JACKSON JOINS ALTY

END OF SEASON AWARDS

Right: Joel Senior, who almost swept the board.

The awards comprised...

• Young Player of the Season: 1st Joel Senior, 2nd Alistair Smith
• Players' Player of the Season 1st Tony Thompson, 2nd Joel Senior, 3rd Alistair Smith
• Goal of the Season 1st Joel Senior v Chester FC, 2nd Connor Hampson v Sutton United, 3rd Ryan Colclough v Torquay United, 4th Josh Hancock v Chesterfield, 5th Dan Mooney v Notts County.
• Club Person of the Season Nigel Bunce, Covid and Safety Officer
• Manager's Player of the Season Joel Senior
• Supporters' Player of the Season 1st Joel Senior, 2nd Alistair Smith, 3rd Ryan Colclough, 4th Matty Kosylo, 5th Josh Hancock

In addition, on behalf of the players, Sean Williams presented awards to a number of the backroom staff including Nigel Bunce, Paul Carter (general manager), Steve Foster (kitman), Mark Bushell (analyst) and Tommy Uda (see below).

JACKSON JOINS ALTY

TOMMY UDA DEPARTS

For the past four years, Tommy's renowned expertise in assessing and treating injuries has kept the disruption caused by fitness problems to a minimum and established him as a key component of a backroom team...

He is leaving The J.Davidson Stadium... 'to study a full-time Masters Degree in Physiotherapy at Keele University'...

Ryan Murray will step up to replace Tommy, while Ryan Spencer will also take a step up and a couple of interns could also be taken on."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wrexham are looking for a new manager after Dean Keates was relieved of his duties following the club's failure to reach the Vanarama National League play-offs.

The Dragons, who are owned by Hollywood duo Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, missed out on a top-seven spot after drawing 1-1 at Dagenham on Saturday...

Actors Reynolds and McElhenney, who completed a takeover of the club in February, said in a joint statement...

'We are committed to returning the club to the EFL at the earliest opportunity and feel that a change of manager will provide us with the best chance of achieving that objective.'"

ALTY OLD BOY

24 year-old Nathan arrived at Altrincham in late January 2019 from Barrow, on loan.

He made his debut as a substitute at Leamington on 26 January 2019.

In his second appearance, again from the bench, at FC United of Manchester on 9 February 2019,, Nathan was fouled in the closing minutes and suffered an ACL injury which terminated his season.

Nathan, who plays his club croket for Furness, stated on Twitter that it means a lot to him to represent his county.

AFTER THE GAME

"I think a draw is a fair result... We'd have taken staying up in the final minute of the final day of the season but, after doing so well, we could've finished higher. But we've learnt a lot and are happy with our progress on and off the field".

ALTRINCHAM v TORQUAY UNITED

It was actually Altrincham who went the closer in the first half when Smith's twenty yard effort forced a flying save from Corvolan (35 mins). But the play as a whole was low key and half time was reached with the scoresheet blank.

Shortly before the hour mark, Torquay twice went close through a Randall header and Cameron's poke over the bar.

The second half was little better with no serious threat of a goal at either end.

So the season ended in anti-climax but overall 17th place represented a successful season for Altrincham.

Report to follow.

TORQUAY TAKE POSITIVES

'The positive was it was a clean sheet, and another positive was that we didn’t lose the game,' began Johnson.

'We kept our non-losing run going. I would have liked for us to have put away more opportunities that we created. I thought we did all right as a shape, we kept winning the ball back, as we knew they like to pass it around, and we let them do that for a little bit.

Then we shut them down and counter attacked, and we actually had a lot of occasions where we counter attacked them, but with no end product, so that was a bit disappointing.

'What we’ve said now is that ok, we’ve got close, we’re proud of you, and the Club should be proud of the boys that we’ve finished second in a top league where there’s no easy games. We’ve just now got to concentrate, and get our minds set, for the semi-final...

'We’re certainly going to work hard as well, and then when it comes down to it, you’ve got to pick a team. Some people are going to be disappointed of course... I’ll have to be Billy Butlin for a little bit, just to create a happiness and a confidence around the camp, and then we’ll really get stuck into it and start working on our tactical side of things...

'Hopefully they’ll go away cleansed, with no negatives from this game, because there were a couple, and wait for the next couple of weeks – we’ll give you a bit of rest, we’ll give you a bit of football, and we’ll give you a bit of fun, and make sure that you’re ready, because this is massive for our football club.'

Johnson sprung something of a surprise by employing Kyle Cameron in attack...

'It’s not new to him. Often we put him up front in training,' said United’s boss... 'I needed a presence. We felt the last couple of games we didn’t really have a presence so that we can get opportunities like we got up there. Even if he didn’t win the header, we picked up the seconds, because obviously he was bumping into them...

'One of the disappointing things that we’re going to have to look at is our shooting wasn’t as clinical as it should have been, including two free kicks, but it was a situation we got ourselves in because we had our presence up front'".

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Altrincham 0-0 Torquay United
• Barnet 2-0 Sutton United
• Boreham Wood 1-4 Maidenhead United
• Bromley 1-0 Notts County
• Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Wrexham
• FC Halifax Town 1-2 Chesterfield
• Hartlepool United 6-0 Weymouth
• King's Lynn Town 4-4 Aldershot Town
• Solihull Moors 2-0 Eastleigh
• Woking 2-4 Wealdstone
• Yeovil Town 0-1 Stockport County

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Lovett was brought off the bench to replace Josh Kelly late on against Boreham Wood, though he wasn't in his normal position...

Lovett was allowed to play as a striker for the final moments. And he made the most of it, tapping home in stoppage time to seal a 4-1 win for the Magpies."

In the Halifax Courier we hear that "Town manager Pete Wild said his side gave it everything in their 2-1 defeat to Chesterfield at The Shay as Halifax failed to make it into the play-offs.

Nathan Tyson's winner earned a top seven finish for Chesterfield after Darren Stephenson had cancelled out Liam Mandeville's opener.

'We've given it everything haven't we, we've absolutely given it everything we've got,' Wild said. 'It wasn't to be, and that's what you get (from the) officiating at this level, it's not a goal and we're on top, and we look like we're going to score, and you get a ridiculous decision like that.

'That just kills your momentum. But we've got to take our chances, if we take half the chances that we create as a football team, we'd be top goalscorers.

'I think that's what's let us down over the last few weeks, but to a man, every member of staff, every player, has given everything they've got today... The club's going in the right direction, we play decent football, we're on the front foot and it was a really good game.

'Massively, proud of the club because what the club has had to do to get the fans back in today, what the staff have done throughout the season, what the players have given throughout the season, another top ten finish isn't to be sniffed at,' he said...

'Halifax Town are now fighting at the right end of the table. When we came in we were 17th and going nowhere...

'We were by far the better side, we penned them in their own half most of the game,' he said. 'You've got to track the runner for the first goal, and it's an absolutely scandalous decision for their second...

'We wanted to sign off with a win in-front of the fans, I was desperate for that, to give them something to smile about, and that frustrates me'...

'We've just gone through three months of seven, eight games a month; that's ridiculous, whatever people say about professional footballers, seven, eight games a month is relentless. You're up and down the country, it's mentally draining, and they're trying to take in the information you're giving them, they're trying their best to do things.

'They've been a pleasure to work with this year, I've really enjoyed this group, I think they've given everything they've got, they're willing to try anything, they play decent football, we always look a threat'...

Wild said, 'Our home form, let's not get away from that, it hasn't been great, especially recently. It's a by-product of how we play that we concede more goals than we did last year, but we need to take our chances...

'I wanted progression this year, and there's clear progression, we've got an identity, we've got a style about us, we've got a way of playing that I really like, we've got three or four different systems...

'I'm spent, I've got nothing more to give, the players have nothing more to give'".

