can’t speak highly enough of them,' he said".

King's Lynn Town report that "A late goal from Sonny Carey saw the Linnets cause an upset in the 1st round proper of the FA Cup at League Two side Port Vale.

Manager Ian Culverhouse made 4 changes from the win against Woking with Ryan Jarvis, Jamar Loza, Simon Power & Dayle Southwell replacing Cameron King, Sonny Carey, Adam Mariott and the cup tied Kairo Mitchell...

Vale were dominate [?dominant] in the second half having much more of the ball and when chances did come the Lynn defence and in particular Mair were equal to it. Lynn made a double change of 68 minutes with Marriott & Carey replacing Power & Loza...

The only goal came on 82 minutes and the 2 subs combined. A mazy run from Marriott saw him beat 3 Vale players and his cutback found Carey who riffled the ball into the roof of the net".

Scunthorpe United report that "The Iron exited the Emirates FA Cup at the first round stage, as they were defeated 3-2 at home by Solihull Moors on Sunday lunchtime.

John McAtee equalised following Stephen Gleeson's opener from the penalty spot, but the away side regained the lead through Krystian Pearce.

Gleeson added a second from the penalty spot before substitute Kevin van Veen pulled one back in the closing stages (he was making his first appearance since March)...

The first incident of note came in the third minute when the visitors were awarded a penalty, with their midfielder Gleeson duly dispatched...

United levelled the scores... when McAtee raced down the left and cut onto his right foot. He curled an angled cross towards the far post, with Dünnwald-Turan challenging, but the ball nestled in the corner without a touch.

In the 48th minute... the away side retook the lead with the free-kick initially cleared, but a looping header from ex-United defender Pearce nestled in the far corner...

In the 79th minute, the away side won another penalty which Gleeson stepped up to slot beyond Howard.

The Iron pulled one back in the 84th minute when van Veen fired home from close range after Hallam seized on a poor pass from the away goalkeeper to set him up...

Three minutes into stoppage time, Cordner was given his second yellow card after a pull back on former Iron Jamie Ward, who had come on as a substitute."

>The BBC confirms that "Boreham Wood piled on the misery for struggling League Two club Southend United as they knocked them out of the FA Cup on penalties.

Jamal Fyfield and Mark Ricketts put the hosts 2-0 up but Brandon Goodship and Terrell Egbri sent Southend level.

In extra time, Kabongo Tshimanga's penalty put the Wood in front again after a foul by Harry Lennon.

James Olayinka levelled again to send it to penalties, with Jason Demetriou missing the decisive spot-kick.

Victory for Boreham Wood ensures they reach the second round of the FA Cup for the first time since 2017-18.

Southend's defeat is their 13th out of 15 games this season and means they are still without a win in all competitions this term.

The Daily Mail tells us that "Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney confirmed they plan to make a documentary if their bid to purchase non-league football club Wrexham AFC is successful.

Speaking to 2,000 members of the fifth division side's Supporters' Trust on Sunday evening, Reynolds and McElhenney outlined their vision as part of their takeover bid...

'Sports is storytelling and is so woven into the fabric of the sport,' Reynolds explained. 'The Wrexham community is incredibly dynamic and supportive.'

The actors detailed their bold proposal to make the Welsh side the 'best team in the United Kingdom' if they are successful taking over. McElhenney, who had shown an immense amount of research into the history of the club prior to the call, added 'Why would we not document this? Why would we not think about Wrexham the way Manchester United thinks about Manchester United? I've watched all the football documentaries and been inspired by them'...

'We are taking this venture very seriously,' Reynolds said. 'Why Wrexham? We believe your club is a sleeping giant, incredible story, stadium and fans. The sky is the limit. We want Wrexham to be a global force'...

Sunday's meeting was recorded as part of the documentary film, provided they get the approval by 75 per cent of fans to continue their takeover. The actors want to visit Wrexham 'as much as possible' and 'drink in local pubs' with the fans. Voting opens to the 2,108 eligible members on Monday November 9...

Support for the Hollywood stars has come from Inner Circle Sports, the American firm which helped facilitate Fenway Sports Group's takeover of Liverpool. McElhenney... explained that those behind the scenes had 'been searching Europe' for a team to purchase. 'We had people looking all over Western Europe for a club, we wanted a community that we could identify with,' he said...

Reynolds and McElhenney plan to 'acquire the entire issued share capital of Wrexham AFC Limited for one peppercorn' before going on to invest £2 million in the form of non-redeemable shares... 'It is a cash injection, no loans,' Reynolds stressed. 'We want the club to be sustainable. We want to build this club out, thoughtfully and carefully... I don't have vast experience as a club owner... We're not getting into this to make money but because we like building things'".

At Torquay United "Following one of the most extraordinary games in United’s history, manager Gary Johnson gave his reaction to the 5-6 extra-time defeat, which saw Crawley Town progress through to the second round of the Emirates FA Cup.

'It was unbelievable. One minute you were up, and the next you were down, then you were up again, and then you’re down,' began Johnson. 'I suppose credit to both teams, to create a game like that, but if you’re on the losing end of that, letting in six goals, albeit in extra-time as well, then of course you’re disappointed as the losing manager...

'At 2-0 up at half-time, it looked like the boys felt, I don’t think it was in their heads, but it looked like they thought they’d won the game... We mustn’t let it break our season up... You’ve just got to give credit to the other side and look at what went wrong for us, because we need to not let in that many goals, whoever you’re playing'".

At Eastleigh "Penalty shootout drama ended Eastleigh’s run in the FA Cup as League One side MK Dons progress to the next round... Misses from Tyrone Barnett and Tom Bearwish gave the visitors an opportunity to snatch the victory through a Scott Fraser spot kick.

At the start of the second half as MK kept the majority of possession, Eastleigh kept composure but felt the pressure...

With extra time looming, both sides failed to convert chances... Extra time was a close affair, chances at both ends had the game hanging in the balance... Goalless after 120 minutes meant the game will [would] be decided from the penalty spot.

Barnett missed the first spot kick with Poole quickly taking the lead in the penalties. A McDonnell save made the scores level with the pressure certainly on both teams.

Tom Bearwish hit the bar to give Scott Fraser the opportunity to win the game, slotting the ball past McDonnell".

Barnet tell us that "The Bees made it into the Second Round of the Emirates FA Cup after a hard fought 1-0 win over League One side Burton Albion. After taking an early lead through Wes Fonguck, the Bees had to hold on, especially after going down to ten men before half time...

There was a positive start to the game from the Bees, controlling the ball well and not letting their underdog status affect them in any way. The Bees continued to control the play, building up patiently before they finally got their chance, which they took with full conviction. Some brilliant hold up play from JJ Hooper, allowed Fonguck to get a shot away, which he buried into the top left hand corner to give his side the lead after only ten minutes...

A relatively positive half for the Bees, ended in an unfortunate manner, when Matt Preston was shown a straight red card for pulling down his man as he raced through towards goal.

Being down to ten men meant a slight change in formation, with Harry Taylor moving into fill in at centre back at the start of the second half... The Bees were doing all they could to contain the added pressure, defending resolutely, despite the flurry of opportunities which the away side were having. The task became even harder for the Bees, when Elliot Richards left the field, after picking up an injury, with about 25 minutes of the game to go... The Bees managed to weather the storm and secure a place in the next round of the Emirates FA Cup".

WEALDSTONE 1-0 ALTRINCHAM

Alty brought in Ceesay to start in Mooney's place and they had much the better of possession in the first 25 minutes before Wealdstone enjoyed the ascendancy. Alty failed to land a shot on target before the break whereas Thompson made a couple of decent saves in a generally lacklustre and goalless first forty-five minutes.

Against the run of second-half play, Wealdstone took a 65th minute lead with Emmanuel claiming the goal, which may have gone in off , after an initial Thompson save. Once again Altrincham produced some good approach play but lacked a cutting edge in the box.

Match report here.

WEALDSTONE VIEW

Altrincham flashed some of the quality that saw them promoted from the National League North in the first minute, when Josh Hancock shot narrowly over from 20 yards out...

The hosts did have the ball in the net on 34 minutes, after Dennon Lewis' 30-yard effort was parried by Thompson, with Emmanuel slotting in the rebound, but it was ruled out for offside...

Into the second half... substitute Tom Peers almost put the visitors ahead when he got onto the end of a Joel Senior cross, but his effort was straight at Harry Isted.

After riding a prolonged spell of Altrincham pressure, the Stones went a goal ahead. Lewis burst forward down the left to deliver a cross for Ross Lafayette, his effort was blocked but Emmanuel followed up to poke in at the second time of asking after an initial save from Thompson.

Alty's best chance of the game came on 74 minutes when Connor Hampson cut a cross back to Peers on the edge of the area but Jerome Okimo got a crucial block in and the ball deflected just wide.

The Stones' managed the rest of the game out professionally and efficiently to move them into the top three".

FA YOUTH CUP

The club has received confirmation from the Football Association that the tie can take place as both Altrincham and Peterborough United are elite clubs.

The tie will be played behind closed doors but will be streamed by 'Alty TV Live'...

U18s manager, Paul Fay was delighted, 'The success was a display of their ability as individuals and as a group to perform and take on instruction with the game plan which we have been working on during the last few sessions. It was difficult to go away from home against a full-time squad and watching Eccleshill's performance against Gateshead we knew that we had a tough game ahead.

'As we progress now into the second round against Peterborough at home, this is where the differences will be more clear between us being part time and a full-time League One club...

'It’s very pleasing to see the result from the Senior Cup for the first team where players were involved who started with our first year youth squad and that the player pathway we have engineered at Altrincham FC has started to pay off.'"

FA CUP FIXTURES

Sunday 8 November 2020 Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper

• Barnet v Burton Albion
• Torquay United v Crawley Town
• Scunthorpe United v Solihull Moors
• Eastleigh v MK Dons

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In what was a valiant performance, Yeovil thoroughly deserved their victory after a strong attacking showing. There was a debut for Town in the backline as Lincoln City loanee Alex Bradley started at right back. Luke Wilkinson, Morgan Williams and Carl Dickinson also began at the back for Town, with Adam Smith manning the sticks behind them.

Darren Sarll opted for a midfield four, as Charlie Lee, Lawson D’Ath, Albi Skendi and Matt Warburton began in the engine room. There was a return to a striking parentship as Rhys Murphy returned to the eleven, starting alongside Joe Quigley...

As the half grew on, so did Yeovil’s confidence, knocking the ball about the Bromley half with real impetus... Sarll would have felt disappointed to be level at the break, but he has a simple half-time team talk, more of the same...

With Bromley second best throughout, their afternoon got a lot more difficult as Harry Forster was sent off for a needless heavy challenge on Luke Wilkinson on 68 minutes. Strangely, following the red card, Bromley enjoyed their best spell, with a succession of chances for the talisman Cheek...

Efforts from distance became the norm in stoppage time... Extra time saw the hosts grow into the game... As legs began to tire, the game started to get bogged down by set pieces, but ultimately it was a set piece that separated the sides. Following a corner where Town threw all their bodies forward, the ball fell to the 19 year-old Rogers who fired on the volley to score his first senior goal and win it at the death."

At Torquay United "The attention shifts to FA Cup matters on Sunday, as United take on League 2 side Crawley Town in the Emirates FA Cup 1st round at Plainmoor.

It is just under ten years ago that Crawley Town, then a non-league side, travelled to South Devon to contest their FA Cup 4th round tie against a Torquay side riding high in League 2... A single-goal home defeat was therefore disappointing, particularly as the West Sussex-based Red Devils went on to meet their famous Manchester counterparts at Old Trafford in the very next round.

This weekend, though, the tables will be very much turned, with Gary Johnson’s men fulfilling the role of National League underdogs, whilst John Yems’s side will be keen to avoid an upset on the English Riviera...

Said Johnson, 'Crawley are a good League 2 team, not a poor one or an average one, and so we have to expect a very competitive game, but we go into this game full of confidence'... their tally of 17 points leaving them just one place and two points outside the early play-off places... The BBC [are] showing the match LIVE via BBC iPlayer & the BBC Sport website".

"Superb Stockport County stunned Rochdale 1-2 at Spotland, to advance to the FA Cup 2nd Round proper, after a first-half stunner by John Rooney from The Hatters’ midfielder’s own half.

Boss Jim Gannon made just one change to the side which swept aside Chesterfield 4-0 in the final qualifying round on Wednesday night, with Mark Kitching returning to replace Richie Bennett, with the County forward self-isolating after coming into contact with a positive Covid-19 case...

County soon had a deserved lead through a quite remarkable goal. John Rooney dispossessed Jimmy Ryan inside the County half, before advancing to a position just shy of the halfway line and producing an exquisite lob over ‘Dale stopper Gavin Bazunu. And, with County in dreamland after a flying start, things got even better time inside fifteen minutes when Alex Reid pounced to turn home Connor Jennings’s low cross-shot...

But Brian Barry Murphy’s side stepped things up soon after, and gave themselves a lifeline just after the twenty minute mark. Former Chorley man Alex Newby skipped down the right and stood up a cross for Matty Lund to head home at the back post to half the deficit for the hosts...

Chances began to follow for the hosts, only to be met by a superb rearguard action by County... Three minutes of stoppage time were seen out heroically by The Hatters".

Hartlepool United report that "It took one hundred and twenty minutes to decide this first round FA Cup tie but two goals from Salford AET knocked Pools out the competition.

Dave Challinor made six changes to his side that were beaten by Torquay including new signing Tyler Magloire who only joined on Friday... Salford would continue to apply pressure and some smart saves from Ravas to deny a Wilson header and a second effort kept the tie level heading into the break. A first half with not a lot to shout about.

Pools started the second half a lot better than the first... The tie went on to extra time. Both sides continued to fight for an opener and on the 105th minute, Pools were made to rue those missed chances. A ball over the top was not cleared by Magloire and then Johnson. Salford found themselves in behind and were able to square it to Andrade who had a tap in at the back post to make it 1-0.

As the tie went into the last few minutes, Pools would continue to throw the ball into the box and in the 120th minute, the game was killed off as Salford countered Pools' attack, a long ball downfield found Hunter who slotted in Dieseruvwe and the forward was able to put it past Ravas to make it 2-0 right on the referee's full time whistle.

Pools battled well and gave Challinor the reaction he required after the Torquay defeat".

Another National :eague team dumped out of the Cup were FC Halifax Town who "bowed out... with a 2-0 defeat away at South Shields.

Darius Osei header and Robert Briggs strike were the difference between the two sides... Town started on front foot... The home side did take the lead on 38 minutes, good play down the right-hand side, cross in from Gilchrist was over everyone. The ball was kept in at the corner flag and from the resulting cross, a header from Osei was a deserved opening goal...

Wild made no changes at the break and Town nearly equalised within the first minute... South Shields were not to be denied a second on 71 minutes they doubled their lead. A throw on the near side to Briggs and he fired past Johnson into the bottom corner".

A giantkilling of sorts saw Dagenham & Redbridge defeat "League Two side Grimsby Town with a Scott Wilson double and a Mitch Brundle penalty securing a 3-1 win for the home side...

There was one change to the side from our last match against Maidenhead United with the returning Myles Weston coming into the side in place of George Saunders who took his place on the bench.

The Daggers got the opening goal of the match nine minutes in, Wilson grabbing his first goal for the home side.... Chances were falling to both sides in this exciting FA Cup tie with Grimsby coming very close to an equaliser...

The start to the second half was a tight affair, with neither side able to create any clear chances...

The Mariners won a spot-kick just before the half hour mark after Kenny Clark unfortunately got his legs tangled with Green inside the are before bringing him down. Justham guessed the right way from Owen Windsor’s penalty but couldn’t do enough to keep the strike out...

With the clock hitting the 90-minute mark, Grimsby tried to play out from the back with Wilson intercepting the ball before firing into the back of the net to give the home side a 2-1 lead with minutes remaining.

The Daggers were defending brilliantly to defend their lead before hitting the away side on the counterattack which resulted in Weston being taken down inside the area. Mitch Brundle stepping up to take the spot-kick and the end result was the same as the previous round with the midfielder placing the ball to the left-hand side for a third goal to the home side securing the win to the next round".

Bromley "welcomed Yeovil Town to Hayes Lane for the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The second half started and Yeovil were on the front foot once again... The game then completely turned on its head when Harry Forster saw red for a late challenge on Luke Wilkinson. The Ravens were down to 10 men with just over 20 minutes remaining. Despite being down to 10 men, Bromley had a great chance to take the lead...

After a frantic 90 minutes, the game headed into extra time. Despite being a man down, it was Bromley who nearly took the lead... In the second half of extra time, Bromley kept a resolute defence at times despite moments of pressure from Yeovil. After a corner from Yeovil late on into the game, the ball found its way to substitute Gabriel Rogers, who shot low from 20 yards to Cousins’ left side and scored with minutes remaining".

Meanwhile in the National League Aldershot Town report that "Harrison Panayiotou returned from injury to secure our first home win of the season as Aldershot Town beat Notts County 1-0 at the EBB Stadium.

Sloppy defending from the Notts County defence allowed Panayiotou who returned from his injury against Eastleigh to fire into the bottom corner.

Looking to improve from last Tuesday’s defeat to Torquay United, Danny Searle made two changes to the starting lineup. Mitch Walker made way for new signing Brad James who made his debut in goal today and Panayiotou brought in to replace James Rowe with the forward returning from injury.. The scoreline remained goalless going into half-time...

Aldershot turned on the pressure in the second-half... Notts County were not learning from their mistakes and their efforts in playing out the back were finally punished when Panayiotou gathered the ball and fired into the bottom corner to give Aldershot a deserved lead with 25 minutes to go...

Late pressure from Notts County wasn’t enough as Aldershot held onto their lead and secured their first home win of the season."

SATURDAY LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 1-0 Notts County
• Wealdstone 1-0 Altrincham

FA CUP FIXTURES

Saturday 7 November 2020 Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper

• Rochdale 1-2 Stockport County
• Bromley 0-1 Yeovil Town - after extra time
• Colchester United 1-1 Marine - Marine won on pens aet
• Gillingham 3-2 Woking
• Salford City 2-0 Hartlepool United - after extra time
• Dagenham & Redbridge 3-1 Grimsby Town
• Exteer City 2-1 AFC Fylde
• Boreham Wood 3-3 Southend - Boreham Wood won after extra time
• Port Vale 0-1 King's Lynn Town

BEFORE THE GAME AT WEALDSTONE

The price is £9.99.

For this, their seventh successive away game in all competitions and the fifth such away match in the league, Alty will again be without injured midfielders Simon Richman and Sean Williams.

Wealdstone are offering a digital matchday programme, for £2.

In the Wealdstone preview the club states that "Wealdstone’s 3-2 away win over King’s Lynn Town saw them move temporarily into 6th position for the week, with Danny Parish grabbing a hat-trick on his full Stones debut.

Altrincham earned their first National League win of the season with a 1-0 away win at Dover Athletic. Both sides were eliminated from the FA Cup the previous weekend, freeing up this Saturday to play a fixture that had originally been scheduled in February. The fixture will also be the visitor’s seventh successive away game.

Charlie Wakefield continues his three-game suspension after the winger was sent off in the Stones’ FA Cup defeat to Hayes & Yeading last month...

Fisayo Adarabioyo: Altrincham’s new striker scored the winner at Dover Athletic last weekend and will want to continue his impressive start at Alty. Older brother of Fulham defender Tosin, Adarabioyo has had a nomadic career so far, playing in England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Romania.

Head to Head

• Played – 17
• Stones win – 5
• Draw – 3
• Alty win – 9

Last five meetings:

• March 1988: Stones 0-0 Alty
• August 1987: Alty 1-0 Stones
• April 1987: Alty 1-2 Stones
• September 1986: Stones 0-2 Alty
• October 1985: Alty 1-0 Stones

TODAY'S REFEREE

• 23 Sep 2017 Altrincham 1-0 Grantham Town, an Evo-Stik Premier Division match.
• 27 Jan 2018 Altrincham 1-1 Warrington Town, an EvoStik Premier match
• 3 Nov 2018 Hereford FC 1-1 Altrincham, a Vanarama National League North match.
• 5 May 2019 Chorley 1-1 Altrincham, Vanarama National League North semi-final play-off match, which Alty lost on penalties
• 22 Sep 2020 Alfreton Town 0-2 Altrincham, a pre-season friendly match.

SOS FOR SASS

The highly-rated centre-back has been recruited to bolster an Altrincham backline depleted by an ankle injury to Toby Mullarkey and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's Vanarama National League fixture at Wealdstone.

Sass-Davies was described by Alty boss Parkinson as 'an absolute colossus' at the start of an initial spell at The J.Davidson Stadium in March last year...

He has since gone on to force his way into the senior team at Crewe and scored his first goal for them".

20 year-old Billy, who was a Wales under-19 centre-back, was originally signed on the eve of Alty's trip to York on 8 March 2019 on a season-long loan. He made his debut in that match as a substitute at York. Prior to joining Altrincham, Billy had just completed a loan spell at FC United of Manchester having previously had spells on loan at Colwyn Bay and Leek Town.

However, a three-week gap in Altrincham fixtures, an injury, as well as an early recall by Crewe on 13 April 2019, limited Billy to just two substitute appearances for Altrincham during his first stay.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Altrincham signed Danny Mitchley on 18 June 2012. After starting out with Skelmersdale United as a youngster, Danny was at Oldham Athletic before going to Blackpool. His career at Blackpool, where he made two Championship appearances in 2008-09, was halted by a broken foot, which led to moves on loan to Southport (March 2009), Burscough (August 2009) and Wrexham (March 2010) before he found himself at Mansfield's Field Mill (November 2010), following a second brief spell with Burscough.

After one start in the CSC and ten sub appearances for Alty, Danny went on loan in December 2012 to Marine for a month to gain match experience. In mid-March Danny started another one-month loan, this time at Kendal Town, before joining the Cumbrians on a permanent basis.

Back in September, Newport County reported "the signing of striker Kevin Ellison on a one-year deal.

Ellison will join up with the Exiles until the end of the 2020/21 season following a successful trial period with the club, where he played a part in County’s pre-season preparations ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The experienced striker has featured across the four tiers of English football; Premier League, Championship, Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two, over the course of his career, making 658 league appearances.

The 41-year-old left Morecambe in the summer following a 10-season spell with the Sky Bet League Two club where he netted 88 goals...

He will... also carry out coaching duties with the Exiles’ strikers during his time at Rodney Parade..

Right: Whilst at Altrincham, Kevin had trials with Manchester City, before he joined Leicester City. Here he is seen in a trial game for City at Hyde United's Ewen Fields.

Ellison said 'The gaffer rung [sic] me to come down and something just felt right about it when I got here. There’s a tingle and a buzz in me about playing here'".

And in October Newport added "Kevin Ellison has become the club’s mental health ambassador for the 2020/21 season.

As the club’s mental health ambassador, Ellison aims to support those connected with the football club who are struggling with their mental health and to help break the stigma attached with mental illness. He will engage with programmes that reach out to people in the community, and carry out video calls with Exiles supporters during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Ellison will also encourage colleagues to express their thoughts, fears and concerns in a safe environment, and to promote the ambitions of the club around mental health and well-being within the club and the local community.

He will also carry out work with County in the Community, which deliver football sessions, projects and schemes in and around the Newport area to engage local people and create a positive experience for participants...

Ellison said 'I’ve struggled myself in the past, so hopefully by being here and telling my story, I can help others... I want to give something back to the game that’s given me so much. I want people to understand that we’re not robots and we all have feelings, whether we’re footballers or work in a nine-to-five job.

'“When I first started playing football, we didn’t hear many players speaking out and there was more of a ‘man up’ attitude. But more and more people are speaking out now'".

BARNTON VIEW

The draw had given Alty a home tie but the game was switched to Barnton to protect the pitch at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel selected a team that was a combination of first team squad players, developing players who have impressed playing for the reserves and a couple of prospects that are training with the first team, for which the Cheshire Senior Cup presented a perfect opportunity to see them in a competitive game...

Assistant manager, Neil Sorvel was pleased with the night's work, [saying] 'It was an opportunity to get minutes into the likes of Dan Mooney, Yusif Ceesay and Andy White, as well as the chance to have a look at lads who are in and around the squad. Curtis Miller did well in moments in the game and it was good to have a look at Will Hall, who has been playing at Whitchurch Alport recently, along with Dre Taylor and Callum Graham, who have impressed for the reserves.

'Callum's goal was a great strike and our third goal reminded me a bit of the second goal that we conceded at Notts County, with George Howarth standing a ball up nicely for Raheem to convert with a smart header".

ECCLESHILL VIEW

Alty took the lead after 15 minutes. Matty Sumner flicked on a Theo Donachie free-kick, and Alex Goulden was there to control and finish.

The visitors went further ahead just after the break, with Goulden converting from the penalty spot after an Eccleshill foul in the box.

The skilful David Bayoh gave the Young Eagles hope when he pulled one back, but Luigi Mongan killed the game off as a contest with 15 minutes left when he fired home a superb free-kick.

In a lovely touch, Mongan celebrated his goal by revealing a T-shirt paying tribute to former team-mate and friend Jeremy Wisten, who sadly passed away recently at the age of just 17".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

As a consequence, Stockport County and Chesterfield have been fully advised and in line with League policy, each has been advised to raise their Covid Alert level as deemed appropriate.

The League's policy is always driven by medical advice and will continue to be our highest priority in every circumstance involving a Covid-19 event.

Due to the implementation of the above, the League fixture involving Weymouth and Wrexham is formally postponed on Saturday 14th November."

According to the Hartlepool Mail on Friday, "Manager Dave Challinor is hoping to bring in a player on loan before Friday’s noon deadline or else he will have to risk his threadbare defensive line against League Two opposition.

'The deadline is 12 o’clock today so we’re looking to get something done. At the moment it’s not over the line but hopefully we can get the paperwork sorted so we have a body in the building which will certainly help us. It will be a loan and we’ll see where we are. The difficulty at the moment is the fact that the FA Cup is this weekend and the EFL Trophy coming up, clubs in the Football League may want to rotate their squads and play players who could have potentially had an option to go out on loan so it rules a few options out for us'...

In the event Pools are unable to complete a signing in time, Challinor will be forced to play the Ryan Donaldson, Lewis Cass, Ryan Johnson and David Ferguson defensive line that ended last Saturday’s 5-0 home defeat to Torquay United.

'If we don't get someone in we’ll have to think on our feet pretty quickly in terms of our personnel and how we go about it,' he added. 'We’re stretched defensively and I suppose the fact we’ve lost players through injury has just exposed the fact that we’ve got players who aren’t really defensive minded... We have no real option but we’ve got to be miles better than we were last Saturday... I’d expect to see improvements as we use the disappointment from last week as a learning experience.'”

And indeed, Hartlepool United kater "announce[d] the signing of Tyler Magloire.

Magloire joins on loan until January 2021 from Championship side Blackburn Rovers. The young defender is well known for his natural pace and one on one defending and found himself in the spotlight after being recorded as Blackburn Rovers’ quickest ever player and faster then Kylian Mbappe...

Magloire made his debut for the club against Wigan Athletic in March 2019... The defender spent a part of the 2019-20 campaign on loan at League One side Rochdale, but an injury meant he only featured a handful of times for before returning to Rovers.

Dave Challinor... [said] 'It has been pretty clear we have been left short in defence and we have had to spend some time looking for the right man to come in this week. Tyler comes with high recommendations and we are very happy to get him in'".

The Hartlepool Mail adds that "Hartlepool United have no new injury concerns going into Saturday’s FA Cup first round match at Salford City but two defenders will be sidelined. Defenders Gary Liddle (groin) and Timi Odusina (hamstring) will miss the trip to the Peninsula Stadium this weekend...

Odusina is hoping to be back in contention for next weekend's National League trip to Eastleigh while Liddle has no set return date as of yeet".

The Grimsby Telegraph claims that "Scunthorpe United’s FA Cup clash against Solihull has 'upset' written all over it..Scunthorpe fans winced slightly when they saw their draw at home to National League high-fliers Solihull Moors, and the pessimism has only increased since then.

The statistics show us just how strong the top of the National League is, and both Harrogate and Barrow have already been very competitive at the start of the League Two season. And if you speak to fans of clubs who have spent recent years in the non-league, they will speak as to just how strong Scunthorpe’s opponents on Sunday have been...

Whether it’s Stephen Gleeson in the middle of the park, or the combination of Jamie Ward and Adam Rooney up front, the visiting Moors will have a lot of EFL and FA Cup experience.

This would have already been a difficult enough game even if Scunthorpe had built a good, fluid start to the season with lots of momentum. But that very clearly hasn’t been the case. They have conceded at least four goals in three successive home games (in all competitions) for the first time in the club’s history.

United have also have had their previously scheduled three league games all postponed, so they will inevitably be rusty. Unlike Solihull, who have had plenty of match practice in them across recent weeks.

And of course, we know the reason behind these postponements was because of The Iron’s severe Covid outbreak. Will everyone be back and available for selection, (and fully fit), for Sunday’s game? I certainly have my doubts...

But with both clubs seemingly travelling in opposite directions, and so many struggles for a Scunthorpe side who, lest we forget, have lost five games in a row, it’s not hard to fancy the visitors. Home advantage has been proven to count for less when you’re playing behind closed doors, so the pressure will be on the players to deliver."

Torquay United captain Asa Hall said that "'It’s the perfect start really. To be fair, we should have beaten Eastleigh too, really, and had maximum points. There’s a real togetherness in the changing rooms, and I think that’s really made an impact. Everyone has bought into how the Gaffer plays, and wants to play, and we’ve produced some good football so far...

'It’s nice to have the points on the board, and hopefully we can keep putting those points on, and create some distance between the top and the rest of the pack really, That’s the plan'...

After a slight delay in his own start to 2020/21, Asa has once again established himself within the team’s engine room, with his calming influence and leadership qualities helping to bring out the best in the talented individuals around him. 'I’ve hit some good form, and although the lads had been doing great without me, I’m glad to be back on the pitch and give that extra bit that the team needs. I’ve been pleased with my own performances so far... When Wrighty is not on the pitch I fully back myself to take penalties. We had Reidy at the club who had taken them for so long, so it was nice to get the chance to get one and put it away.'

That goal from 12 yards at Sholing FC saw Asa open his own seasonal account beyond doubt, after the much-debated late winner against Chesterfield the previous week...

This Sunday, the club will be taking on Football League opponents in a competitive fixture for the first time in over six years...

'Growing up, everyone wants to play in the FA Cup, it’s always an honour to play in it and get through a few rounds... It will be a tough game against Crawley, but we fully back ourselves and our style of play, to give anyone a good game... It’s nice that they’re in the league above and it’s nice to test yourselves against higher opposition.. We’re certainly not fearful for Sunday.'"

Yeovil Town’s "Emirates FA Cup adventure continues with a trip to... face Bromley F.C.