Notts County "secured a home play-off eliminator against Chesterfield despite a frustrating 1-0 defeat at Bromley.

After enjoying near-total dominance in the first half, with Kyle Wootton hitting the bar early on and a host of other opportunities passing us by, we went into the break level.

Ian Burchnall was forced into a change at half-time as the injured Jake Reeves made way for Enzio Boldewijn and, with Ruben Rodrigues dropping into midfield, we failed to maintain control of the game and came under pressure...

And, shortly after the hour, the home side made us pay for our lack of ruthlessness as Ben Williamson turned the ball beyond Sam Slocombe after one of his team-mates had hit the post."

At Eastleigh "The play-off dream is over for the Spitfires as they end their season with a loss to Solihull Moors.

First half goals from Ball and Sbarra couldn’t be overturned by Eastleigh as they narrowly miss out on the chance to compete for spot in the Football League...

Similar to that at Altrincham, Green played a cross into the box which was met by the head of Tyrone Barnett, who instead of going for goal, knocked the ball down but the chance disappeared when there was no-one in an white shirt to strike home.

Just before the half hour mark, the game had its first goal as the hosts made Eastleigh’s job even more difficult.

A left-footed strike from Ball on the edge of the box gave Joe McDonnell no chance at denying the midfielder... Seconds from half time, Solihull scored a second.

Unable to deal with a ball in the box, Joe Sbarra fired low past McDonnell giving Eastleigh an almost impossible task for the second half.

Solihull stood firm and held on, for truth be told, a comfortable win."

According to the Hartlepool Mail "Goals from Ryan Johnson, Rhys Oates, Mark Shelton and Gavan Holohan saw Pools cruise to a 4-0 victory over Weymouth on Saturday afternoon.

It means they finish fourth in the league table and will face Bromley back at Victoria Park in the play-offs next weekend...

Manager Dave Challinor was delighted following the full-time whistle.

'The day as a whole couldn’t have gone much better for us,' he said... 'There’s a lot of emotion and adrenaline floating around and we had to harness that and use it to our advantage and we did that really well'...

'Things couldn’t have gone much better and we look forward to next week.'”

The < href="https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/sport/football/bring-on-anyone-says-chesterfield-boss-james-rowe-after-securing-national-league-play-off-place-with-win-at-halifax-3255187">Derbyshire Times starts its report with "'Bring on anyone', says Chesterfield boss James Rowe after securing a National League play-off place with win at Halifax.

Chesterfield will play Notts County in the National League play-off elimination round...

The Spireites were out of the play-off positions with 10 minutes remaining before Nathan Tyson struck the winner against Halifax at The Shay...

When asked about the Notts clash, proud boss James Rowe said 'Bring on anyone. I am not fussed who we play. I know that if we are right and we stick to the game plan we have got that talent to win games...

When asked by the DT if he was aware of other scores throughout the game, Rowe added, 'In the second-half I was because obviously it can change your tactics.

'“When the Bromley goal goes in, the temptation is to bring a striker on but I didn’t want to because I wanted to be patient and I knew an opening would come and it did.'”

BEFORE ALTRINCHAM v TORQUAY UNITED

Neither team can alter its league position, whatever the outcome.

Details of how to stream the match are also on the Altrincham FC website.

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Altrincham 0-0 Torquay United
• Barnet 2-0 Sutton United
• Boreham Wood 1-4 Maidenhead United
• Bromley 1-0 Notts County
• Dagenham & Redbridge 1-1 Wrexham
• FC Halifax Town 1-2 Chesterfield
• Hartlepool United 6-0 Weymouth
• King's Lynn Town 4-4 Aldershot Town
• Solihull Moors 2-0 Eastleigh
• Woking 2-4 Wealdstone
• Yeovil Town 0-1 Stockport County

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Spireites can secure a top seven finish with a win at The Shay.

Halifax manager Pete Wild has called on home supporters to make the atmosphere ‘intimidating’ and ‘nerve-wracking’ for the visitors but Rowe believes they have enough experience in the squad to cope with that.

'We are not going to Anfield, we are going to The Shay, no disrespect', Rowe said.

'I think with the players we have got in the group I think they can more than handle that, considering the careers they have had. The group has played in front of bigger crowds than what will be there tomorrow.

'To play the game and not the occasion is very important but I don’t need to say that to the players, I fully trust them.

'I’ve got experienced players who have played in play-off games, title-winning teams at a higher level than this so I am sure we can handle it as a group.

'We have just got to cut the emotion out of it and make sure we hit the performance objectives which I am sure we will.'

Gavin Gunning and Curtis Weston have been managing injuries for the last few weeks but they are expected to play tomorrow."

The Maidenhead Advertiser reminds us that "Maidenhead United are finishing the season in a ‘tired and leggy’ fashion, the result of a horrendously congested fixture schedule and a lengthening injury list, but manager Alan Devonshire says that it shouldn’t mask what’s been a season of progress.

Tuesday’s 2-0 defeat to Barnet was the club’s third in four matches and ended their hopes of a top half finish in a season that at one stage promised much more than mid-table obscurity.

Just a couple of months ago the Magpies looked like a solid outside bet for the play-offs, having dismantled Chesterfield United and Torquay United at York Road. However, a spate of injuries, most notably to striker Nathan Blissett, Sam Barratt and goalkeepers Taye Ashby-Hammond and Rhys Lovett, conspired against them while postponements earlier in the season led to a crippling number of games in the final month and a half.

Even the loss of James Comley and Rohan Ince to international duty and their subsequent injuries hindered the club’s progress at a time when it looked like momentum was with them.

The Magpies have also had more than their fair share of dismissals, and this disciplinary issue came back to haunt them again in Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to FC Halifax Town.

The game was in the balance when Ryan Upward was shown a second yellow card in the 38th minute following a couple of clumsy fouls. They went on to lose the game 2-1...

Playing with 10 men for more than 50 minutes also had a knock-on effect on Tuesday’s match with Barnet, with Maidenhead’s players looking increasingly fatigued as the match wore on.

'We were down to the bare bones again,' said Devonshire. 'The games have caught up with everyone and I haven’t been able to change it much because of the injuries we’ve had.

'It’s no excuse, we should be doing better and it’s disappointing, but there are reasons behind it to a point. Motivation isn’t a problem, it’s just the injuries and players having to play so many games in a short space of time'...

Devonshire watched Tuesday’s game from the stands having been banned from the dugout for the final two matches of the season following his red card in the recent 4-0 defeat to Notts County...

'There’s a lot going on behind the scenes,' he said. 'We’ve got a new boy signing tomorrow (Thursday), but we’ll put it all out there when we feel it’s ready'...

He’s hopeful he can mould a squad that’s as competitive, or even more so, next season...

'We’re privileged that we’ve been allowed to keep playing and the lads have done ok,' he added. 'They’ve got to realise how lucky they are to still be working because there are a lot of people in this country who have been out of work over the past year... ,P> 'We've progressed from last year and the aim now is to progress again.'”

We learn from the Nottingham Post that "Ian Burchnall has vowed Notts County will not play for a draw as they look to book a home tie in the play-offs.

The Magpies need just a point to guarantee fifth position which would clinch a quarter-final at Meadow Lane where more than 4,000 fans would be expected to turn out.

Wrexham are snapping at their heels to take fifth place off Notts but need the Magpies to lose while they have to win at Dagenham.

And while a draw will be enough to give Notts home advantage... Burchnall insists his side will not be sitting back.

'We don't play for draws,' he said. 'We only play for wins... If a draw is an outcome at the end, then, okay, that will see us at home...

Burchnall concedes that Bromley will be under more pressure than Notts given Andy Woodman's side know only a win will do if they are to sneak into the top seven themselves...

'We still put pressure on ourselves to perform and put pressure on ourselves to maintain momentum going into the playoffs and, and to try to get a home game.'"