Last time out in the Cup, the Glovers were involved in a thrilling affair, drawing 3-3 in normal time with Dover, toppling the Whites 7-6 on penalties.

Darren Sarll will be hoping for a less stressful afternoon... The injury picture remains the same for the Glovers, with key figures such as Josh Staunton, Lee Collins and Courtney Duffus still out of the side.

Sarll did however confirm Duffus’s road to recovery is going well...

Bromley were established in 1892... Currently this campaign is the Ravens sixth season within the fifth tier of English football after achieving promotion from the Conference South in 2015... Their last five games however have resulted in two wins against Dover Athletic and Weymouth and a draw against Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.

Bromley saw off fellow National league side Sutton United in the previous round... despite being reduced to ten men towards the latter stages... Neil Smith began his managerial career with Woking back in March 2007 taking the role of joint caretaker manager alongside Graham Baker... He joined Bromley in February 2016...

Michael Cheek, the 27-year-old striker, is a seasoned performer at National League level, having made his name at Heybridge Swifts, before moving on to Chelmsford City. After a successful one and a half season spell with the Clarets, which saw him score 35 goals in 66 appearances, he made the move to Braintree Town. Cheek remained with the Iron for two seasons, scoring 42 goals in 98 games".

Barnet "announce the signing of striker Muhammadu Faal from League Two side Bolton Wanderers on a loan deal until the end of the 2020/21 season.

London-born Faal makes the move down to The Hive London having previously played for the likes of Enfield Town, Kingstonian and Dulwich Hamlet. The 1.96m striker had his best spell at Enfield Town where he scored 24 goals in 25 appearances during his time with the Towners. That form attracted attention from various Football Leauge clubs and eventually, Faal was snapped up by then League One side Bolton Wanderers.

The 23-year-old's height will give Peter Beadle's side a different option in attacking areas, but Faal has shown that, with a bit of momentum, he can fire in goals on a consistent basis. The Bees have an option to make the deal permanent in January 2021 should terms be agreed".

that "After falling to a very disappointing defeat at the hands of Torquay United on Tuesday 27th October, Aldershot Town host Notts County in the National League on FA Cup weekend.

This comes after the visitors had a number of positive Covid tests, meaning that their squad were forced to self-isolate for two weeks...

The Torquay game, similarly to the Woking match four days previously, started very well for the Shots with Player of the Month winner Craig Tanner putting the home side ahead early on. However, after a few quickfire goals either side of half time from the Gulls, the Shots never really recovered...

Connor Laing previews the game, 'With the exception of Lewis Kinsella’s MCL injury, which will keep him side-lined until Spring 2021, all of Danny Searle’s injuries appear to be minor ones. Harry Panayiotou and Alex Finney will be hoping to be back in contention after looking to recover from their knocks while Ross McCormack, who picked up a slight knock in the first half against Woking in the FA Cup, remains a doubt...

There were a total of 18 departures from Meadow Lane in the off-season, with Neal Ardley certainly shaking up his squad. Most of these players have ended up going to other National League clubs. Pierce Bird and Joe McDonnell went to Eastleigh while Tom Crawford and Declan Dunn went to Hartlepool United and Chesterfield respectively. Regan Booty also left the club and is currently a free agent...

Having made his loan move from Scunthorpe United permanent in January, front man Kyle Wootton was retained and has already bagged four goals for the Magpies this season, having notched 13 in the last campaign. Dutch winger Enzio Boldewijn is always a threat and now enters his third season with the club. He scored eight goals last season and has already got one in the opening five games of this season. 39-year-old Michael Doyle is also among the names who were there last season with his experience and quality in midfield continuing to prove vital to County’s football.

Ardley has added ten new faces to his Notts County squad. The majority of these additions have been brought in from League Two clubs. Centre forward Scott Wilson, goalkeeper Luke Pilling and midfielder Jake Reeves have all arrived from League Two sides to strengthen the spine of the team. Other notable incomings include Ruben Rodrigues and Elisha Sam'".

WEALDSTONE 1-0 ALTRINCHAM

Alty brought in Ceesay to start in Mooney's place and they had much the better of possession in the first 25 minutes before Wealdstone enjoyed the ascendancy. Alty failed to land a shot on target before the break whereas Thompson made a couple of decent saves in a generally lacklustre and goalless first forty-five minutes.

Against the run of second-half play, Wealdstone took a 65th minute lead with Emmanuel claiming the goal, which may have gone in off , after an initial Thompson save. Once again Altrincham produced some good approach play but lacked a cutting edge in the box.

Match report here.

WEALDSTONE VIEW

Altrincham flashed some of the quality that saw them promoted from the National League North in the first minute, when Josh Hancock shot narrowly over from 20 yards out...

The hosts did have the ball in the net on 34 minutes, after Dennon Lewis' 30-yard effort was parried by Thompson, with Emmanuel slotting in the rebound, but it was ruled out for offside...

Into the second half... substitute Tom Peers almost put the visitors ahead when he got onto the end of a Joel Senior cross, but his effort was straight at Harry Isted.

After riding a prolonged spell of Altrincham pressure, the Stones went a goal ahead. Lewis burst forward down the left to deliver a cross for Ross Lafayette, his effort was blocked but Emmanuel followed up to poke in at the second time of asking after an initial save from Thompson.

Alty's best chance of the game came on 74 minutes when Connor Hampson cut a cross back to Peers on the edge of the area but Jerome Okimo got a crucial block in and the ball deflected just wide.

The Stones' managed the rest of the game out professionally and efficiently to move them into the top three".

FA YOUTH CUP

The club has received confirmation from the Football Association that the tie can take place as both Altrincham and Peterborough United are elite clubs.

The tie will be played behind closed doors but will be streamed by 'Alty TV Live'...

U18s manager, Paul Fay was delighted, 'The success was a display of their ability as individuals and as a group to perform and take on instruction with the game plan which we have been working on during the last few sessions. It was difficult to go away from home against a full-time squad and watching Eccleshill's performance against Gateshead we knew that we had a tough game ahead.

'As we progress now into the second round against Peterborough at home, this is where the differences will be more clear between us being part time and a full-time League One club...

'It’s very pleasing to see the result from the Senior Cup for the first team where players were involved who started with our first year youth squad and that the player pathway we have engineered at Altrincham FC has started to pay off.'"

FA CUP FIXTURES

Sunday 8 November 2020 Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper

• Barnet v Burton Albion
• Torquay United v Crawley Town
• Scunthorpe United v Solihull Moors
• Eastleigh v MK Dons

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

In what was a valiant performance, Yeovil thoroughly deserved their victory after a strong attacking showing. There was a debut for Town in the backline as Lincoln City loanee Alex Bradley started at right back. Luke Wilkinson, Morgan Williams and Carl Dickinson also began at the back for Town, with Adam Smith manning the sticks behind them.

Darren Sarll opted for a midfield four, as Charlie Lee, Lawson D’Ath, Albi Skendi and Matt Warburton began in the engine room. There was a return to a striking parentship as Rhys Murphy returned to the eleven, starting alongside Joe Quigley...

As the half grew on, so did Yeovil’s confidence, knocking the ball about the Bromley half with real impetus... Sarll would have felt disappointed to be level at the break, but he has a simple half-time team talk, more of the same...

With Bromley second best throughout, their afternoon got a lot more difficult as Harry Forster was sent off for a needless heavy challenge on Luke Wilkinson on 68 minutes. Strangely, following the red card, Bromley enjoyed their best spell, with a succession of chances for the talisman Cheek...

Efforts from distance became the norm in stoppage time... Extra time saw the hosts grow into the game... As legs began to tire, the game started to get bogged down by set pieces, but ultimately it was a set piece that separated the sides. Following a corner where Town threw all their bodies forward, the ball fell to the 19 year-old Rogers who fired on the volley to score his first senior goal and win it at the death."

At Torquay United "The attention shifts to FA Cup matters on Sunday, as United take on League 2 side Crawley Town in the Emirates FA Cup 1st round at Plainmoor.

It is just under ten years ago that Crawley Town, then a non-league side, travelled to South Devon to contest their FA Cup 4th round tie against a Torquay side riding high in League 2... A single-goal home defeat was therefore disappointing, particularly as the West Sussex-based Red Devils went on to meet their famous Manchester counterparts at Old Trafford in the very next round.

This weekend, though, the tables will be very much turned, with Gary Johnson’s men fulfilling the role of National League underdogs, whilst John Yems’s side will be keen to avoid an upset on the English Riviera...

Said Johnson, 'Crawley are a good League 2 team, not a poor one or an average one, and so we have to expect a very competitive game, but we go into this game full of confidence'... their tally of 17 points leaving them just one place and two points outside the early play-off places... The BBC [are] showing the match LIVE via BBC iPlayer & the BBC Sport website".

"Superb Stockport County stunned Rochdale 1-2 at Spotland, to advance to the FA Cup 2nd Round proper, after a first-half stunner by John Rooney from The Hatters’ midfielder’s own half.

Boss Jim Gannon made just one change to the side which swept aside Chesterfield 4-0 in the final qualifying round on Wednesday night, with Mark Kitching returning to replace Richie Bennett, with the County forward self-isolating after coming into contact with a positive Covid-19 case...

County soon had a deserved lead through a quite remarkable goal. John Rooney dispossessed Jimmy Ryan inside the County half, before advancing to a position just shy of the halfway line and producing an exquisite lob over ‘Dale stopper Gavin Bazunu. And, with County in dreamland after a flying start, things got even better time inside fifteen minutes when Alex Reid pounced to turn home Connor Jennings’s low cross-shot...

But Brian Barry Murphy’s side stepped things up soon after, and gave themselves a lifeline just after the twenty minute mark. Former Chorley man Alex Newby skipped down the right and stood up a cross for Matty Lund to head home at the back post to half the deficit for the hosts...

Chances began to follow for the hosts, only to be met by a superb rearguard action by County... Three minutes of stoppage time were seen out heroically by The Hatters".

Hartlepool United report that "It took one hundred and twenty minutes to decide this first round FA Cup tie but two goals from Salford AET knocked Pools out the competition.

Dave Challinor made six changes to his side that were beaten by Torquay including new signing Tyler Magloire who only joined on Friday... Salford would continue to apply pressure and some smart saves from Ravas to deny a Wilson header and a second effort kept the tie level heading into the break. A first half with not a lot to shout about.

Pools started the second half a lot better than the first... The tie went on to extra time. Both sides continued to fight for an opener and on the 105th minute, Pools were made to rue those missed chances. A ball over the top was not cleared by Magloire and then Johnson. Salford found themselves in behind and were able to square it to Andrade who had a tap in at the back post to make it 1-0.

As the tie went into the last few minutes, Pools would continue to throw the ball into the box and in the 120th minute, the game was killed off as Salford countered Pools' attack, a long ball downfield found Hunter who slotted in Dieseruvwe and the forward was able to put it past Ravas to make it 2-0 right on the referee's full time whistle.

Pools battled well and gave Challinor the reaction he required after the Torquay defeat".

Another National :eague team dumped out of the Cup were FC Halifax Town who "bowed out... with a 2-0 defeat away at South Shields.

Darius Osei header and Robert Briggs strike were the difference between the two sides... Town started on front foot... The home side did take the lead on 38 minutes, good play down the right-hand side, cross in from Gilchrist was over everyone. The ball was kept in at the corner flag and from the resulting cross, a header from Osei was a deserved opening goal...

Wild made no changes at the break and Town nearly equalised within the first minute... South Shields were not to be denied a second on 71 minutes they doubled their lead. A throw on the near side to Briggs and he fired past Johnson into the bottom corner".

A giantkilling of sorts saw Dagenham & Redbridge defeat "League Two side Grimsby Town with a Scott Wilson double and a Mitch Brundle penalty securing a 3-1 win for the home side...

There was one change to the side from our last match against Maidenhead United with the returning Myles Weston coming into the side in place of George Saunders who took his place on the bench.

The Daggers got the opening goal of the match nine minutes in, Wilson grabbing his first goal for the home side.... Chances were falling to both sides in this exciting FA Cup tie with Grimsby coming very close to an equaliser...

The start to the second half was a tight affair, with neither side able to create any clear chances...

The Mariners won a spot-kick just before the half hour mark after Kenny Clark unfortunately got his legs tangled with Green inside the are before bringing him down. Justham guessed the right way from Owen Windsor’s penalty but couldn’t do enough to keep the strike out...

With the clock hitting the 90-minute mark, Grimsby tried to play out from the back with Wilson intercepting the ball before firing into the back of the net to give the home side a 2-1 lead with minutes remaining.

The Daggers were defending brilliantly to defend their lead before hitting the away side on the counterattack which resulted in Weston being taken down inside the area. Mitch Brundle stepping up to take the spot-kick and the end result was the same as the previous round with the midfielder placing the ball to the left-hand side for a third goal to the home side securing the win to the next round".

Bromley "welcomed Yeovil Town to Hayes Lane for the First Round of the Emirates FA Cup.

The second half started and Yeovil were on the front foot once again... The game then completely turned on its head when Harry Forster saw red for a late challenge on Luke Wilkinson. The Ravens were down to 10 men with just over 20 minutes remaining. Despite being down to 10 men, Bromley had a great chance to take the lead...

After a frantic 90 minutes, the game headed into extra time. Despite being a man down, it was Bromley who nearly took the lead... In the second half of extra time, Bromley kept a resolute defence at times despite moments of pressure from Yeovil. After a corner from Yeovil late on into the game, the ball found its way to substitute Gabriel Rogers, who shot low from 20 yards to Cousins’ left side and scored with minutes remaining".

Meanwhile in the National League Aldershot Town report that "Harrison Panayiotou returned from injury to secure our first home win of the season as Aldershot Town beat Notts County 1-0 at the EBB Stadium.

Sloppy defending from the Notts County defence allowed Panayiotou who returned from his injury against Eastleigh to fire into the bottom corner.

Looking to improve from last Tuesday’s defeat to Torquay United, Danny Searle made two changes to the starting lineup. Mitch Walker made way for new signing Brad James who made his debut in goal today and Panayiotou brought in to replace James Rowe with the forward returning from injury.. The scoreline remained goalless going into half-time...

Aldershot turned on the pressure in the second-half... Notts County were not learning from their mistakes and their efforts in playing out the back were finally punished when Panayiotou gathered the ball and fired into the bottom corner to give Aldershot a deserved lead with 25 minutes to go...

Late pressure from Notts County wasn’t enough as Aldershot held onto their lead and secured their first home win of the season."

SATURDAY LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 1-0 Notts County
• Wealdstone 1-0 Altrincham

FA CUP FIXTURES

Saturday 7 November 2020 Emirates FA Cup First Round Proper

• Rochdale 1-2 Stockport County
• Bromley 0-1 Yeovil Town - after extra time
• Colchester United 1-1 Marine - Marine won on pens aet
• Gillingham 3-2 Woking
• Salford City 2-0 Hartlepool United - after extra time
• Dagenham & Redbridge 3-1 Grimsby Town
• Exteer City 2-1 AFC Fylde
• Boreham Wood 3-3 Southend - Boreham Wood won after extra time
• Port Vale 0-1 King's Lynn Town

BEFORE THE GAME AT WEALDSTONE

The price is £9.99.

For this, their seventh successive away game in all competitions and the fifth such away match in the league, Alty will again be without injured midfielders Simon Richman and Sean Williams.

Wealdstone are offering a digital matchday programme, for £2.

In the Wealdstone preview the club states that "Wealdstone’s 3-2 away win over King’s Lynn Town saw them move temporarily into 6th position for the week, with Danny Parish grabbing a hat-trick on his full Stones debut.