NEXT OPPONENTS: TORQUAY UNITED

Torquay United may be second in the National League but, for Altrincham, they represent a chance to secure a second league double this season, the Robins having beaten The Gulls at Plainmoor back in February.

To date, the only team beaten by Alty at home and away is Maidenhead United.

Altrincham FC reported that limited numbers of tickets were put on general sale to home fans only, during Friday. Details of how to stream the match are also on the Altrincham FC website.

EASTLEIGH HIGHLIGHTS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Owls are facing up to the reality of being in League One next season, looking of course to immediately bounce back to the Championship...

According to Football Insider, Wednesday are interested in acquiring the signature of Hudlin, who stands at an incredible 6 foot 9.

He scored 10 goals for Solihull in 2020/21 and his current deal expires next year, meaning the National League club may look to cash on him in the summer.

Championship pair Barnsley and Huddersfield Town are also believed to be tracking Hudlin, who at 20, would represent a long-term acquisition...

Hudlin’s unusual height certainly makes him a unique option for Wednesday, potentially proving to be a nightmare for League One defenders".

Hudlin scored against Altrincham this season.

The Leader Live confirms that for Wrexham "A win at Dagenham and Wrexham are definitely in the play-offs

Gold Omotayo is grateful he's been given the chance to play a prominent part in Wrexham's promotion challenge... Wrexham sit sixth in the National League...

With two spots up for grabs, there is fierce competition in the battle to extend the season with four teams within two points of Wrexham.

Omotayo, who has scored three goals in nine starts since he made his Reds' debut as a second-half substitute in last month's 3-0 defeat against Stockport, wants to finish the job off...

'Football is a crazy game at times but I am grateful to be here,' said Omotayo, who was a free agent when he joined Wrexham on non-contract terms in April because Gloucester City's National League North campaign was null and voided.

'The gaffer puts me in the team every week and I am very grateful for that; there are reasons why I am there and I try to help the team in any way. If you had asked three months ago I probably wouldn't have believed you that I was playing a level of game like this'...

Saturday's epic 5-3 win over lowly King's Lynn, when Omotayo scored a brace, means Wrexham's destiny remains in their own hands...

Wrexham could finish fifth in they beat Dagenham and Notts County lose against top-seven rivals Bromley, guaranteeing a home game in the play-off elimination round...

'We want to be able to play in front of our fans this season and to be able to do that, we need to win against Dagenham and hopefully we get fifth place'...

'If the gaffer puts my on the teamsheet I will always give 100 per cent and it was very pleasing for myself to score two goals'... against the Linnets".

According to the BBC "King's Lynn Town have reduced the capacity limit in one of the stands at The Walks Stadium by 50% after social distancing measures were breached in Tuesday's draw with Solihull Moors.

The National League club said a 'small minority' of supporters in the covered terrace 'refused to adhere' to rules.

A safety advisory group came to the decision and some fans could be refused entry to the ground as a result.

It was King's Lynn's first home game with fans since December".

Also at King's Lynn, "It has been confirmed that Linnets stalwarts Michael Gash and Ryan Jarvis will both be leaving The Walks following Saturday’s final National League fixture of the season with Aldershot Town. Both men joined the Linnets in 2017 and have played a huge part in the rise of the club securing back to back promotions...

Gash said ‘It has been a fantastic four seasons and I have enjoyed every moment of it. The club wants to move in a different direction next season from when I first joined. I have a full-time job as a tree surgeon working five days a week and having taken things into consideration, including my family, it will not be possible for me to make the commitment the club is looking for.

Since my arrival here I have always been looked after very well, been paid every week and had the very good fortune of playing with some very good players as well as making some tremendous friends as well. Ian (Culverhouse) is the best manager I have ever played under in my entire career, everything from man management to coaching is always spot on with him, I cannot thank him enough...

'The atmosphere within the dressing room has been something I have never experienced before, and probably never will and I can honestly say that the best memories of my career have been created at this club'...

Gash has made 160 appearances for the Linnets to date, scoring 42 goals in the process.

Jarvis also sighted [cited?] the extra commitment that the Linnets will need for next season as his reason to depart the club. ‘I have a coaching role at the Norwich City Foundation and I simply could not say yes to the extra commitment needed for next season... I’m 35 next month and not getting any younger. The gaffa [sic] has to look at new options and begin building another squad...

'The manager is without question the best I will ever play for, I have no doubt about that, no words can describe'...

Jarvis has made 150 club appearances to date, scoring 2 goals.

Manager Ian Culverhouse added ‘It has been a privilege to have worked with two model professionals in Michael and Ryan. They have been a major part in what this football club has achieved in the past few years'">

We learn from the Hartlepool MAil that "Dave Challinor wants Hartlepool United to keep taking risks despite a recent dip in form.

Pools have lost three of their last four matches in the National League going into Saturday’s season finale at home to Weymouth... But they still sit fourth in the table and will host a play-off match at Victoria Park with their season on the line as they look to make a Football League return.

Rather than letting recent results deter him, Challinor is planning to continue with the approach that has yielded plenty of success for Pools so far this campaign...

'All the work you’ve done throughout the season and previously gives you trust in the process to go and get results,' he said...'What we don’t want to do is go away from what we’ve already done. Our players have shown that they can win games by playing how we want to play. We will take risks and play out from the back and look to play through people and beyond people when we can.

'We’re not going to all of a sudden change things just because it’s the play-offs and things are too risky. There is risk within what we do but it’s risk and reward and we’ve got to make sure we get the rewards from it by playing how we want to play because that is what has got us the success since the start of the season'".

The BBC confirms that "National League clubs have rejected a proposed vote of no confidence against the board and chairman Brian Barwick.

An extraordinary general meeting was held on Wednesday, May 26 at the request of 14 member clubs, but only seven of 31 clubs backed the motion, with two abstaining.

Barwick will stand down as chairman at the end of the current season.

Some clubs were unhappy with the way the league handled funding issues in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic...

A statement on the National League website said 'Whilst the result is convincing, the National League board acknowledges the importance of working collectively with member clubs to navigate effectively out of the pandemic@'".

From London's Evening Standard we learn that "Since Sutton United were promoted to the Football League for the first time in their 123-year history on Sunday, staff at the south London club have had little time to celebrate such has been the avalanche of work to ensure they are ready for the start of next season...

Season-ticket enquiries are through the roof and the EFL have set Sutton a deadline of early August to rip up their 3G pitch and install a new grass surface ready for next season... and the EFL have told Sutton they must avoid the need for a groundshare.

Work to replace the state-of-the-art 3G pitch will begin on Monday...

Chairman Bruce Elliott knows it will all be worth it...'That first ever game at home in the Football League... what a historic day that’s going to be, the first ever game at home, in the Football League...

'I don’t say this lightly, we are a very good side,' says Elliott... 'With this manager in this group of players, you’d be forgiven for thinking that we’ll give it a real good shot, and you know we will probably be disappointed if we got relegated after year one'...

Staff are also on the hunt for a new 3G training facility... Sutton used to bring in around £200,000-a-year through hiring out their 3G pitch, meaning in all the cost of getting a new grass pitch laid could be up to £500,000 by the end of next season.

'It’s still a bit of a shame that we’ve got to rip the pitch up,' says Elliott...

'The brief to the manager at the beginning of the season was just to keep us in this league, on that basis he has failed,' jokes Elliott. 'You can’t get the staff! I asked him to keep us in the league and, what’s he done? Got us out of it. He’s done a fabulous job, the players as well. My goodness me'".

Yeovil Town confirm that "Jimmy Smith will play his final game as a professional footballer on Saturday afternoon as the 34-year-old retires from the professional game.... This will be the midfielder’s 513th and final professional appearance of his career.

Jimmy said 'I’ve had two very different seasons in my time at Yeovil. The first one was unbelievable, to play for this club I’ve always thought so highly of throughout my career was special...

'I have a good relationship with the gaffer and Terry and have learnt so much of them... I was gutted we couldn’t achieve promotion in the play offs [last season].'

This year has been particularly difficult for Town, both on and off the pitch...

'Not getting promotion was my reason to come back again this season, even though it is three hours from my home... But it turned out to be the worse year of my life, COVID, losing our captain, it’s been a very hard year for us all but we have stuck together though all of this because of the love and strength we have for each other'...

The 34-year-old has enjoyed a spectacular career spanning 16 seasons".

Also from Somerset we learn from the BBC that "Yeovil Town FC fans have said they are hopeful an alternative buyer for the club's stadium can be found as a six-month moratorium imposed by supporters ended.

In December, South Somerset District Council agreed to an offer from its chairman to buy Huish Park and lease it back to the club. But fan group The Glovers' Trust put together an alternative bid. Its chairman Brendon Owen said he was still 'cautiously optimistic'.

The club previously said it needed to sell the ground to help secure its financial future due to the impact of Covid-19. The deal with the council is for the stadium and 11 hectares of surrounding land. Under the terms of the 30-year lease, the club can still buy back the stadium if it wants to.

But the Glovers' Trust have raised concerns that it would put Yeovil Town's long term future 'in jeopardy'...

A South Somerset District Council spokesman said 'The owners of Yeovil Town Football Club are free to sell to whomever they choose. We do not believe there is a case for the council to review the offer that was made and approved in 2020, and it remains available if the owners wish to take it up'".

PEERS "POSSESSED" SAYS PP

Right: Tom Peers seen in the match against Eastleigh.

The Alty striker laid on a 78th-minute equaliser for Ryan Colclough, shortly after going on as substitute, and almost won it with literally the last kick of the game, as his shot-on-the-turn whistled narrowly wide.

It followed a similar impact as substitute on Saturday, when he hauled Alty level at 3-3 late on prior to Josh Hancock scoring an even later goal in added time to seal a dramatic 4-3 win over Yeovil Town.

Alty round off an eventful return to the Vanarama National League at home to Torquay United on Saturday, and Phil Parkinson has been delighted with his players’ response to having fans back in the stadium.

'We’ve really given them something to shout about, and they have been fantastic, the way they have got behind the team,' said the Alty boss. 'I thought we were really positive in the second half, with our forwards coming alive and the substitutions working a treat. The subs really made a difference, and Tom Peers is like a man possessed at the moment.

'He looks like he is going to score every time he gets the ball. That’s the type of role he has in the team, going on and giving us that spark and belief that we can get a goal late on.

'As the game wore on, there was only one team who looked like winning it, and we so nearly did when Tom swivelled brilliantly and hit that shot right at the end. I thought it was in. I think the fans can appreciate how much effort the players are putting in, now they can see from close up. They are going hell for leather and fighting for every ball, as well as playing the Alty way, which is possession-based and building from the back.

'Saturday was the first game I have enjoyed all season, with fans back in, and I enjoyed it even more tonight. I just hope we can get 1,000-plus in for Torquay and give them something to cheer again.'”

EASTLEIGH'S SPIN ON DEFEAT

But they conceded a late equaliser and had to settle for a 1-1 draw which leaves them eighth, just behind Town [i.e. Chesterfield] on goal difference.

Above: Toby Mullarkey and Alistair Smith keep an eye on Eastleigh's Andrew Boyce.

Despite their fate not being in their hands [managewr, Ben] Strevens thinks it could help them.

'A couple of times in the last four to six weeks, when it has been in our hands again, you are holding onto something and you don’t want to let it go,' he said. 'We are the underdogs going into it, as are Bromley and Halifax, just on the outside of it.

'They (Chesterfield and Wrexham) have both got tough games but they have both got amazing squads and they will think they can go and do it. The pressure is off now. There is always one team that sneaks in, normally, let’s hope it is on Saturday.'

Eastleigh go to Solihull Moors on Saturday, while Chesterfield travel to Halifax, Bromley host Notts County and Wrexham visit Dagenham and Redbridge.

'If we get three points on Saturday and we miss out then fair play to everyone else who has got in there but I believe if we get the three points we have got a really good chance of getting in there,' Strevens said...

Strevens admitted that he would need to lift his players after a disappointing draw on Tuesday. 'We looked a bit nervy at times today which is understandable,' he added.

'The boys have still got a great chance of doing it, they are all down in there and...I have got to pick them back up because they are a bit disappointed but it is still all to play for.'”

ANOTHER FRIENDLY

BPA have no such problems as they have now got a 3G pitch.

"This fixture completes the Robins' planned pre-season schedule, which comprises 7 away fixtures as follows:-

• Saturday July 24th @ 3pm: Ashton United
• Tuesday July 27th @ 7.45pm: Nantwich Town
• Saturday July 31st @ 2pm: Brightlingsea Regent
• Tuesday August 3rd @ 7.45pm: Bradford (Park Avenue)
• Saturday August 7th @ 3pm: Curzon Ashton
• Tuesday August 10th @ 7.45pm: Trafford
• Saturday August 14th @ TBA: Huddersfield Town 'B' @Canalside Training Ground, Huddersfield.

NEXT SEASON

"The campaign for National League North and South clubs gets underway on Saturday 14th August, with the National division starting one week later... The date for the release of league fixtures is yet to be finalised.

Vanarama National League Key Dates

• Start Date: Saturday 21st August 2021
• End Date: Saturday 21st May 2022
• Play-Offs: Wednesday 25th May 2022 to Sunday 5th June 2022 (Dates TBC)

• Sunday 26th December 2021
• Tuesday 28th December 2021 (Bank Holiday)
• Sunday 2nd January 2022- Clubs have the ability to move fixtures to Saturday 1st January 2022 or Monday 3rd January 2022 (both Bank Holidays)

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Altrincham v Torquay United
• Barnet v Sutton United
• Boreham Wood v Maidenhead United
• Bromley v Notts County
• Dagenham & Redbridge v Wrexham
• FC Halifax Town v Chesterfield
• Hartlepool United v Weymouth
• King's Lynn Town v Aldershot Town
• Solihull Moors v Eastleigh
• Woking v Wealdstone
• Yeovil Town v Stockport County

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

After a weekend that saw Torquay United secure their home play-off semi-final spot with one game to spare, preparations are now underway ahead of a huge encounter on Saturday, June 12th... The Gulls are guaranteed a one-off home tie against the winners of the 5th place vs 6th place Elimination Round, which takes place the previous week, on Saturday June 5th...

The Yellow Army can already begin to look forward to the Club’s first play-off campaign since 2012, safe in the knowledge that their team’s participation in it has been secured.

With the National League’s end-of-season play-offs operating in a unique manner to their EFL counterparts [sic], six teams, rather than four, will contest the final place for promotion to the Football League in five one-off matches. 2nd and 3rd placed teams are afforded the advantage of advancing straight through to the semi-final stage with home advantage due to their higher placement in the regular season, whilst the teams that finished in 4th-7th will be left to battle it out for the right to join them in the final four.

With Wembley Stadium unavailable due to hosting Euro 2020 fixtures in June, The National League has announced that Bristol City’s Ashton Gate stadium will host this season’s showpiece Vanarama Promotion Final...

All play-off eliminator and semi-final matches will be played at reduced stadium capacity with only home fans permitted, however supporters of both participating clubs in the Vanarama National League Promotion Final at Ashton Gate will be able to attend in limited numbers...