Altrincham earned their first National League win of the season with a 1-0 away win at Dover Athletic. Both sides were eliminated from the FA Cup the previous weekend, freeing up this Saturday to play a fixture that had originally been scheduled in February. The fixture will also be the visitor’s seventh successive away game.

Charlie Wakefield continues his three-game suspension after the winger was sent off in the Stones’ FA Cup defeat to Hayes & Yeading last month...

Fisayo Adarabioyo: Altrincham’s new striker scored the winner at Dover Athletic last weekend and will want to continue his impressive start at Alty. Older brother of Fulham defender Tosin, Adarabioyo has had a nomadic career so far, playing in England, Scotland, the Netherlands and Romania.

Head to Head

• Played – 17
• Stones win – 5
• Draw – 3
• Alty win – 9

Last five meetings:

• March 1988: Stones 0-0 Alty
• August 1987: Alty 1-0 Stones
• April 1987: Alty 1-2 Stones
• September 1986: Stones 0-2 Alty
• October 1985: Alty 1-0 Stones

TODAY'S REFEREE

• 23 Sep 2017 Altrincham 1-0 Grantham Town, an Evo-Stik Premier Division match.
• 27 Jan 2018 Altrincham 1-1 Warrington Town, an EvoStik Premier match
• 3 Nov 2018 Hereford FC 1-1 Altrincham, a Vanarama National League North match.
• 5 May 2019 Chorley 1-1 Altrincham, Vanarama National League North semi-final play-off match, which Alty lost on penalties
• 22 Sep 2020 Alfreton Town 0-2 Altrincham, a pre-season friendly match.

SOS FOR SASS

The highly-rated centre-back has been recruited to bolster an Altrincham backline depleted by an ankle injury to Toby Mullarkey and goes straight into the squad for tomorrow's Vanarama National League fixture at Wealdstone.

Sass-Davies was described by Alty boss Parkinson as 'an absolute colossus' at the start of an initial spell at The J.Davidson Stadium in March last year...

He has since gone on to force his way into the senior team at Crewe and scored his first goal for them".

20 year-old Billy, who was a Wales under-19 centre-back, was originally signed on the eve of Alty's trip to York on 8 March 2019 on a season-long loan. He made his debut in that match as a substitute at York. Prior to joining Altrincham, Billy had just completed a loan spell at FC United of Manchester having previously had spells on loan at Colwyn Bay and Leek Town.

However, a three-week gap in Altrincham fixtures, an injury, as well as an early recall by Crewe on 13 April 2019, limited Billy to just two substitute appearances for Altrincham during his first stay.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Altrincham signed Danny Mitchley on 18 June 2012. After starting out with Skelmersdale United as a youngster, Danny was at Oldham Athletic before going to Blackpool. His career at Blackpool, where he made two Championship appearances in 2008-09, was halted by a broken foot, which led to moves on loan to Southport (March 2009), Burscough (August 2009) and Wrexham (March 2010) before he found himself at Mansfield's Field Mill (November 2010), following a second brief spell with Burscough.

After one start in the CSC and ten sub appearances for Alty, Danny went on loan in December 2012 to Marine for a month to gain match experience. In mid-March Danny started another one-month loan, this time at Kendal Town, before joining the Cumbrians on a permanent basis.

Back in September, Newport County reported "the signing of striker Kevin Ellison on a one-year deal.

Ellison will join up with the Exiles until the end of the 2020/21 season following a successful trial period with the club, where he played a part in County’s pre-season preparations ahead of the upcoming campaign.

The experienced striker has featured across the four tiers of English football; Premier League, Championship, Sky Bet League One and Sky Bet League Two, over the course of his career, making 658 league appearances.

The 41-year-old left Morecambe in the summer following a 10-season spell with the Sky Bet League Two club where he netted 88 goals...

He will... also carry out coaching duties with the Exiles’ strikers during his time at Rodney Parade..

Right: Whilst at Altrincham, Kevin had trials with Manchester City, before he joined Leicester City. Here he is seen in a trial game for City at Hyde United's Ewen Fields.

Ellison said 'The gaffer rung [sic] me to come down and something just felt right about it when I got here. There’s a tingle and a buzz in me about playing here'".

And in October Newport added "Kevin Ellison has become the club’s mental health ambassador for the 2020/21 season.

As the club’s mental health ambassador, Ellison aims to support those connected with the football club who are struggling with their mental health and to help break the stigma attached with mental illness. He will engage with programmes that reach out to people in the community, and carry out video calls with Exiles supporters during the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Ellison will also encourage colleagues to express their thoughts, fears and concerns in a safe environment, and to promote the ambitions of the club around mental health and well-being within the club and the local community.

He will also carry out work with County in the Community, which deliver football sessions, projects and schemes in and around the Newport area to engage local people and create a positive experience for participants...

Ellison said 'I’ve struggled myself in the past, so hopefully by being here and telling my story, I can help others... I want to give something back to the game that’s given me so much. I want people to understand that we’re not robots and we all have feelings, whether we’re footballers or work in a nine-to-five job.

'“When I first started playing football, we didn’t hear many players speaking out and there was more of a ‘man up’ attitude. But more and more people are speaking out now'".

BARNTON VIEW

The draw had given Alty a home tie but the game was switched to Barnton to protect the pitch at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel selected a team that was a combination of first team squad players, developing players who have impressed playing for the reserves and a couple of prospects that are training with the first team, for which the Cheshire Senior Cup presented a perfect opportunity to see them in a competitive game...

Assistant manager, Neil Sorvel was pleased with the night's work, [saying] 'It was an opportunity to get minutes into the likes of Dan Mooney, Yusif Ceesay and Andy White, as well as the chance to have a look at lads who are in and around the squad. Curtis Miller did well in moments in the game and it was good to have a look at Will Hall, who has been playing at Whitchurch Alport recently, along with Dre Taylor and Callum Graham, who have impressed for the reserves.

'Callum's goal was a great strike and our third goal reminded me a bit of the second goal that we conceded at Notts County, with George Howarth standing a ball up nicely for Raheem to convert with a smart header".

ECCLESHILL VIEW

Alty took the lead after 15 minutes. Matty Sumner flicked on a Theo Donachie free-kick, and Alex Goulden was there to control and finish.

The visitors went further ahead just after the break, with Goulden converting from the penalty spot after an Eccleshill foul in the box.

The skilful David Bayoh gave the Young Eagles hope when he pulled one back, but Luigi Mongan killed the game off as a contest with 15 minutes left when he fired home a superb free-kick.

In a lovely touch, Mongan celebrated his goal by revealing a T-shirt paying tribute to former team-mate and friend Jeremy Wisten, who sadly passed away recently at the age of just 17".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

As a consequence, Stockport County and Chesterfield have been fully advised and in line with League policy, each has been advised to raise their Covid Alert level as deemed appropriate.

The League's policy is always driven by medical advice and will continue to be our highest priority in every circumstance involving a Covid-19 event.

Due to the implementation of the above, the League fixture involving Weymouth and Wrexham is formally postponed on Saturday 14th November."

According to the Hartlepool Mail on Friday, "Manager Dave Challinor is hoping to bring in a player on loan before Friday’s noon deadline or else he will have to risk his threadbare defensive line against League Two opposition.

'The deadline is 12 o’clock today so we’re looking to get something done. At the moment it’s not over the line but hopefully we can get the paperwork sorted so we have a body in the building which will certainly help us. It will be a loan and we’ll see where we are. The difficulty at the moment is the fact that the FA Cup is this weekend and the EFL Trophy coming up, clubs in the Football League may want to rotate their squads and play players who could have potentially had an option to go out on loan so it rules a few options out for us'...

In the event Pools are unable to complete a signing in time, Challinor will be forced to play the Ryan Donaldson, Lewis Cass, Ryan Johnson and David Ferguson defensive line that ended last Saturday’s 5-0 home defeat to Torquay United.

'If we don't get someone in we’ll have to think on our feet pretty quickly in terms of our personnel and how we go about it,' he added. 'We’re stretched defensively and I suppose the fact we’ve lost players through injury has just exposed the fact that we’ve got players who aren’t really defensive minded... We have no real option but we’ve got to be miles better than we were last Saturday... I’d expect to see improvements as we use the disappointment from last week as a learning experience.'”

And indeed, Hartlepool United kater "announce[d] the signing of Tyler Magloire.

Magloire joins on loan until January 2021 from Championship side Blackburn Rovers. The young defender is well known for his natural pace and one on one defending and found himself in the spotlight after being recorded as Blackburn Rovers’ quickest ever player and faster then Kylian Mbappe...

Magloire made his debut for the club against Wigan Athletic in March 2019... The defender spent a part of the 2019-20 campaign on loan at League One side Rochdale, but an injury meant he only featured a handful of times for before returning to Rovers.

Dave Challinor... [said] 'It has been pretty clear we have been left short in defence and we have had to spend some time looking for the right man to come in this week. Tyler comes with high recommendations and we are very happy to get him in'".

The Hartlepool Mail adds that "Hartlepool United have no new injury concerns going into Saturday’s FA Cup first round match at Salford City but two defenders will be sidelined. Defenders Gary Liddle (groin) and Timi Odusina (hamstring) will miss the trip to the Peninsula Stadium this weekend...

Odusina is hoping to be back in contention for next weekend's National League trip to Eastleigh while Liddle has no set return date as of yeet".

The Grimsby Telegraph claims that "Scunthorpe United’s FA Cup clash against Solihull has 'upset' written all over it..Scunthorpe fans winced slightly when they saw their draw at home to National League high-fliers Solihull Moors, and the pessimism has only increased since then.

The statistics show us just how strong the top of the National League is, and both Harrogate and Barrow have already been very competitive at the start of the League Two season. And if you speak to fans of clubs who have spent recent years in the non-league, they will speak as to just how strong Scunthorpe’s opponents on Sunday have been...

Whether it’s Stephen Gleeson in the middle of the park, or the combination of Jamie Ward and Adam Rooney up front, the visiting Moors will have a lot of EFL and FA Cup experience.

This would have already been a difficult enough game even if Scunthorpe had built a good, fluid start to the season with lots of momentum. But that very clearly hasn’t been the case. They have conceded at least four goals in three successive home games (in all competitions) for the first time in the club’s history.

United have also have had their previously scheduled three league games all postponed, so they will inevitably be rusty. Unlike Solihull, who have had plenty of match practice in them across recent weeks.

And of course, we know the reason behind these postponements was because of The Iron’s severe Covid outbreak. Will everyone be back and available for selection, (and fully fit), for Sunday’s game? I certainly have my doubts...

But with both clubs seemingly travelling in opposite directions, and so many struggles for a Scunthorpe side who, lest we forget, have lost five games in a row, it’s not hard to fancy the visitors. Home advantage has been proven to count for less when you’re playing behind closed doors, so the pressure will be on the players to deliver."

Torquay United captain Asa Hall said that "'It’s the perfect start really. To be fair, we should have beaten Eastleigh too, really, and had maximum points. There’s a real togetherness in the changing rooms, and I think that’s really made an impact. Everyone has bought into how the Gaffer plays, and wants to play, and we’ve produced some good football so far...

'It’s nice to have the points on the board, and hopefully we can keep putting those points on, and create some distance between the top and the rest of the pack really, That’s the plan'...

After a slight delay in his own start to 2020/21, Asa has once again established himself within the team’s engine room, with his calming influence and leadership qualities helping to bring out the best in the talented individuals around him. 'I’ve hit some good form, and although the lads had been doing great without me, I’m glad to be back on the pitch and give that extra bit that the team needs. I’ve been pleased with my own performances so far... When Wrighty is not on the pitch I fully back myself to take penalties. We had Reidy at the club who had taken them for so long, so it was nice to get the chance to get one and put it away.'

That goal from 12 yards at Sholing FC saw Asa open his own seasonal account beyond doubt, after the much-debated late winner against Chesterfield the previous week...

This Sunday, the club will be taking on Football League opponents in a competitive fixture for the first time in over six years...

'Growing up, everyone wants to play in the FA Cup, it’s always an honour to play in it and get through a few rounds... It will be a tough game against Crawley, but we fully back ourselves and our style of play, to give anyone a good game... It’s nice that they’re in the league above and it’s nice to test yourselves against higher opposition.. We’re certainly not fearful for Sunday.'"

Yeovil Town’s "Emirates FA Cup adventure continues with a trip to... face Bromley F.C.

Last time out in the Cup, the Glovers were involved in a thrilling affair, drawing 3-3 in normal time with Dover, toppling the Whites 7-6 on penalties.

Darren Sarll will be hoping for a less stressful afternoon... The injury picture remains the same for the Glovers, with key figures such as Josh Staunton, Lee Collins and Courtney Duffus still out of the side.

Sarll did however confirm Duffus’s road to recovery is going well...

Bromley were established in 1892... Currently this campaign is the Ravens sixth season within the fifth tier of English football after achieving promotion from the Conference South in 2015... Their last five games however have resulted in two wins against Dover Athletic and Weymouth and a draw against Hartlepool United at Victoria Park.

Bromley saw off fellow National league side Sutton United in the previous round... despite being reduced to ten men towards the latter stages... Neil Smith began his managerial career with Woking back in March 2007 taking the role of joint caretaker manager alongside Graham Baker... He joined Bromley in February 2016...

Michael Cheek, the 27-year-old striker, is a seasoned performer at National League level, having made his name at Heybridge Swifts, before moving on to Chelmsford City. After a successful one and a half season spell with the Clarets, which saw him score 35 goals in 66 appearances, he made the move to Braintree Town. Cheek remained with the Iron for two seasons, scoring 42 goals in 98 games".

Barnet "announce the signing of striker Muhammadu Faal from League Two side Bolton Wanderers on a loan deal until the end of the 2020/21 season.

London-born Faal makes the move down to The Hive London having previously played for the likes of Enfield Town, Kingstonian and Dulwich Hamlet. The 1.96m striker had his best spell at Enfield Town where he scored 24 goals in 25 appearances during his time with the Towners. That form attracted attention from various Football Leauge clubs and eventually, Faal was snapped up by then League One side Bolton Wanderers.

The 23-year-old's height will give Peter Beadle's side a different option in attacking areas, but Faal has shown that, with a bit of momentum, he can fire in goals on a consistent basis. The Bees have an option to make the deal permanent in January 2021 should terms be agreed".

that "After falling to a very disappointing defeat at the hands of Torquay United on Tuesday 27th October, Aldershot Town host Notts County in the National League on FA Cup weekend.

This comes after the visitors had a number of positive Covid tests, meaning that their squad were forced to self-isolate for two weeks...

The Torquay game, similarly to the Woking match four days previously, started very well for the Shots with Player of the Month winner Craig Tanner putting the home side ahead early on. However, after a few quickfire goals either side of half time from the Gulls, the Shots never really recovered...

Connor Laing previews the game, 'With the exception of Lewis Kinsella’s MCL injury, which will keep him side-lined until Spring 2021, all of Danny Searle’s injuries appear to be minor ones. Harry Panayiotou and Alex Finney will be hoping to be back in contention after looking to recover from their knocks while Ross McCormack, who picked up a slight knock in the first half against Woking in the FA Cup, remains a doubt...

There were a total of 18 departures from Meadow Lane in the off-season, with Neal Ardley certainly shaking up his squad. Most of these players have ended up going to other National League clubs. Pierce Bird and Joe McDonnell went to Eastleigh while Tom Crawford and Declan Dunn went to Hartlepool United and Chesterfield respectively. Regan Booty also left the club and is currently a free agent...