• WREXHAM The Red Dragons have their fate in their own hands. If they win at Dagenham and Redbridge, who have nothing to play for, they will secure a place in the play-offs. A draw will be enough if Eastleigh and Bromley fail to win.
• CHESTERFIELD The Spireites are in charge of their own destiny. Victory guarantees a play-off finish. A point could get them over the line but realistically it has to be three. They could finish anywhere between sixth and tenth.
• EASTLEIGH The Spitfires’ fate is out of their own hands after they conceded a late equaliser against Altrincham on Tuesday night. They trail Chesterfield on goal difference. They need to win at Solihull and hope the Spireites or Wrexham slip-up. A draw won’t be enough for them because both Town and the Shaymen can’t lose.
• BROMLEY Andy Woodman’s side are behind Chesterfield on goal difference. They need to beat Notts County, who have already secured a play-off spot, and hope that two of Wrexham, Town and Eastleigh fall short. Notts could finish fourth with a win and if Hartlepool United lose. The Magpies need a point to secure fifth if Wrexham win.
• HALIFAX The Shaymen need to beat Chesterfield and hope that Eastleigh and Bromley don’t pick up three points".

In the Barnet and Potters Bar Times we learn that "strugglers Barnet returned to winning ways with a 2-0 victory over Maidenhead as home fans returned at the Hive.

The Bees, who avoided a third straight defeat after battling to a 2-2 draw at promoted Torquay on Saturday, built on that point with three more at home.

It looked as if Barnet’s poor form may have continued when Jake Andrews put the Gulls ahead at Plainmoor in the 13th minute with a fine finish at the back post following Ben Wynter’s low cross from the right flank.

The hosts were then apparently cruising when Connor Lemonheigh-Evans doubled their lead... The nerves in the home camp were evident, though, when Sam Sherring brought down Harry Taylor in the box and Mike Petrasso slotted home the resultant 37th-minute spot-kick before Themis Kefalas equalised after half-time... Barnet held on to secure a share of the spoils.

That gave them the perfect platform to take into Tuesday evening’s clash with Maidenhead and they took their opportunity to build on it... The teams headed into the break on level terms.

Barnet defender Taylor broke the deadlock in the 57th minute, scoring his first goal for the club, and the Bee Army were soon in full voice again when Anthony Wordsworth added a second with Michael Petrasso heading a late chance wide.

After the match Taylor said it was 'special' to get his first goal for the club in front of the supporters. 'It’s taken 150 odd times, but I thought I took it quite well'" he concluded.

Bermuda's Royal Gazette reports how local lad "Justin Donawa was an unused substitute as Solihull Moors saw their five-game winning streak end with a 1-1 draw away to lowly King’s Lynn Town..

With it went any slim hope that Solihull had of forcing their way into the promotion play-off conversation.

King’s Lynn took the lead on the half-hour when Ross Barrows netted for the home team. Adam Rooney ensured a share of the points for eleventh-placed Solihull when he equalised in the 54th minute".

According to the BBC, "Wealdstone say they are investigating an alleged incident involving striker Ryan Gondoh.

Newspaper reports claim the 23 year-old was involved in an altercation with a homeless woman in London.

It is alleged that Gondoh threw water on the women after an accusation that he was racially abused...

Wealdstone said in a statement on social media, 'The club will be discussing this incident with Ryan in due course and will be making no further comment at this time.'

Gondoh moved to Wealdstone in March having had spells at Isthmian League side Whyteleafe and National League South club Hampton and Richmond Borough, scoring twice in 13 appearances."

ALTRINCHAM 1-1 EASTLEIGH

Above: Alty celebrate their goal, scored by Ryan Colclough (farthest left).

Altrincham were unfortunate not to take all three points against an uninspiring Eastleigh who scarcely looked like credible promotion candidates.

After a first half devoid of clear chances, Eastleigh took a 52nd minute lead. The goal came when Alty keeper Thompson rushed a freekick, awarded against Eastleigh for handball, his kick going straight to an opponent. The ball was worked to the left and, from the resulting cross, Barnett outjumped Hannigan to nod the Spitfires into the lead.

Right: Ryan Colclough netted Alty's goal and is seen here during the match.

After that, Altrincham dominated the final half-hour and got their deserved reward after 78 minutes. Referee Parsons played a good advantage after a virtual rugby tackle of Hancock.

The ball broke forward to Peers, who fed the ball left to Colclough, and he fired across keeper McDonnell from the left, the ball going into the net at the back post.

Alty continued to press forward with Thompson a virtual spectator but Eastleigh held out for a point.

Match report here.

TUESDAY RESULTS

• Altrincham 1-1 Eastleigh (7pm)
• Barnet 2-0 Maidenhead United
• King's Lynn Town 1-1 Solihull Moors

ALTY OLD BOY

The former Macclesfield Town player arrives at Celtic after a short spell with Buxton who he had joined from Chesterfield where he had spent two seasons...

He has played for Forest Green Rovers and Wrexham in the National League and has played in the Football League for Mansfield Town and Stevenage".

Sam Wedgbury (right), 32, arrived at Moss Lane as a loanee from Macclesfield Town on 24 January 2011. He had previously played against Altrincham in a pre-season friendly in July, 2010.

His previous clubs included Worcester City (2005-6) from where he joined Sheffield United for five-figure fee. He also had spells on loan at Mansfield Town and the Hungarian side, Ferencvaros. After breaking his foot in Hungary, he was released from Bramall Lane and joined Macclesfield Town in summer 2010.

After some impressive performances, Alty were unable to extend his loan and he returned to Macclesfield after starting seven games and scoring three goals.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

However, the Dover Athletic boss wants to prove that is not always the case... by hosting an invitational-only trial match on June 2nd.

Hessenthaler said 'It’s never easy letting players got but, unfortunately, that’s part of the job and part of making decisions for the club you are employed as a manager. Football is a tough, tough business and it can be very cruel at times; that’s why I want to see if we can give anyone a second chance now.

'A lot of players call Kent home, so this is an ideal time for them, or anyone else keen to make the move to the south-east, to come along and show me what they’ve got and what they are about before the summer break.

'I can’t make any promises, but they will all get the chance to impress, and who knows, if they have the desire, hunger and ability to bounce back from getting released, well, this could be a perfect opportunity for them. I know that this is different to how its been done in the past, but we need to explore new ways of bringing players into the club and this is one such initiative, it is about being proactive".

Woking Football Club "announce that Tyreke Johnson has agreed to become a Woking player once his existing contract at Gillingham ends on 30th June.

Tyreke, 22, originally joined the Cards on loan from Southampton in the Summer of 2019, being an integral part of the team which saw us top the table, before his loan was cut short due to injury.

After recovering from his injury, the exciting winger joined USL Championship side Hartford Athletic for the remainder of the season. He returned to England following the end of his loan spell in the States, and signed for League One Gillingham, originally on loan before the move was made permanent in January".

In the Hartlepool Mail muses that after defeat at Sutton, "Hartlepool United were left wondering what could have been and what their own future holds.

A month prior, Pools led the National League table. Albeit only by a point with teams below them having games in hand but they were considered serious title contenders following a 16 match unbeaten run.

Three defeats in four games later and Dave Challinor’s side are stumbling into the play-offs as they look to regroup and refocus...

For months, Challinor’s side looked unbeatable and the results reflected that. All of a sudden they now look vulnerable, just when it matters most.

'Of course it’s a concern but it reinforces what I’ve been saying', the Hartlepool boss told The Mail. 'These games to a degree aren’t about turning up. Not always the best team wins these type of games, they are the teams that best cope with the pressure of the situation that wins them.

'On Sunday, Sutton didn’t make the mistakes we made and that’s something that over the course of the season is the reason why they’re champions and we’re not.. I you look back at the goals we’ve let in over the past couple of weeks, they’re all from individual errors...

'You have to learn because you are going to be challenged in different ways than what you’re used to at the back end of the season when you are playing for something... It will be a much more hollow feeling if you lose when your season depends on it'...

Victory for Pools against The Terras and a draw or defeat for Stockport County at Yeovil Town would see Challinor’s side claim third and a home play-off semi-final".

NL Daily reports that "Sutton United manager Matt Gray has hailed the character of his history-making squad.

The "U"s sealed their place in League Two by clinching the National League title against Hartlepool United on Sunday, becoming a League club for the first time in the club’s history.

Speaking as part of an extended feature with this site, Gray said 'I’m massive on people and characters. I want a good team spirit and hard-working group of players that are honest and, once they cross that line, they’re going to give me and the club everything.

'I’ve certainly managed to build that; then, once you start getting into the football and the tactical side, that all comes, but the foundations are people and characters first, that’s a big thing for me.

'I love being in that first-team environment, and the be-all and end-all of getting that result at the weekend, as well as developing the players, but I think the biggest development for any player is playing first-team football.'”

WATCHING ALTY

For those unable to attend, the match will be covered by the streaming service as well as by Radio Robins.

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

Eastleigh report that on Saturday the "awards were handed out on the pitch at the Silverlake Stadium as supporters were welcomed back after five months...

• The 2020/21 Player’s Player of the Season winner was centre-back Andrew Boyce... Boycey played in every Vanarama National League, Emirates FA Cup, and Buildbase FA Trophy fixture in the 2020/21 season, playing a key part in our record-breaking defence that have kept 16 clean sheets so far this season, with two games remaining.

  He also picked up a ‘Fans' Favourite’ Award from the Spitfires Supporters' Club after the game.

• The 2020/21 Player of the Season winner was Joe McDonnell.

  In his first season at the club, McDonnell firmly established himself as the Spitfires’ number one, and one of the best goalkeepers in the division.

• Eastleigh FC’s 2020/21 Player of the Season, and TSSC Away Player of the Season was Joe McDonnell.

  McDonnell has played every single minute in the Vanarama National League, as well as the Emirates FA Cup. His 16 clean sheets, with two games remaining, is a club record for the Spitfires in National League seasons.

  McDonnell was also voted as the Spitfires Supporters Club’s Away Player of the Season

• The 2020/21 Young Player of the Season winner was Joe Tomlinson.

  Tomlinson has enjoyed a fantastic season in his first year at the club, as well as his first year at National League level.

• Eastleigh FC’s 2020/21 Young Player of the Season, and TSSC Player of the Season was Joe Tomlinson

  The young left-back has featured in 38 out of the 40 National League games so far this season, proving his reliability by also featuring across the back five as well as in midfield at times.

  With a 100% record from the penalty spot, as well as three goals from open play, Tomlinson is in the race for the top scorer crown with 12 goals so far this season.

  He was also voted as the Spitfires Supporters' Club’s Player of the Season.

• The 2020/21 Goal of the Season was won by Alex Wynter.

EASTLEIGH, THE LAST TIME

On that occasion, Altrincham came within three minutes of defeating their visitors from Hampshire but substitute Yemi Odubade drove home an 87th minute leveller. Odubade was a pantomime villain to Alty supporters after his performance for Eastbourne Borough in the 2005 play-off promotion final at Stoke.

Above, courtesy of Gavin Rathbone of GR Photography, we see the head injury suffered just before half time by Jake Moult in the game against Eastleigh in 2015, as physio Alan Ainsley arrives to treat the Alty midfielder.

Altrincham played with an injury-weakened side (Coburn, Clee, Richman and Marshall were out and O'Keefe was only on the bench following his knock). They faced an Eastleigh team with selection problems of its own. The Spitfires had lost their keeper to injury and Ben Strevens, (nowadays their manager), to suspension and had several others missing.

Altrincham brought in Luca Havern, for his first start since returning from injury, as Sam Heathcote moved to the bench.

Eastleigh arrived at the ground at 6.50pm following motorway problems and the referee delayed kick off till 8pm. The visitors started the better of the two sides but Altrincham gradually came into the game and took a 29th minute lead. The goal arrived after Adam Griffin had won the ball well and set James Lawrie running up the inside-left channel. From outside the box he fired an excellent left-footed shot past goalkeeper Noice.

The second half developed into a bad tempered affair with five bookings in an eight-minute spell early in the half. Altrincham came under late pressure and could find no outlet when they did manage to clear the ball. Eventually the pressure told as Eastleigh brought on forwards Jack Midson and Odubade. Following three corners in quick succession, the ball was lashed home from right of goal by Odubade.

ALTRINCHAM: 17. Tim DEASY, 2. Shaun DENSMORE (capt), 6. Scott LEATHER, 22. Andrew PARRY, 5. Luca HAVERN, 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT, 7. James LAWRIE, 18. George BOWERMAN, 20. Jordan SINNOTT, 9. Michael RANKINE. Subs: 10. Damian REEVES, 19. Ryan CROWTHER, 24. Rhain DAVIS, 12. Sam HEATHCOTE, 14. Josh O'KEEFE

EASTLEIGH: 13. Lewis Noice, 2. Joe Partington, 20. Dan Harding, 3. Michael Green, 4. Will Evans, 8. Josh Payne, 5. Jamie Turley , 10. Jai Reason, 11. Ross Lafayette, 17. Lee Cooke, 9. James Constable. Subs: 12. Jack Midson, 7. Yemi Odubade. 15/ Jack Alexander, 16. Tony Lee, 29. Chris Todd.

As this was only the Hampshire club's second visit to Altrincham, this result made it two draws out of two meetings between the clubs in Cheshire.

YEOVIL MAN'S BREAK

Luton Town's reports that "Young Hatter Josh Neufville’s loan at Yeovil Town came to a sad, early end over the weekend when the attacking midfielder suffered a broken ankle in the Glovers’ National League defeat at Altrincham.

The 20 year-old youth product has spent the past six months at Huish Park... Josh has scored five times in 31 appearances during his time in Somerset...

'It’s one of those situations with Josh where if he’d stayed with me with the U21s, he’d have developed, but he wouldn’t have got the experience and education he’s had this season at Yeovil, said professional player development boss Adrian Forbes.

'To go and play National League football, week in week out, and do as well as he’s done, you know he can do that now. We know the answer, and it’s been really pleasing to see the impact he’s had on that Yeovil team...

'Although his time there has ended prematurely, and in a sad way, in the long run he’ll have gained so much from his time down at Yeovil'...

Josh... has also gained loan experience at Solihull Moors and Woking in the fifth tier over the past two seasons. He posted the following on Instagram. 'This is football! No sob stories. Everyone has a story to tell and this is a part of mine'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The result meant Pools missed the chance to return to third in the table and be in prime position for a home play-off semi-final...

Pools made two changes with Mark Shelton and David Ferguson making way for Ryan Donaldson and Zaine Francis-Angol respectively. Both Shelton and Ferguson had featured in every game for Pools so far in 2021 but were unused substitutes for the defeat in South London.

Also in the Hartlepool Mail, "Explaining his team selection, Challinor said after the defeat 'We wanted to come and win the game and put finishing third in our own hands in terms of next weekend.

'On the flip side of that we're also looking toward play-off games and making sure that if we need people to come in and do jobs for us then we're in a good place for that to happen. Looking at the opposition, Zaine is different to Fergie in terms of what he provides and they obviously have big threats from wide areas. We nullified their threats from wide areas but we didn't defend in the middle well enough.

'Ry coming in for Shelts was just looking at things and scenarios for that to happen. Regardless of the team you pick and the tactics you play, if you don't do the fundamentals well and you don't have a bit of luck then there's a good chance things will go against you and they have here...

'Shelts has had an issue before with 3G pitches from when he had his ankle issue. He wasn't comfortable last season so I suppose that came into it slightly but it certainly wasn't the deciding factor'".

In the Derbyshire Times, "Chesterfield chairman Mike Goodwin says the club will 'fly' in the next 18 months.

The Spireites are in the play-off mix this season with one game remaining which is an unexpected ‘bonus’, Goodwin told the DT. The chairman revealed the club is financially secure and is ready to ‘kick-on’ over the next year whether they go up this campaign or not...