Having made his loan move from Scunthorpe United permanent in January, front man Kyle Wootton was retained and has already bagged four goals for the Magpies this season, having notched 13 in the last campaign. Dutch winger Enzio Boldewijn is always a threat and now enters his third season with the club. He scored eight goals last season and has already got one in the opening five games of this season. 39-year-old Michael Doyle is also among the names who were there last season with his experience and quality in midfield continuing to prove vital to County’s football.

Ardley has added ten new faces to his Notts County squad. The majority of these additions have been brought in from League Two clubs. Centre forward Scott Wilson, goalkeeper Luke Pilling and midfielder Jake Reeves have all arrived from League Two sides to strengthen the spine of the team. Other notable incomings include Ruben Rodrigues and Elisha Sam'".

ALTY'S LAST BATH DAY: 6 November 2010

Above: Nicky Clee receives congratulations from Robbie Lawton and Shaun Densmore after opening the scoring.

This was Alty's first clash with Bath since the 1996-97 season when both sides had finished the season being relegated from the Conference. And it was to prove their last encounter to date, as Alty were relegated at the end of the season with Bath City following them a year later. Whereas Alty have twice since returned to the top-flight of non-League football, Bath have failed to do so.

In the 2010 match, Nicky Clee put Alty ahead after 39 minutes with a well taken goal after he had picked the ball up 35 yards out and advanced into the box. Baynes fed Michael Twiss who put Alty 2-0 up after 47 minutes.

Shaun Densmore had a glorious chance to make it 3-0 moments later but steered his shot wide. After that it was all Bath City as Alty struggled to keep possession. Phillips made it 2-1 after 63 minutes and the inevitable equalizer arrived from the same player in the 74th minute. It was largely one-way traffic after that with Stuart Coburn's injury-time save the pick of his excellent stops. Alty remained bottom of the league but at least they were off it for 35 minutes during this match!

Pre-match, Chris Denham, Robbie Williams and James Smith had all been injury doubts for Altrincham and only Williams was fit to be involved in this match. Captain Robbie Lawton returned in midfield, replacing Sam Hewson.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 5. Robbie WILLIAMS, 4. Marc JOSEPH, 6. Shaun DENSMORE, 7. Robbie LAWTON (capt), 25. Matt SOMNER, 27. Andrew MILNE, 15. Ryan BROWN, 11. Nicky CLEE, 17. Wes BAYNES, 9. Michael TWISS, Subs: 21. James COATES, 8. Damian REEVES, 20. Sam HEWSON, 22. Michael WELCH. 16. Anthony DANYLYK.

ALTY'S NEW DIRECTOR

His previous administrative involvement in football includes being vice-chairman of Essex club Clacton FC, who announced in July 2020 that "Cathal Morrison joins the team as Vice-Chairman & is already proving a huge signing!"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Echo has been at every single Shrimpers’ match so far this season. But the National League club will not be allowing anyone from the paper to attend this weekend... Boreham Wood have also denied access for any Echosport photographers this weekend.

Explaining their decision Boreham Wood released a club statement which read 'Following the recent advice sent to us by the National League Board and the FA, and in line with all present government guidelines, due to COVID-19, the club has had to make tough decisions in regard to who we can give entry to for Saturday’s FA Cup game against Southend United.

'Our decisions are based entirely on if somebody is deemed an essential worker or not. We believe a cautious, common sense approach is needed at this time and we are taking our guidance from our appropriate governing bodies; the FA and the National League, as well as our very own COVID Officer and Safety Officer.

'Unfortunately, we cannot look after away match reporters during this lockdown, as match reporters are not deemed as essential workers and can do their work from the safety of their homes via the live streams we provide. As such we will not be able to accommodate any non-essential media during this latest COVID-19 lockdown.'"

For their part, Boreham Wood retort that "In response to Southend Echo’s recent article, Boreham Wood FC would like to clarify our position...

Our decisions are based entirely on if somebody is deemed an essential worker or not... Unfortunately, we cannot look after away match reporters during this lockdown, as match reporters are not deemed as essential workers...

For this Saturday we have been able to accommodate BBC Essex Radio, BBC Three Counties Radio, BBC 5 live, plus our chosen streaming provider FC Video. We are also accommodating the BBC’s chosen TV highlights company, Gravity Media. As everyone can see, we are accommodating as many people as possible to ensure the game can be viewed from the safety of supporters' and non-essential workers' homes.

Unfortunately, there are some losers in our decisions, as we simply cannot accommodate all of our own media department, the Non-League Paper’s match reporter or the Southend Echo’s match reporter Chris Phillips, though all will be given free access to our match day stream to write their match reports.

This we feel is the common-sense approach. We are all in this lockdown together and the lockdown rules of the land do supersede non-essential individuals' wishes to go to a game of football, especially when they can watch the same game from the safety of their own home.

The Club believes with 25,000 new cases of COVID-19 being reported on a daily basis in the UK, that this falls in line with Government, FA and National League guidelines. We apologise for any inconvenience caused, especially to the reporter from the Southend Echo Chris Phillips, but our safety measures put in place are for everyones health and safety, do not encourage long distance journeys and are not financially led".

At Sutton United "Matt Gray has added to his squad with the signing of 21-year-old midfielder Adam Lovatt. With Hastings United until the end of last season, Adam featured in several of our pre-season friendlies and has now been signed on a permanent basis. He will have the number 18 shirt...

We’re also pleased to report that Coby Rowe came out of hospital at the start of this week and is continuing his recovery at home following the kidney injury he sustained in last week’s win at Yeovil. He is likely to be out of action for about three months."

Stockport County report that "From having a Cup run that was over two weekends ago, the Hatters’ Cup now runneth over once more, after first-half goals from Richie Bennett and Alex Reid, together with two John Rooney penalties following the interval, saw them prevail in their replayed Fourth Round Qualifying FA Cup-tie against Chesterfield at Edgeley Park.

Although the ‘Spireites’ had won the original contest in SK3 on penalties, they were subsequently found by the FA to have fielded an ineligible player for it and, having been granted an unexpected second attempt, County, in home action for the fourth time in a dozen days, made no mistake in securing a place in the First Round proper at Rochdale...

The Hatters took to the field showing three changes from the side that had started against Weymouth in National League action four days earlier. Connor Jennings, Jordan Keane and Adam Thomas were recalled in place of the injured Mark Kitching, the unwell Sam Minihan, and Lois Maynard who dropped to the bench.

Injuries elsewhere in the squad saw County name five substitutes, two fewer than the maximum permitted by the competition, including, as had been the case for the initial October tie, Academy players Jack Hopkins and Finley Stanyer...

With only three minutes played, Rooney twisted and turned around the left side of the Chesterfield area, before unleashing a low shot on target, which goalkeeper Kyle Letheren kept out with his outstretched leg, only for Bennett, with his back to goal, to connect with the airborne ball and convert with an overhead kick into the roof of the net...

Ten minutes ahead of the break, County’s advantage was doubled. Bennett turned provider near the halfway line with an exquisite flick through to Reid, who raced through on goal before drawing Letheren out and slotting home....

With a little over 20 minutes remaining, the Hatters were awarded a penalty when Tom Denton handled and, having taken the corner on the right that led to the infringement, Rooney stepped up to score from the spot.

Ten minutes later, County had a second spot-kick, following a foul by visiting captain Will Evans on Reid, and Rooney duly obliged again from 12 yards for his side’s fourth to seal, rather appropriately, a trip to Spotland three days hence".

From the other side, Chesterfield confirm that they "failed to make it to the first round of the FA cup after a 4-0 defeat at Stockport County...

The Spireites played in all red and lined up with captain Will Evans, Laurence Maguire and Jamie Sharman making up the defensive line. Milan Butterfield and Curtis Weston lined up centrally with David Buchanan on the left, Alex Kiwomya wide right and Tom Denton, Nathan Tyson and Luke Rawson up front.

County scored with an overhead kick from Richard Bennet after only three minutes... Chesterfield moved the ball well and put the home side under first-half pressure without creating a clear chance in the first ten minutes.

On 15 minutes, Nathan Tyson suffered a stamp his on foot whilst battling down the left and went off... The Blues played on with ten men before Jonathan Smith came on to replace the front man. Smith slotted into midfield just behind the front two of Denton and Rawson...

Connor Jennings was causing most of the problems... Alex Reid made it two for the home side after 35 minutes... County continued to make the better of the play...

Chesterfield continued with three up top but chances were few and far between... as Chesterfield tried to get back into it... The referee awarded a penalty to Stockport, following an adjudged handball by Denton. Rooney (71) converted the subsequent spot kick, leaving it 3-0 to the home side...

Evans tripped the tricky Reid for the home side’s second penalty of the game. Rooney blasted into the top corner from the spot to make it 4-0".

Eastleigh report that "As the country enters the second lockdown period... the club will be operating with a skeleton staff...

The first team squad will continue training as normal as National League fixtures continue to be played, due to the league’s elite status...

Our academy sides from the U7-U15s age groups will not be training during this time.

As schools are remaining open, our education programme will continue for the first-year and second-year scholars at the club. However, their fixtures have been postponed during the lockdown period".

MIDWEEK GAMES

• Boreham Wood v Dagenham & Redbridge
• FC Halifax Town v Wealdstone

Wednesday 11th November

• Altrincham v Solihull Moors
• Notts County v Stockport County

ALTRINCHAM APPOINT ANOTHER DIRECTOR

Born in Cork and raised in Derry, Essex-based engineering expert Cathal will bring a wealth of football and business experience to the board after investing in the club by purchasing shares.

A bustling centre-forward at local football level in his playing days, the 40-year old holds FA coaching badges and has a broad knowledge of the non-League scene after filling the role of regional scout for AFC Fylde.

In addition, his background in engineering will be fully utilised to help facilitate ground improvements and developments,,,

Co-chairman Bill Waterson added 'We have been looking to strengthen the board, to invite Investment and to increase our Bandwidth and Capability; enabling us to do more and add new skills to the team.

'Cathal brings all three, coupled with a strong, pragmatic attitude, and he will be an important component of our continued success.'"

ALTRINCHAM 3-0 BARNTON

Altrincham finally doubled their lead in the 70th minute with a fine shot from outside the box by right-back Callum Graham, an Altrincham FC reserve. The ball had come out to him following a Peers effort.

In the first minute of added time, a Mercurius header converted a good cross from Howarth to make it 3-0 to the visitors.

ALTRINCHAM: 21. Matthew GOULD, 3. Andy WHITE, 4. Connor HAMPSON, 5. Will HALL, 2. Callum GRAHAM, 8. Shaun DENSMORE (c), 6. Dre TAYLOR, 7. Daniel MOONEY, 9. Tom PEERS, 10. Curtis MILLER, 11. Yusifu CEESAY. Subs: 14. George HOWARTH, 15. Dan GAVANAGH, 16. Raheem MERCURIUS, 17. Rowan ROACHE, 26. Fisayo ADARABIOYO.

Match report here.

ECCLESHILL UNITED YOUTH 1-3 ALTRINCHAM YOUTH

Early in the second half Altrincham netted a penalty through Alex Goulden to make it 2-0, only for Eccleshill to pull a goal back soon afterwards. Alty netted a third goal from a Luigi Mongan freekick in the 74th minute.

The opposition in Round Two, at Altrincham, will be the winners of the tie between Newmarket Town and Peterborough United, which ended 2-2 but the EFL club won in extra time.

NEXT OPPONENTS: WEALDSTONE

Alty won the Alliance in its first two seasons (1980 and 1981), whereas Wealdstone took the title in 1985, when they became the first team to win the "double" by securing the FA Trophy at Wembley.

In all, Wealdstone have enjoyed eight seasons in the top flight in two spells, being co-founders of the Alliance with Altrincham in 1979/80 before they were relegated after just two campaigns, in 1981.

However, they returned the following season (1982-83) before spending that campaign, and a further five seasons, in the division.

So the clubs last met competitively in 1987/88 season when Alty won 1-0 at Moss Lane and played a goalless draw on 12 March 1988 at Wealdstone. The full league record is:

• At Altrincham: P8 W5 D0 L3 F9 A6
• Away: P8 W3 D3 L2 F12 A9
• All: P16 W8 D3 L5 F21 A15

The Middlesex club has moved from its Lower Mead Ground, since Altrincham's last visit and now plays at Grosvenor Vale, the former home of Ruislip Manor. Indeed they have had a turbulent spell since the Lower Mead ground was built upon. Initially, they ground-shared at Vicarage Road with Watford before further relegation in 1992 saw them drop into the Southern League South Division. Another change of home occurred in 1993, as they then played their games at Yeading.

The club then voluntarily moved to the Isthmian League to save money on travelling but this meant a further drop in the football pyramid. Another change of stadium followed with their next home being at the home of troubled Edgware Town.

Having plied their trade in Isthmian League Division Three Wealdstone rose to Division One but were not promoted from there owing to ground grading at Edgware. They started to build a new stadium in 2003 but the developers went bust and, after Harrow Council had stepped in, the stadium later became The Hive where Barnet now play!

There was yet another new home for Wealdstone in 2005 as they moved in with Northwood FC. As well as a nomadic existence as regards their home ground, the club was then moved but the FA moved tham into the Southern League Premier Division for just one campaign before returning to the Isthmian League.

Early in 2008, Wealdstone bought the lease to what had been Ruislip Manor FC's ground at Grosvenor Vale, where they have played since the 2008–09 season.

MANAGER'S UPDATE

'I was really pleased to see us looking more of a threat, because I was a bit concerned we hadn’t been doing that,' said the Alty manager after their first top-flight win since April 2015.

'Fisayo [Adarabioyo] scored a really good goal and produced some outstanding hold-up play in the first half, Josh Hancock had probably his best game since stepping up to this level and I thought Dan Mooney [left] and Matty Kosylo were a real threat.

'So, all in all, the front lads looked really menacing, which was good to see. They took on instructions to get to that level, and credit to (assistant-manager) Neil Sorvel for doing some great work with them in that regard'".

Speaking of goalkeeper Tony Thompson, the Alty boss added that 'People pick up on the smallest mistakes with Tony, so it’s only right he is praised heavily when he makes fantastic saves like he has done in the last two games', said Parkinson... 'He is a very good keeper, and we are lucky to have him. Much as we were on the front foot and played some really good football on a difficult surface, we also showed we can dig in and mix it when need be...

'I was delighted with the contribution of everyone, from the players to the board, who made sure we prepared properly by paying for an overnight stay'...

Defender Toby Mullarkey [above right] faces a month out with a small stress fracture of his ankle, and Alty are awaiting a scan on an injury to midfielder Sean Williams, though fellow-midfielder Simon Richman could be available within the next fortnight."

WEDNESDAY FIXTURE

The tie is to be replayed after Chesterfield were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in the original game, which they went on to win on penalties". Chesterfield won the original tie.

Wednesay 4 November 2020

• Stockport County 4-0 Chesterfield

ON THIS DAY: 5 November

Right: Damian Reeves, seen here against Eastwood, extended his scoring run by scoring Alty's opening goal for the sixth successive league match, a sequence of matches in which he had netted nine times in all. In 15 matches in the BSBN by that stage of the season, Damian had recorded 16 goals.

In the match, Altrincham secured a deserved 2-0 win against an Eastwood team that kept going to the end but which rarely troubled keeper Stuart Coburn. Alty secured an early lead when Nicky Clee's good work in the left-hand channel led to Damian Reeves scoring a well-taken goal, his ninth in the last six league games, in all of which he has scored.

But with Altrincham determined to pass their way to success, their lead was not increased before the interval as moves broke down in the final third. However, Reeves did hit the underside of the bar following more good work from Clee in the 40th minute.