'Fans are the lifeblood of Chesterfield Football Club,' Goodwin said... 'The noise they made was amazing and it brought a tear to my eye when James (Rowe) came out and was introduced to the crowd... 'When we got the penalty, who else could you want but Danny Rowe taking it, he has got ice running through his veins.'

Town go into this weekend’s clash at Halifax with a chance of finishing in the top seven, giving them a potential shot at promotion to League Two. The community trust never expected to be challenging for the play-offs so they see it as a bit of a free-hit.

Among many other plans, they want to improve the Technique pitch and bring in a supporters’ bar.

'It has been said many times that (the aim was) financial stability and a mid-table finish so I haven’t got to worry about whether we get relegated or not and we achieved both of those a few weeks ago... This is a bonus and if we get into the play-offs that will be another bonus and if we get promoted that will be a dream.

'But if it does not happen we will have a good close season, we will get a new surface laid down that is better for our type of football and we will kick-on and we will push for next season. This club will fly over the next 12-18 months, believe me...

'The supporters have waited an awful long time for this, 34 games, and I think they have shown exactly what they think of him (James Rowe) today,' Goodwin added. 'I have never known anybody work so hard. He is absolutely focused.'"

Meanwhile at another ex-League club, the Nottingham Post reports that on Saturday, "Head coach Ian Burchnall's side romped to a 3-0 victory [over Weymouth]...

Weymouth boss Brian Stock feels Notts County should be considered one of the favourites in the National League play-offs and admitted the gulf between the sides was 'night and day'.

The Magpies booked their place in the top seven at the weekend... in front of more than 4,000 fans at Meadow Lane.... They were treated to a wonderful display of attacking football as goals from Ruben Rodrigues, Kyle Wootton and Enzio Boldewijn secured victory...

Terras boss Stock also praised the welcome they received. 'They’re a very good side,' he said. 'What a fantastic club; a lovely stadium, pitch, good staff and made us feel very welcome. When you look at the gulf between us, it’s night and day... We’ve been beaten by the better side. 'As long as my players give everything they’ve got, if we come up short on quality or fitness levels, I can take that'...

Notts County head coach Ian Burchnall said... 'I was shocked by the atmosphere when I came out of the tunnel and it was right the way through the game. The fans were fantastic... It was a brilliant atmosphere and 4,000 definitely sounded treble that.'"

Get Surrey reports that "Manager Danny Searle insists that if he could keep his current Aldershot Town squad for the 2021-22 season, he would.

A number of players including the likes of Josh Rees, Joel Nouble and Harrison Panayiotou are bound to have caught the eye of other National League clubs, as well as potentially Football League sides...

'If lads have the opportunity to play at a higher level then of course it would be disappointing, but you can’t deny someone that opportunity,' Searle, who signed a new two-year contract last week, explained. 'But all we’ve said to them is that if you are going to move then you need to move to the right place where you know you are going to be involved and not a squad player...

'If they said to me now that I could keep this group of lads, even if I couldn’t bring anyone else in, I would keep them. I think they are great people and they work hard. We fall out because there’s times when we think "why have you done that?" but I’m sure there are times when they don’t agree with the decisions we’ve made.

'That’s football. But at the end of the day, I’d like to think they know I’ve got their backs and I’m confident they have mine'..

Panayiotou scored twice on Saturday but Aldershot lost 3-2 thanks to a Bromley goal deep in added time... The Shots were forced to substitute Jermaine Anderson after a heavy challenge left him needing a trip to hospital...

'He’s not great. He’s gone to hospital for an X-ray,' Searle said of Anderson... 'Jermaine gets smashed and it’s not even a free-kick'...

Having already received a yellow card during the game, Searle was shown a red after the whistle.

'I said to the referee that I thought the injury time on top of the injury time was embarrassing,' the Shots' boss said. 'He didn’t like that, so he sent me off.'

Mitch Walker and Ricky Miller were absent from Saturday’s game... Walker had planned his wedding for a date that would have been comfortably ‘off-season’ had the 2020-21 National League programme not been extended into May. While Miller has been feeling under the weather after receiving the Covid-19 vaccine last week".

The Royal Gazette says that "Bermuda’s Justin Donawa came off the bench late in the second half to score the final goal for Solihull Moors in a 4-1 victory over Wealdstone on Saturday at Grosvenor Vale Stadium to continue their strong finish to their season.

Donawa, a 74th-minute substitute, netted his fourth goal of the season in the 80th minute as Solihull picked up their fifth straight win to climb to eleventh in the standings...

Tyrone Williams opened the scoring for the visitors in the 21st minute before Alex Addai doubled the lead in the 30th minute to give Solihull a 2-0 lead at the half.

Jimmy Ball made it 3-0 in the 57th minute before Donawa made certain of another victory, tapping in from close range... Wealdstone did pull a goal back three minutes from the end with a Jacob Mendy penalty".

24 May, 2021

THANK YOU

Right: Alty in a huddle before last Saturday's game.

This was only possible thanks to many hours of effort from numerous people volunteering or working for the club. Volunteer Covid Officer Nigel Bunce deserves much of the credit having been the author, in conjunction with the Board, in devising the safety plan necessary for the re-opening of the J Davidson Stadium. From the club's side co-chairman Bill Waterson took on the onerous task of overseeing the allocation of tickets to supporters.

In the offices, General Manager Paul Carter has been a busy man arranging and rearranging fixtures as well as registering and de-registering numerous players this season.

And, of course, there would have been no match without the hard work of Neil Brown, Bryan Ford and a team of volunteers who produced an excellent pitch on Saturday, especially given the torrential rain during the preceding days and weeks.

Numerous volunteers also played their part including the catering staff, stewards, entrance workers and, of course, the Alty TV service and media personnel who ensured that the match was not missed by those who could not attend in person.

And, by no means least, the players, management, support staff and Board have worked beyond the call of duty to make this a successful season on the pitch with Altrincham's retention of a National League place not being in doubt after a rocky start to the campaign.

There are no doubt many others, unseen by the spectators, who played their part in getting supporters back into the stadium and they are all to be applauded.

WATCHING THE FINAL GAMES AT THE JDS

Those unable to attend can view the Alty TV streaming service page, where details will be published in due course.

WATCHING ALTY

For those unable to attend, the match will be covered by the streaming service as well as by Radio Robins.

GOOD AND BAD IN THE SAME MATCH!

After the game, assistant manager Neil Sorvel; said, "It was really great to have the fans back. It was a great atmosphere, they really got behind the lads.

"And it was great to give them that at the end so they can go home wih a smile on their face.

"They [Yeovil] had a couple of chances early on but our attacking play was fantastic. We scored four but we should've scored a lot more".

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

The original fixture, set for 8 May, was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Although Eastleigh are in good form with five wins from their last six games and they lie fifth in terms of home results this season, their away record is the worst in the top thirteen except for Solihull Moors. The Spitfires lie thirteenth in the away-only league table.

Eastleigh are also generally low scorers with just 48 goals netted, only three more than Altrincham's haul.

Eastleigh report that on Saturday "Joe Tomlinson scored a last minute penalty to continue Eastleigh’s play off push as the Spitfires beat Boreham Wood 1-0 in front of a sold out Silverlake Stadium...

The visitors had the best chance of the first half through Gus Mafuta’s fantastic strike from distance which crashed off the crossbar.

The Spitfires piled on the pressure late on... All the late pressure was finally rewarded when the Spitfires were given a penalty for a hand ball in the Wood’s box from Smart’s cross from the right.

Tomlinson stepped up and sent the ‘keeper the wrong way and kept Eastleigh’s play off dream alive".