On the hour mark, Mark Lees also struck the Eastwood bar before the game was settled in the 71st minute. Eastwood were penalized for handball and Robbie Williams turned Shaun Densmore's resulting low freekick into the net. With Jack Redshaw introduced for the final 17 minutes, Alty went close again but Eastwood also threatened in the closing stages, at one point winning three successive corners.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Chris LYNCH, 5. Rob WILLIAMS, 6. Adam FLYNN, 3. Mark LEES, 7. James LAWRIE, 4. Anthony DANYLYK (capt), 8. Shaun DENSMORE, 11. Nicky CLEE, 9. Michael TWISS 10. Damian REEVES Subs: 12. Robbie LAWTON, 14. Ryan BROWN, 15. Simon RICHMAN, 16. Jack REDSHAW, 18. Adam REID (gk)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

At the root of the issue was the fact that the club was without a football secretary for three months prior to the takeover. We made the appointment of a football secretary a priority after taking over and were then faced with a backlog of contracts and paperwork which needed to be addressed. To compound the matter, a technical issue involving an email relating to Jordan Cropper’s registration arose.

We launched a robust defence when facing an FA panel and they took into account the mitigating circumstances by agreeing to allow the tie to be replayed. On behalf of the board, I would like to take this opportunity to apologise to everyone connected with the club and pledge to put procedures in place to ensure there is no similar problem in the future. It is something that should not have happened, but we have to accept our punishment, move on and learn from this...

We are one of 11 clubs who have joined forces to ask the National League board to reconsider the way that compensation via National Lottery funding is distributed. The funding is for losses incurred as a direct result of the decision to prevent supporters attending matches due to the impact of Covid-19. In extreme cases this resulted in some clubs receiving around five times as much funding, per absent spectator, as other clubs, which is patently unfair. It is hoped that the distribution of funds will be revised to make it a more realistic allocation...

We can assure everyone that financial plans and projections are in place to ensure the security of the club. We are in a stronger position than many clubs in our division...

I am delighted that we have been able to secure the services of Paul Lemon as our new chief scout... A new player recruitment system is being put in place...

We receive around 80% of the money generated from our streams and we have budgeted for around 1,500 streams purchased per match, which equates to an audience of around 4,000... The home clubs keep the money from live streams so I would urge all supporters to pay for a live stream".

Bromley "catch up with loanee defender Harry Kyprianou... [who] started out as a youth team player at Watford...[where] he spent the best part of 10 years...[before he] signed for Southend United...

'I am a versatile player, I can cover anywhere down the left side of the pitch as well as a few other positions. I am a defender who loves to get forward' he said. He has played for the Cyprus under 21 national team and made his "Bromley debut against Sutton United last week".

The Halifax Courier reports that "FC Halifax Town manager Pete Wild has confirmed that attacker Gevaro Nepomuceno has signed another month’s deal at the club.

The former Oldham and Chesterfield player, who played under Wild for The Latics, has failed to score in five appearances for Halifax this season, having joined just before the start of the campaign.

But the Town boss said he will not be rushed into using the wages freed up by the departure of forward Gold Omotayo.

'Not immediately no, I don’t think we need to,' he said. 'Let’s see how the full group comes back and we’ll look at areas we feel we maybe need to strengthen.'”

At Torquay United "It’s All Going Wright For Danny... following a perfect hat-trick in front of the watching BT Sport cameras...

Danny is obviously delighted to make his own mark on the team’s outstanding start to the season, which has seen him bag five goals in the last two matches.

[At Hartlepool, last weekend], 'It was a great night all round', began Wright... 'I didn’t actually think about it being the perfect hat-trick until after the game, when we spoke to the cameras, I was obviously just happy to score the three goals and win the game'...

Torquay’s strong start to the campaign is just the kind that boss Gary Johnson would have wished for, as the side finished October as the National League’s pace-setters....

'You’re giving yourself a great chance if you’re top of the table at the start of the season... but it is still early days and we’re not getting ahead of ourselves...

'I think we’ve got some good players in our squad, and we’ve got the right attitude to go with that'...

Having joined Johnson’s squad from Solihull Moors in the summer, those last two wins on the road provided plenty of evidence of the growing understanding between Danny and his teammates...

'When new players come into the team, it takes a little while to work each other’s games out, but we’ve got our style of playing football. The gaffer and coaching staff have philosophies and an understanding of the game which we use, and over the last week, we’ve been showing that out on the pitch.

'If everyone is on the same wavelength, you produce performances like that and it all comes off. It looks fluent and that the team have been playing together for years. At the start of the season, we picked up points late on in games, and during the last week we’ve bettered that and produced some outstanding performances to rack up the goals, which is something we were looking to do'...

Ahead of this weekend’s FA Cup clash with Crawley at Plainmoor, Wright is in positive mood".

BARNTON v ALTRINCHAM

In 1948 Barnton were founder members of the Mid-Cheshire League and went on to win the league title eleven times by 2005. That league became the reformed Cheshire League two years later. After relegation in 2009 they returned to the Cheshire League Dvision One in 2013.

2014-15 saw them join the NW Counties Football League where they reached the Premier Division in 2016 only to be relegated to Division One South in 2018, where they currently lie sixth.

WEALDSTONE v ALTRINCHAM

The price is £9.99.

MIDWEEK RADIO COVERAGE

On the Altrincham FC website, press and media officer Brian Flynn has explained what happened in Kent just before kick-off on Saturday.

He adds that "Due to the Cheshire Senior Cup tie at Barnton and the FA Youth Cup tie at Eccleshill United, taking place on the same night (Wednesday 4th November), the next intrepid assignment for Radio Robins will be at Barnton. We are unable to cover two matches at the same time, however, we are thankful to Jonathan Pinfield from 'Live Sports FM', who has agreed to cover the game at Eccleshill.

Full details of coverage of each match will be published tomorrow as part of the separate match previews, however we wanted to let you know that you will be able to follow each or both games tomorrow night."

FA YOUTH CUP

"Eccleshill United, whose first team play in the Northern Counties East League, Premier Division and are managed by former Altrincham winger, Lee Elam...

Altrincham U18 manager Paul Fay, & coach, Sam Heathcote, go into this game with the same squad as the last round with the exceptions of Joel Jennings, who picked up an injury in the South Shields game and Max Thoms, who is self-isolating. Louis Morrison, a centre forward for the U17s comes into the squad.

Victory tonight in Bradford would equal Altrincham's best ever run in the FA Youth Cup, achieved in 2013 under the legendary George Heslop, whose siide finally exited the competition 4-0 at Walsall's Banks's Stadium in the 2nd Round Proper.

Home spectators are permitted at this game, however as an elite club. Altrincham supporters are not permitted to attend...

You can listen to full match commentary on Live Sports FM from 7.15pm with Luke Edwards & Bill Marshall".

COVID AND "NON-ELITE" FOOTBALL

As a result of the UK Government’s new national Covid-19 restrictions, and subject to Members of Parliament voting tomorrow [Wednesday] and the publication of bespoke guidance from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport [DCMS], the impact on ‘non elite’ football in England will include the suspension of the following during this period:

• All fixtures and training for Steps 3-6 of the National League System [NLS];
• All fixtures and training for Tiers 3-7 of the Women’s Football Pyramid [WFP];
• All fixtures and training for the Regional NLS Feeder Leagues;
• All fixtures and training for The Barclays FA WSL Academy League;
• All fixtures and training for FA Girls Regional Talent Clubs;
• All fixtures and training for indoor and outdoor youth and adult grassroots football.

The FA’s aim is to ensure that the 2020/21 season is completed at these levels and will liaise with the relevant leagues in the NLS and WFP and the County Football Associations [CFAs] to provide support and establish appropriate options to do so if required...

In addition, the UK Government has confirmed that all Emirates FA Cup First Round fixtures will go ahead as planned this weekend between Friday 6 and Monday 9 November 2020. The ten ‘non-elite’ clubs that remain in the competition will be able to play their fixtures under ‘elite’ protocols... These ‘non-elite’ teams are only permitted to train together until Wednesday 4 November 2020.

Further updates on fixtures and dates for the 2020/21 Vitality Women’s FA Cup, The FA Youth Cup, Buildbase FA Trophy and Buildbase FA Vase will follow in due course... The FA remains in dialogue with the DCMS, leagues, competitions and CFAs and will provide further clarification for ‘non-elite’ football in England following the debate in the House of Commons tomorrow."

In the NW of England, Step 3 is the Northern Premier League.

ON THIS DAY: 4 November

Above: Of the six players seen in the pre-match line-up against Buxton, only Tony Thompson remains at the club today. Those who have departed are, left to right, James Poole, James Jones, Ben Harrison, Jordan Hulme and Max Harrop.

Yet again, Altrincham were below full strength as, in addition to numerous injuries, they went into this match without the suspended Simon Richman and Jake Moult. The injured list included John Disney, Tom Hannigan and Lewis Short, whilst those recovering from injury lay-offs were Sean Miller (currently on loan at Colne), Tolani Omotola (on loan at Loughborough Dynamo) and Josh Amis (playing fpr the reserves). On the positive side, new loan signing Connor Hampson, from Stockport County, started at left-back.

Former Alty players in Buxton's side were Greg Young and Andy McWilliams. Greg, Buxton's captain, was sent off in midweek but his suspension had not yet started.

A draw was probably a fair outcome to an entertaining game which both sides had chances to win. After two early goals in this match, the only surprise was that none of a series of chances for both sides was converted later in the game.

Buxton took a second-minute lead when, just after a fine save from Thompson, the ball came out to Hinsley who fired home from 20 yards. But Alty levelled in the eighth minute when Josh Hancock headed home after good work from Joel Bembo-Leta in nodding a Johnston freekick back into the goalmouth.

Tony Thompson pulled off several fine saves and Buxton had to clear a Jordan Hulme effort off the line, as play went from end to end in the second half. Despite late pressure from the home side, the game ended with the Bucks' first draw of the league campaign and an end to Alty's run of eight successive league home wins. But the Robins remained top of the league table.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. James JONES 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Laurence TAYLOR, 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Max HARROP, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. James POOLE (c), 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs: 12. Mason WALSH, 14. Shaun DENSMORE, 15. Tom PEERS, 16. Sam SHERIDAN, 20. Tim DEASY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Neal Ardley hosted a Zoom call with the media to reflect on our decision to withdraw from the Emirates FA Cup and postpone our next two Vanarama National League matches after a further two players tested positive for Covid-19."

The Hartlepool Mail reminds us that "Pools were soundly beaten 5-0 by Torquay United on Saturday afternoon in what was their first defeat of the new season.

And Challinor felt let down by his players... When asked if the weekend’s performance highlighted a lack of leadership, the Pools' boss responded 'Without question, it’s the modern game and leadership isn’t abundant in lots of facets. If you’re not in a position where you have one or two stand-out leaders, then everyone needs to do their bit.

'There weren’t people who went missing but that’s not what it’s about, it’s about taking responsibility and not allowing someone else to take responsibility. I’m looking at our central defenders, two young central defenders who have aspirations of playing higher, you have to start dragging players about.

'It shouldn’t matter if you’re 35 or 21, you have to do it because it’s ultimately going to come down to you so you’ve got to make your job as easy as you can. If that means slagging someone off and dragging them in and getting them to do a job in front of you then so be it, it’s not about being nice, it’s about doing what you can to get a result.'

Pools were without their most experienced defender Gary Liddle on Saturday as the 34-year-old recovers from a persisting groin injury. Centre-back Timi Odusina could also be facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury on Saturday.

'You’re always going to miss your experienced players but even Lidds is not necessarily the leader type,' Challinor continued. 'I think he could be more vocal in terms of organising and getting people around him. If it means he’s dragging Luke Molyneux in, for example, and he’s on at him all the time, that’s fundamentally going to make the job easier.

'If you’re a defender, you want to make your job as easy as you can and you’ve got to use the people in front of you to do that otherwise you’ll have to be very good at your job one v one and at times one v two which becomes very difficult.'”

The Dorset Echo advises that "Weymouth will not take their 'foot off the gas' despite the Terras having no fixture this weekend.

Stock’s men earned an impressive 2-1 win at Stockport County on Saturday,..

Weymouth will be working hard ahead of hosting Wrexham on front of the BT Sport cameras on Saturday, November 14... [Manager Brian] Stock said 'It’s important you make the most of these occasions... Things won’t change, we can’t take our foot off the gas. We’re part-time, so contact time is a premium for us.

'It’s an opportunity now to build on what we’ve already done and get the lads and all the ones that are not playing up to peak fitness so we’re good to go come the following week.'

Josh Wakefield joined Cody Cooke (hamstring) and Brennan Camp (head) in coming off injured at Edgeley Park, but Stock revealed... 'It was just cramp. He worked his socks off and did a terrific job. One of their talismans is (John) Rooney and he did a fantastic job in marking him and negating one of their better players.'" concluded the manager.

The Leader Live tells us that "Dean Keates believes the long lay-off because of the coronavirus pandemic and a packed fixture programme at the start of the 2020-21 campaign [have] contributed to a lengthy injury list at The Racecourse.

Keates travelled to Solihull Moors for last Saturday's FA Cup fourth qualifying round tie with only 15 fit first-team players, captain Shaun Pearson among those sitting out the 4-0 defeat.

Although fit-again duo Anthony Jeffrey and Jake Bickerstaff returned for Tuesday's goalless draw with Barnet, defenders Theo Vassell and Reece Hall-Johnson hobbled off late in the game... Keates feels the long spell without competitive fixtures is a big factor in teams picking up so many injuries.

'We sat and spoke with all the staff about it after the Barnet game, about the sports science side,' said Keates... 'Football League teams are suffering with it; a lot of people have picked up injuries... I think there were nine hamstring injuries in the first weekend of the Bundesliga when they started back. Five or six months without competitive football is a long time.

'Pre-season is where you lay your ground work. Pre-season games are as competitive as they can be but you can't always mirror the intensity or pressure they operate under in a proper game when the season starts.'

The Barnet stalemate was Wrexham's seventh game in 25 days and the Reds would have played an eighth fixture in the opening month but Saturday's home match with Sutton was postponed because five players from within the club tested positive for Covid-19...

'With the injuries we have picked up, there are only two that I would class as long term,' said Keates. 'One is Shaun and that was enforced on us with his operation, and Mark Carrington's hamstring is a lot more severe than everybody else's...

'When you go Saturday, Tuesday, Saturday, Monday, Saturday, Saturday, Tuesday, you end up coming away from... the conditioning side. The leg weights are massive but we have not been able to figure that into it because of the volume of midweek games. That side has been left. Grade one [injuries] normally get nullified when you are in good condition, and your legs are powerful and strong...

'Individual programmes have been put out to the players and they will be doing a lot of body weight conditioning during their isolation period so their bodies are as strong as they can be when we come back.'"

Torquay United "announce that defender Sam Sherring and midfielder Adam Randell have extended their loan stays from AFC Bournemouth and Plymouth Argyle respectively...

'I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to secure the services of Adam [Randell] and Sam [Sherring] until mid-January,' said [manager, Gary] Johnson. 'Both have been a major part of our success during the start of the season; both young lads with big futures. The important thing is that they throw themselves into Torquay United wholeheartedly, and they’ve both done that to the nth degree.

'We keep in touch with their clubs regarding how they are doing. It’s been great for all three parties. Great for us because we get two excellent players. Great for them because they’re getting competitive games at a time when they need them. And also good for the clubs they’re coming from because they know their players are getting regular games that are competitive.

'We’ll see what happens in January, but they’ve become very much a part of what we’re doing'".

STOCKPORT REINSTATED IN FA CUP

The fourth round qualifying tie will be replayed on Wednesday without the involvement of Jordan Cropper.

Chief executive John Croot said 'It is unfortunate that a technical issue resulted in an administrative procedure not being completed.

'The FA panel considered our submission, ruled that the tie would have to be replayed and we have to accept their decision'".

ALTY NOW TO PLAY ON SATURDAY

But Altrincham FC have announced that they "will travel to Wealdstone on Saturday, November 7th, for a 3pm kick-off for a Vanarama National League fixture that was originally scheduled to take place on Tuesday April 13th 2021.

The new date has been scheduled due to both teams not being involved in the Emirates FA Cup this weekend.

This will be our first meeting with Wealdstone for 32 years... All previous games between the clubs at Wealdstone were played at their Lower Mead Ground, which was situated in the centre of Harrow and is now the site of a Tesco store.

Newly promoted as National League South Champions, Wealdstone now play in Ruislip at The Vale Stadium, previously the home of Ruislip Manor FC".

Altrincham's game at Wealdstone will be their fifth successive away league match this season; their sixth successive away match in all competitions; and, the fifth of their six league fixtures to be played away from home so far this campaign. After that away sequence, Alty have three successive home league games in six days between 11 and 17 November.

With a change also announced to next week's game against Solihull, the revised fixture list is here

SOLIHULL FIXTURE CHANGE

This is to assist Solihull Moors, whose Emirates FA Cup tie at Scunthorpe United this weekend has been moved from Saturday, 7th to Sunday, 8th November so that it can be one of the matches to be covered by the BBC "Final Score" programme that afternoon.

MIDWEEK GAME

• Barnet P-P Hartlepool United [Covid issues at Barnet]

ON THIS DAY: 3 November

The permanent departure of Tom Peers to FCUM and the temporary moves of Liam Goulding to Witton Albion and Ben Harrison to Trafford meant that manager Phil Parkinson had only fifteen fit players available who had worn an Alty shirt this season. He named the same starting eleven who had featured against Nuneaton in midweek but, on the bench, he brought in new signing Charlie Scott and youth teamer Dontai Gabidon, who had 90 minutes in his legs from Thursday night's FA Youth Cup tie, and had yet to be involved in a league match.

This was Altrincham's third visit to Edgar Street and they deservedly maintained their unbeaten record at the ground. But it took an 89th minute equalizer from Josh Hancock to secure the point.

Above: To mark the approach of Remembrance Day 2018, Hereford organised a pre-match playing of 'The Last Post' by an army bugler, with British Legion standard-bearers in attendance.

The game was played in a gusty wind with second-half rain which made conditions difficult for both sides.

Altrincham were the better side in the early stages of this game but, as on their last away outing at Stockport, they failed to convert their possession into a meaningful shot at goal. Eight minutes into the second half, Hereford broke the deadlock. The Bulls' first serious shot at goal, from Danny Greenslade, prompted a fine save by Tony Thompson but this was at the cost of a corner. Following the corner kick, the ball was played aerially from the left to the back post, where James Roberts headed firmly home.

The goal lifted Hereford after their below-par first-half showing but Alty withstood one or two risky moments before getting forward themselves without still being able to trouble the Bulls' keeper. But, just when time seemed to have run out, a foul on Connor Hampson gave the visitors a freekick near the left touchline. Johnston's freekick landed in the crowded box and Hancock was able to slot it home from six yards.

The draw meant Alty dropped a place to tenth but, with a game in hand on most of the clubs above them.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony Thompson, 2. Andy White, 3. Connor Hampson, 4. James Jones, 5. Tom Hannigan, 6. Jake Moult (c), 7. John Johnston, 8. Max Harrop, 9. Jordan Hulme, 10. Josh Hancock, 11. Owen Dale. Subs: 12. Dontai Gabidon, 14. Simon Richman, 15. Charlie Scott, 16. Shaun Densmore, 20. Elliot Wynne.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wrexham Supporters Trust will hold a virtual meeting on Sunday where actors Rob McElhenney and Ryan Reynolds, who plan to invest £2m in the club if the takeover is approved, will give a presentation.

After outlining their vision for the club, voting takes places for more than 2,000 WST members from the following day until November 15 to decide the club's future...

Said Keates, 'It will be interesting to see what their sales pitch is and what their vision is to take Wrexham forward. You cross bridges when you come to them'...

Members have already voted overwhelmingly for talks to proceed and the takeover can only go ahead if at least 75 per cent of those who respond agree...

'We have just tried to concentrate on our business and go about the football side,' said Keates. 'We are disappointed with a few of the games we have lost, what goes on above, below, to the side of that, we just go about our own business until the day that we get told things change. I would imagine one day very soon, we will know what the answer is going to be with the football club's future.'"

And also from the Leader Live, comes news that "Dean Keates spoke of his disappointment at having to postpone Saturday's home game against Sutton... after it was announced that five players from within The Racecourse had tested positive for COVID-1...

Only one of the players who has since tested positive played in Tuesday goalless draw against Barnet.

'We had a couple of cases and it completely wiped us out,' said Keates... 'The lads are fit, young and healthy so I can't see no [sic] issues with it going further forward and [hopefully] everyone comes through the isolation period, and the lads who have got this disease, it passes by.'

Wrexham don't have a game this weekend as a result of the cup exit with the Reds due to return to league action at Weymouth on Saturday November 14. Keates is hoping players affected by coronavirus will have made full recoveries and will be able to return to training with their team-mates next Monday...

'We have all got to self isolate,' said Keates. 'With travelling down to Solihull on the coach as a group, that squad are the ones under isolation. We have got a small group who didn't travel and weren't involved that weekend so we are just waiting on a bit of clarification on whether they need to isolate. They didn't spend too much time within the group and weren't on the coach journey.

'But the vast majority of the squad are in isolation... we will be looking at reporting back for training on November 9.'

Wrexham ended a run of three successive defeats by drawing with Barnet... Said Keates, 'It wasn't to be against Barnet but it was an intervention on the three defeats which we needed to stop. It was a clean sheet on the back end of conceding eight in the previous two games; the last 10 minutes were a bit scary and they sniffed a bit of blood when we lost two of the back four and we had to put players in different positions...

'We were looking to back that up on Saturday but Covid put paid to that.'"

Also from the Leader Live we read that "Paul Rutherford believes it would be a 'very good match' and a 'marriage made in heaven' if Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney complete a takeover of Wrexham Football Club...

'It is mad, it probably puts the cherry on top of 2020 but in a good way,' said Rutherford, who arrived at The Racecourse in the summer of 2016 and is the second longest serving player in Dean Keates's squad... 'It is a great opportunity for the two investors to get hold of a football club with a big history, big reputation but also big potential as well. I think it is going to be a very good match with their levels of ambition, professionalism and what they can bring to what the club has got with the fanbase, structure and facility.

'It could be a marriage made in heaven and I really hope that it works out to be that... It seems weird talking about Ryan Reynolds when I have got loads of his films in my cabinet!' said Rutherford. 'People of that esteem and notoriety, I don't think they are here to make a quick buck. They have got a genuine interest in making a success of something in a different field to where they are used to operating in.

'It would really damage their reputation if they weren't genuine because they are very high profile people'...

Despite the slow start to the campaign, Rutherford insists... 'We want to be at the top of the table and the start hasn't been perfect by any means... I don't feel it is a complete negative... I really feel we are on the cusp of making something positive happen as a group.'"

According to the Hartlepool Mail "Dave Challinor felt Monday’s training session ‘couldn’t come quick enough’ following Hartlepool United’s 5-0 defeat to Torquay United on Saturday...

The side were set to travel to Barnet on Tuesday evening but that match was called off due to coronavirus concerns, leaving Hartlepool with a free week going into Saturday’s FA Cup first-round tie at Salford City.

The Pools squad return[ed] to East Durham College on Monday morning for their first training session since Saturday’s defeat.

'I’m confident we’ll get a reaction,' Challinor said. 'They’re an honest group and, once we knew the Barnet game would be called off, this week was going to be a work week for us. We’ve got two Saturday to Saturday weeks coming up before it’s five weeks on the spin with Saturday, Tuesday, which is a big ask'...

Pools currently have Gary Liddle out with a groin injury and the side’s other first-choice defender Timi Odusina will have his hamstring injury... assessed this week. The 21-year-old could be facing a spell on the sidelines as Pools look at potential short term cover...

'We will look to use this week to bring the necessary bodies in and work with what we’ve got to improve,' Challinor added.. 'I expect to see a massively improved performance and a team that is hurting for when our next game is... We’re a work in progress'".

NL Daily confirms that "Stockport County have signed Bristol City striker Louis Britton on loan.

Britton links up with Jim Gannon’s side until January.

The 19-year-old had joined County’s fellow National League side Torquay United on loan at the beginning of last month.

He joined Bristol City last summer from Mangotsfield United".

Solihull Moors "announce the signing of former Birmingham City central defender Krystian Pearce.

Previously a free agent, Pearce signs on a short-term contract and will add more steel to Jimmy Shan’s backline.

The 30-year-old will don the number 28 shirt and is eligible for Moors’ league game at Maidenhead United on Saturday.

Most recently, Pearce played for and captained League Two side Mansfield Town, where he clocked up over 200 first-team appearances during a five-year stay.

A former Barbadian international, Pearce first earned his stripes in Birmingham’s academy... Pearce never made his senior bow for the Blues.

He enjoyed a series of loan spells at the likes of Notts County, Port Vale and Scunthorpe United before eventually moving to League One side Huddersfield Town in January 2010...

He signed for Notts County in the summer and went on to spend three years at the County Ground. A move to Torquay United followed. Pearce made over 70 appearances for the Gulls... before signing for Mansfield in July 2015...

Pearce’s style of play is perfectly suited for the rigours of the National League... Pearce has always been comfortable with the ball at his feet, making him ideal for Shan’s philosophy of playing out from the back...

Pearce said 'It’s a good set-up here. Moors are an ambitious club trying to get into the League... I just want to bring my quality and experience to the team. I’m a local boy so it just fits hand in hand really'...

Manager Jimmy Shan added 'I worked with Krystian many moons ago at Birmingham City in the Academy. 'For the short-term period, it gives us someone with vast experience. He’s a natural born leader.. He’s strong, competitive, very athletic and he can handle the ball'", not literally one hopes!

Eastleigh announce that "The broadcast fixtures for the Emirates FA Cup First Round have been selected, with the Spitfires featuring on BBC digital platforms.

Our clash against MK Dons has been moved to Sunday, 8th November, with a 12:45pm kick-off".

At Yeovil Town "Darren Sarll was left frustrated that the same mistakes ultimately cost Yeovil Town as they suffered defeat against Chesterfield FC at Huish Park.

The Glovers fell behind in the 70th minute as Tom Denton finished well past Adam Smith securing a much-needed min for the Spireites...

There were positives to take however for Yeovil as loan signing Morgan Williams produced a strong showing a centre back in only his second start since his last loan spell with the club back in 2019...

Sarll said.... 'It’s obviously frustrating when you gift a pass to in-form forward around 20 yards out who's obviously ultimately won the game for them, so it doesn't matter how good or bad a performance it was it means nothing as you’ve taken nothing away from the game.

He finished 'I’m still positive that we will overcome this period, certain if I'm honest, and before we know it, we’ll be hitting the ground running again'".

EMIRATES FA CUP

The UK Government has confirmed that the ten non-elite clubs that remain in the competition will be able to play their matches under elite protocols. Matches will take place between 6-9 November 2020. All ties will be played behind closed doors, in line with COVID-19 guidelines.

FC United of Manchester are set to face Doncaster Rovers live on the BBC on Saturday, November 7 at 5:30pm at Broadhurst Park.

N/West Division side Marine’s reward for beating Chester is a long trip away to Colchester United, while South Shields’ reward for seeing off FC Halifax Town is an away tie at Cheltenham Town.

Winning clubs in the Emirates FA Cup first round will receive £16,972 from the FA prize fund, with losing clubs collecting £5,657."

YOUTHS DRAW

MANAGER INTERVIEW

ON THIS DAY: 2 November

While elite football, from the National League South/North level upwards, will be allowed to continue behind closed doors with no supporters, all other non-league and grassroots football will almost certainly have to be put on hold due to new Covid-19 restrictions.

This week’s midweek fixtures, on Tuesday and Wednesday, will still take place, because the new national lockdown does not kick in until Thursday. The new measures will be in place until at least December 2...

The FA confirmed, ‘We acknowledge the government’s announcement today regarding COVID-19 restrictions and are awaiting further information before we can confirm how this may affect non-elite football across England.’

However, a halting of non-league football appears inevitable, given that people are being urged ‘to stay at home unless they have a specific reason to leave, such as work which cannot be done from home and education'...

It looks like it could be bleak winter ahead, then, for non-league football, with stadiums set to close again and revenue drying up completely".

Step 2 in our region means, if the above is confirmed, that clubs from the Northern Premier League downwards will cease to play fixtures for the time being, from Thursday.

ON THIS DAY: 2 November

Yusifu Ceesay had returned to the bench after injury but Connor Hampson remained sidelined. New signing Luke Wall was also on the bench.

On a very windy day, it took Alty till the sixth minute of added time to secure a just about deserved point. Following a goalless but entertaining first half, Altrincham switched to a back three at the interval and enjoyed the better of the second period. Against the run of play Lynn went ahead in the 77th minute. Striker Michael Gash, who was playing against Altrincham for an eighth different opposing team, won an aerial ball and Adam Marriott cleverly dragged the ball back before slotting it past Thompson.

Above: Alty defend their goal in the first half.

Three minutes later Alty equalised after Tom Peers had chased a ball to the byline, where he got the better of a defender, before laying the ball off for Josh Hancock to sweep home from 15 yards or so.

However, Lynn regained the advantage in the 84th minute. Substitute Kelly did well and fed Marriott from the left. Again Marriott netted smartly with a low shot.

A minimum of five added minutes were decreed and play had just ticked over into the sixth when a John Johnston freekick was bundled home, after a goalmouth melee, by Jake Moult.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 3. Andy WHITE, 4. James JONES, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Sean WILLIAMS, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Josh HANCOCK, 11. Tom PEERS. Subs: 12. Max HARROP, 14. Simon RICHMAN, 15. Yusifu CEESAY, 16. Toby MULLARKEY, 17. Luke WALL.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Poolies were forced to watch from home on BT Sport as a Danny Wright hat-trick and goals from Ben Whitfield and Gary Warren completed a 5-0 rout for The Gulls.

It was Hartlepool’s heaviest league defeat at The Vic since they lost to Cambridge United by the same scoreline in 2016, they have not suffered a heavier home defeat since the 8-1 loss to Plymouth Argyle back in 1994.

And an angry contingency [sic] of Pools fans took to Twitter to express their frustration following the first defeat of the 2020-21 campaign... One said, 'The worst overall performance for an awful long time. No one in that team apart from Molyneux deserve an ounce of credit. Three signings coming to light now that they're way out of their depth. More faces needed or it's just going to be the same old story'".

Meanwhile at the opposite end of the National League geographically, the Dorset Echo reports that "Weymouth's Tom Whelan scored a late winner as the Terras claimed a stunning 2-1 victory at favourites Stockport County.

Few had given the Terras any chance going to Edgeley Park and it seemed a difficult afternoon was in store when Ash Palmer headed home in the 14th minute.

But Brian Stock’s men improved after the break as Calvin Brooks fired home in the 52nd minute before an ecstatic Whelan tapped in with five minutes to go.

This was Weymouth’s second league win of the campaign after the 2-1 triumph over King’s Lynn and first points on the road . [They got a point at Altrincham on the opening day].

Stock made just one change from Tuesday's 3-2 loss at Bromley for the Terras, as Ollie Harfield came in for Josh Leslie-Smith... Ben Thomson was fit enough to take his place on the bench at the expense of Jack Hoey after a bout of sickness ruled the former out in transit to Bromley.

Having travelled on Friday by coach and stayed overnight, the Terras gave themselves the best chance in this game...

Stockport’s new signing Louis Britton earned a debut at the expense of Reid but both teams became cagey...

County flung everything forward in an effort to find a leveller... as Weymouth held on amid joyous scenes for a marvellous win".

According to the Grimsby Telegraph over the weekend, "Grimsby Town’s FA Cup first round tie could be in doubt after their opponents were forced to postpone their league game yesterday...

The Mariners are due to make the trip to Dagenham & Redbridge on Saturday... The Daggers though were forced to postpone their National League game against Boreham Wood yesterday after an unspecified number of players and staff displayed coronavirus symptoms...

Unlike in the qualifying rounds, should Dagenham & Redbridge be forced to call off this Saturday’s cup tie, it won’t mean a straight forfeit for the London club. The competition rules state that should a club be unable to play a tie on its scheduled date, the FA’s Professional Game Board will decide whether the game can be rescheduled, and whether they need to take any action.

With little to no room in the fixture list before the end of the current year though, it’s hard to see when the tie could be potentially rescheduled".

From the Derbyshire Times comes news that "Yeovil Town manager Darren Sarrl was left disappointed with midfielder Albi Skendi’s mistake which led to Chesterfield’s winning goal at Huish Park on Saturday.

Skendi gave the ball away on the edge of his own box and substitute Luke Rawson made him pay by assisting Tom Denton for his sixth league goal of the season.

Sarll said there was ‘nothing’ in the game and his assistant manager, Terry Skiverton, felt they should have been awarded a ‘certain’ penalty when Rhys Murphy went down in the box.

Chesterfield’s 1-0 win leaves the Glovers, who reached the play-offs last season, in the bottom three.

'Ironically I said three minutes before the goal that this would be decided by a mistake or a set-play and we have made a big individual error which has been the theme of the week and they are costing us badly,' Sarll said.

'Aside from that, I thought we were competitive, I thought the players ran hard, I thought we were a lot more aggressive in the confrontational battles, but then you make a mistake 20 yards out and leave a centre forward through on goal who is in decent form and that’s what happens'...

Sarll said 'We may have had a penalty at the end, right in the necessity [sic] of the game I wasn’t sure, but Terry (Skiverton) is absolutely certain it was a penalty, but apart from that just nowhere near enough offensive quality.'

As is often the case, the opposition manager mentioned the threat and physicality of Denton, who is second in the National League scoring charts so far this season, with only Maidenhead’s Sam Barratt above him.

Sarll added 'I thought Morgan Williams and Carl Dickinson for a big, big share of that game dealt with their direct threat into Denton well, which is hard to deal with, it is quite draining, it kind of chips away at you those type of games, but I thought between the two of them and Charlie Lee they dealt with that well.'"

Also in the Derbyshire Times we read that "Chesterfield came back from Somerset with all three points after a narrow victory against Yeovil Town on Saturday. Liam Norcliffe wrote...

'It was a scrappy game and it was always going to be decided by a moment of quality or a mistake. Chesterfield’s 69th minute winner contained both. Yeovil’s Albi Skendi gave the ball away on the edge of his own box and substitute Luke Rawson seized the opportunity with a nice pass to Denton who cut inside his marker and showed great composure to finish for his sixth league goal in as many league games. David Buchanan described Denton’s skill as ‘absolute chopsville’, while Kyle Letheren said he sent Yeovil’s centre-back ‘for fish and chips’...

With everyone fit apart from Luke Coddington and now Jordan Cropper, Chesterfield do have competition for places which has not been the case for a few seasons. Pemberton left Boden, Joe Rowley and Regan Hutchinson out of the matchday squad for the trip to Somerset, while Josef Yarney missed out through suspension".

Hampshire's Daily Echo reports that "Ben House marked his return to the Eastleigh side with a brace in a 2-1 win at Bromley

House, having missed the midweek defeat at Dover, made no mistake in the 59th minute... He then doubled his side’s advantage seven minutes later with a neat turn and finish.

Bromley substitute James Alabi pulled a goal back with five minutes left against the team for whom he had a loan spell last season...

House’s second-half double ensured Eastleigh claimed a first win in four matches."

DOVER ATHLETIC 0-1 ALTRINCHAM

Injuries last weekend to Toby Mullarkey and Simon Richman ruled out both players at Crabble, and Sean Williams remained sidelined by injury too. Fisayo Adarayoibo continued up-top and new signing Joe Robbins also started. Phil Parkinson made five changes in all, as Matty Kosylo, Dan Mooney, Connor Hampson and Ritchie Sutton all came into the starting eleven, along with Robbins.

In awful, wet and windy conditions, Adarabioyo put Alty ahead after they had advanced on the right (11 mins)...

Match report here

DOVER VIEW

Altrincham’s new striker tapped in as Whites suffered their fifth defeat of the season.

Andy Hessenthaler’s men created enough chances to get back into the game, but were unable to convert the opportunities.

The visitors took the lead inside the opening 15 minutes when Adarabioyo tapped in Dan Mooney’s pass following some hesitation between home keeper Tom Smith and defender Bayli Spencer-Adams.

Tuesday night’s goalscorer Ade Azeez then went close, acrobatically volleying Josh Passley’s cross wide.

Shortly after, Steve Rigg had two attempts to level for Whites...

Dover chances continued in the second half... Whites continued to press, but were unable to find a way past a stubborn visiting defence, with Marvel Ekpiteta seeing his late diving header tipped away by Thompson."

SATURDAY FIXTURES HIT BY COVID

Saturday, 31 October 2020

• Aldershot Town P-P Notts County [Covid issues at Notts County]
• Boreham Wood P-P Dagenham & Redbridge [Covid issues at Dagenham]
• Bromley 1-2 Eastleigh
• Dover Athletic 0-1 Altrincham
• FC Halifax Town P-P Wealdstone [Covid issues at FC Halifax Town]
• Hartlepool United 0-5 Torquay United
• King's Lynn Town 3-2 Woking
• Maidenhead United 3-1 Solihull Moors
• Stockport County 1-2 Weymouth
• Wrexham P-P Sutton United [Covid issues at Wrexham]
• Yeovil Town 0-1 Chesterfield

ALTY OLD BOYS

The 26-year-old has spent the last fortnight at Rockliffe training with the first team squad after his Sunderland release in the summer.

Warnock has liked what he's seen from the former England Under-21 international and is keen on signing him but is waiting for the green light, revealing he's unsure whether he can make additions at this stage.

'He's done ever so well, I'm pleased for him,' said Warnock after Saturday's win over Nottingham Forest. 'I'm not sure what we can do regarding signings but he wanted to get fit and it's been a good opportunity for him'.

He said 'He's done really well. It's still ongoing, I don't know whether we can make a signing. I would like him.'

Watmore has interest from abroad but is understood to be keen on the Boro move.

Watmore joined Sunderland as a 19-year-old from non-league side Altringham [sic], establishing himself as a Premier League regular and an Under-21 international.

But his progression was cruelly curtailed by two serious knee injuries that sidelined him for more than two years as Sunderland plummeted from the Premier League to League One.

He was released in the summer after the Black Cats missed out on promotion".

And the NPL reports that former Alty loanee Ryan Shotton has signed forms for Leek Town.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Bromley had the first key chance... However, it was Eastleigh who nearly took the lead... Bromley also hit the woodwork later on...

In the second half, Bromley started the more positive of the two teams... Despite Bromley’s pressure, it was The Spitfires who took the lead. After Bromley lost possession in the middle of the park, Ben House was found one on one with Cousins and calmly slotted the ball past the Bromley number one...

Eastleigh doubled their lead. House received the ball, twisting and turning his defender and shot low to Cousins’s left.

With just over 20 minutes remaining in the game, Eastleigh had the ball in the net. However, Danny Holland’s effort was flagged offside. With the game coming to an end, James Alabi gave Bromley hope when he took advantage of a mistake inside the Spitfires’ box to finish with ease."

Chesterfield reportthat "The Spireites secured a third successive win at Huish Park with a 1-0 Halloween day win over Yeovil Town thanks to Tom Denton’s sixth goal of the season.

John Pemberton made two changes from the FA Cup tie last weekend with Jamie Sharman and Jonathan Smith replacing Josef Yarney and Jordan Cropper.

Both sides struggled to create chances with the defences standing firm and coming out on top... The Spireites ended the half on top, looking the more dangerous side. However, the score was still goalless at the break...

Luke Rawson was brought on for Nathan Tyson in the 68th minute. Just a minute later, the young striker fed Tom Denton who composed himself in the area and lashed the ball into the roof of the net.

The Spireites were presented with [a] task to hold on to the lead for the remaining 20 minutes... Chesterfield almost doubled the lead with just three minutes to go; Laurence Maguire connected with a free-kick at the back post, but his header flew wide of the mark.

Pemberton’s side continued to stand as a united front and defended the lead brilliantly to secure a second win in the National League this season."

From Eastleigh we learn that "A Ben House brace ensured a 2-1 Halloween win for Eastleigh away at Bromley...

The Spitfires waited until the second half to score their goals who [sic] were both excellently finished by House.

James Alabi pulled one back late on for Bromley, but Eastleigh held on to win.

The Spitfires took the lead in the 58th minute through House.

House doubled the lead after 66 minutes, as he picked up the ball on the edge of the box and turned his defender, before finishing superbly into the bottom right corner...

Bromley pulled a goal back through former Eastleigh player Alabi... The Ravens battered the visitors’ goal late in the match, but McDonnell made save after save to deny Bromley.

Eastleigh held on to their lead and earned a deserved three-points."

Alty's next planned opponents in the League are Solihull Moors whose "five-game unbeaten run came to an end as Maidenhead United took the three points at York Road.

All of the goals came in the second half, with Stephen Gleeson opening the scoring from the penalty spot on the 50-minute mark.

But it was Maidenhead’s Sam Barratt who stole the show with a hat-trick, two of those also coming from 12 yards out.

Jimmy Shan gave debuts to Kyle Hudlin and Krystian Pearce, while fellow recent signing Justin Donawa took his place on the bench...

Former Moors striker Nathan Blissett was leading the line for Alan Devonshire’s side...

It was the ideal start to the second half for Moors as Coxe was brought down inside the area, and the referee didn’t hesitate to point to the spot. Gleeson stepped up and smashed his penalty straight down the middle to net his first for the club.

However, the lead lasted just six minutes as Barratt let fly from distance and it flashed past Boot into the bottom corner.

With the game evenly poised... The home side were awarded a penalty of their own when Williams was judged to have handled inside the area. Barratt made no mistake in putting his side in front for the first time with seven to play.

On 88 minutes, the Magpies were reduced to 10 as James Comley picked up his second booking of the afternoon for a foul on Kyle Storer.

The Moors couldn’t find that elusive equaliser and, instead, Maidenhead were awarded another penalty. With the final kick of the game Barratt completed his hat-trick with an emphatic strike from 12 yards.

At Stockport County "A third match at Edgeley Park within a week saw the Hatters suffer a first home defeat in the National League, with two second-half Weymouth goals securing the points, after Ash Palmer, making his 100th appearance, had given County an early lead.

Heavy morning wind and rain had given way to some unexpected Halloween afternoon sunshine, as County took to the field showing three changes from the side that had drawn with Solihull four days previously. Palmer had recovered from illness, and Mark Kitching and Lois Maynard from their respective injuries, to return to the starting line-up in place of Connor Jennings, Jordan Keane and Adam Thomas who were all named among the substitutes, along with newly-arrived Bristol City loanee Louis Britton...

County earned the first corner of the afternoon and promptly took the lead from it, as John Rooney’s delivery on the left was met by Palmer who headed home at close range for his side’s earliest goal of the campaign thus far...

For the first time since the season’s start, County resumed with a half-time lead but the visiting ‘Terras’ were initially to enjoy a greater share of possession, and, within six minutes, drew level after Calvin Brooks’s low shot took a deflection and skimmed past Hinchliffe into the bottom-left corner...

And with five minutes left on the clock, the Terras went ahead when Hinchliffe parried a shot from the left by Shields but only as far as Tom Whelan, who headed in to secure victory."

Torquay United "United secured another three points on the road and remained top of the National League with a devastating performance away to Hartlepool United.

United manager Gary Johnson brought Asa Hall into the starting eleven with Josh Umerah taking a place on the bench.

United took the game away from Hartlepool in the first half. After threatening early doors, Adam Randell picked out Danny Wright who showed great composure to beat Ben Killip. It was an incisive move that ended with a clinical finish from United’s number nine.

United’s second found Wright yet again in an unforgiving mood. Ben Wynter’s gloriously cushioned back header allowed Wright to sweep the ball past Killip. It was near enough two chances, two goals.

Ben Whitfield showed great awareness to take advantage of a loose ball across Hartlepool’s back line. He showed great composure to slam the ball past Killip.

United were three up at the break...

In the 56th minute Wright completed his perfect hat-trick and it had quality written all over it. Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, surrounded by defenders, held the ball up and produced a perfectly weighted back-heel pass to set Ben Whitfield away. His cross found Wright who sent a powerful header into the back of the net...

United capped their performance in the 87th minute with their fifth... Warren scoring from a few yards.

Weymouth "fought back from 1-0 down to earn an impressive 2-1 away victory to promotion chasing Stockport County...

Brian Stock made 2 changes from Tuesday night's 3-2 defeat with Cody Cooke and Ollie Harfield coming in for Thomson and Leslie-Smith...

Weymouth failed to get into the game early on and paid the price for this conceding a goal in the 15th minute. Jack Bycroft gave away an unnecessary corner when the young goalkeeper could not control the ball as it was about to go out for a goal kick...

It all went wrong for Weymouth before the half hour mark as Brian Stock was forced to make two substitutions, with Cooke being replaced by Ben Thomson and then minutes later Brennan Camp was hauled off with a head injury for Josh Leslie-Smith.

Weymouth were lucky to keep it 1-0 as the Hatters were looking dangerous from corners...

Weymouth started the second half like they had the last few games, with determination and organisation, going at Stockport County. This confidence in their play led to an equaliser in the 51st minute...

The ball was kicked away by Hinchcliffe in goal. The goalkeeper, making his 200th appearance, gifted it to Brooks, who drilled it in...

With just five minutes of the game to go, Weymouth made their second half dominance count and found a late winner. Whelan played the ball through to Shields who struck a powerful effort across goal. Hinchcliffe could only palm the ball in the air for Whelan, who positioned himself in the centre of the box, nodded it into an open goal...

It finished 2-1, with Weymouth rising to 14th place".

In midweek, Woking "extended their winless run in the league to nine games against Boreham Wood on Tuesday evening. They aim to put that right on Saturday when they make the trip to newly promoted King’s Lynn Town [where they lost again].

The Cards had their chances on Tuesday, most notably with captain Josh Casey hitting the crossbar, but last season’s play-off semi-finalists otherwise proved a hard nut to crack and took the points...

Former Woking loan player Jamar Loza is amongst the King’s Lynn ranks and could play on Saturday. [He did play and he got a hat-trick to win the game against The Cards]".