Eastleigh FC: McDonnell; Tomlinson, Partington, Boyce, Bird, Green; Payne, Miley, Hollands (C) (66′); Barnett (75′), House (90′). Subs: Smart (66′), Baggie, Hill, Smith (90′), Marriott (75′)

POST-MATCH VERDICT FROM YEOVIL

With ten first team players unavailable for selection, Town battled back from two goals down to lead in the second half, before two late goals from the hosts caused late heartbreak for Sonupe and his teammates.

'The character the boys showed today was unreal,' he told BBC Somerset. 'If you look at the positions some of the boys are playing in and their condition too, everyone has had to dig in.

'To come back from 2-0 down and almost nick it, I think the character was great from all of us.'

Igniting Town’s comeback, the Tottenham academy graduate scored the green and white’s opener, a goal which was Sonupe’s second in three games.

'The gaffer (Darren Sarll) said at half time, get the next one and we’re back in it and we all believed that. Once we scored that goal, we knew we could do something with this game'...

'We’ve come back, shown great character to get it to 2-3, but then that last fifteen minutes cost us.'"

ALTY OLD BOY

The play-off win has earned the Welsh side a clash with Ellison's former club, Morecambe. Having been frozen out by the then new Morecambe boss, Derek Adams, the long-serving Ellison took great delight in celebrating his subsequent goal against the Shrimps and the video clip of his taunt when viral on YouTube.

Ellison was signed from Altrincham by top-flight Leicester City and went from Moss Lane to turning out against Manchester United at Old Trafford just days later.

AWAY WIN FOR RESERVES

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Goals from Rob Milsom, Louis John and Isaac Olaofe saw the U’s clinch promotion and the National League title for the first time in their history...

For Sutton, it was simple, three points would win them the National League title and a first ever promotion to the Football League in the club’s 123 year history.

For Pools, they knew a win would see them leapfrog Stockport County and into the coveted third place play-off spot.

Pools made two changes from the win at Aldershot Town. Brad James kept his place in goal while David Ferguson dropped to the bench for the first time in 2021 with Zaine Francis-Angol handed his first start for the club.

In midfield, captain Ryan Donaldson returned in place of Mark Shelton for only his third start of the year.

The match itself was all action from the very start... And after 35-minutes, the hosts found the breakthrough as Milsom’s free-kick squirmed under Brad James and into the goal. A disappointing one for the Pools stopper as he got a good hand on the ball but let it spill...

Another set-piece saw the ball find Louis John who volleyed the ball into the bottom right corner to make it 2-0.

Sutton found the third goal in the closing stages as Olaofe broke away, twisted past Gary Liddle and found the bottom right corner.

And with that, the league title was Sutton’s."

King's Lynn Town "were on the end of another way defeat at Wrexham, but more than played their part in an eight-goal thriller...

Alex Babos was recalled to the starting XI and there was a return for Ross Barrows playing his first game since the beginning of March.

Wrexham started brightly, with the wide players causing Lynn problems...

Wrexham took the lead on 19 minutes, Rob Howard was penalised for handball and despite Richardson getting a hand to the ball Luke Young’s effort was too powerful and ended up in the back of the net.

Lynn equalised on 21 minutes through Sonny Carey, his free kick from the edge of the box giving Lainton no chance... With Kyle Callan-McFadden forced off with an injury, Simeon Jackson replaced him as Ian Culverhouse changed the system to 2 up front.

Wrexham took the lead again on 31 minutes through a free kick of their own... before extending their lead just before half time...

Lynn made the better start to the second half and pulled a goal back on 59 minutes... before Wrexham scored their fourth on 65 minutes. Ponticelli heading home...

Lynn were again back in the game on 70 minutes, the ball finding its way to Jackson who... put the ball into the back of the net...

Wrexham made the game safe on 83 minutes, Omotayo scoring his second from a corner...

That ends Lynn’s run of away fixtures as we look forward to the final two home games of the season, with fans back in attendance."

The Kilburn Times reports on how Wealdstone "crashed to a heavy 4-1 defeat at home to Solihull Moors as they welcomed fans back in at Grosvenor Vale.

Goals from Tyrone Williams, Alex Addai, James Ball and Justin Donawa sealed a comprehensive victory for the Moors, with Jacob Mendy scoring a late consolatory penalty for the home side.

Manager Stuart Maynard named an unchanged starting line-up to the side that secured an excellent draw away to Chesterfield last week, with Dan Wishart and Jack Cawley returning to the bench...

The visitors continued to dominate the early stages... In the 21st minute, Solihull Moors broke the deadlock as Sbarra’s teasing corner was played back across the goalmouth to Williams who duly converted past George Shelvey to send the visitors into the lead.

The Moors doubled their advantage ten minutes later as Addai was released through and the forward dinked the ball over Shelvey...

The Stones probed for a way back into the game and showed promising signs... However, two minutes before the interval, Solihull nearly trebled their lead [i.e. nearly scored a third]..

A galvanised Wealdstone emerged for the second half...

In the 58th minute, the Moors extended their advantage further as Sbarra fed Ball in the box and he coolly slotted home past Shelvey...

Ten minutes from time, the Moors finally added their fourth... with substitute Donawa taping the ball home.

Wealdstone managed to score a late consolatory goal as Mendy stepped up to dispatch a penalty past Boot after Cameron had handled the ball in the area.".

Devon Live confirms that "Torquay United’s race for the National League title has been run and as runners-up the Gulls will now have to go through the play-offs to reach the promised land of the Football League.

After United were only able to draw 2-2 against bottom-of-the-table Barnet on Saturday, a 3-0 win for Sutton United in their BT Sport televised home game against Hartlepool United was enough for them to celebrate securing the top spot and the only automatic promotion place with a game to spare.

As Torquay are already guaranteed second place before they go to Altrincham for the final game of the normal season next Saturday, they will sit out the first round of play-off games, which will involve the teams in fourth to seventh, and then be at home in a semi-final on Saturday, June 12, against the winners of the game between the teams who finish in fifth and sixth. The final will be at Bristol City’s Ashton Gate ground on Sunday, June 20.

Torquay actually went 2-0 up against Barnet with fans back in the ground for the first time since December.

However, two excellent goals by Jake Andrews and Connor Lemonheigh-Evans could not settle the nerves and Barnet, who were much better than their position in the table suggests, hit back from the penalty spot before half time and with an equaliser in the second half...

After Torquay had drawn with Barnet on Saturday, manager Gary Johnson said he was 'Never happy to not win a game you are expected to win. That’s the trouble with this league, if teams think they are the underdogs they will come here and take their time and it is up to you to play well enough and score more goals than the opposition.

'We went two-up but we could have been two-down and you have to give credit to the opposition sometimes... They came here and they obviously had a lot of men back, and relied on their couple of quick lads up front to cause us a problem, and they did'.

Matt Gray, the Sutton manager, told BT Sport...'For us to come out on top is just an unbelievable achievement.'”

SUTTON CHAMPIONS

Congratulations go to Sutton United, who won promotion to the EFL as champions of the National League after beating Hartlepool United today. As a consequence, Torquay United will finish second regardless of the result when the Gulls travel to Altrincham next Saturday.

• Sutton United 3-0 Hartlepool United

ALTRINCHAM 4-3 YEOVIL TOWN

Match report here.

Above: Alty line up to defend a freekick. For many spectators it was a first chance to see new arrivals at Moss Lane since the last match that spectators could attend in March 2020.

Here we see, in the foreground defensive wall, Tom Peers, Toby Mullarkey, Alistair Smith and Ryan Colclough. In the background are Josh Hancock, Ryan Ogle, Sean Williams and a battle-scarred Joel Senior.

Right: Connor Kirby (farthest right of the Alty players) is congratulated after opening the scoring against Yeovil Town on Saturday.

AFTER THE YEOVIL GAME

Also after the match, Yeovil boss Darren Sarll told the NLP's Andy Marsh, "It was great the way we turned it round" from 2-0 to 2-3, "and I'm pleased we scored three away from home.

"I've got no complaints. First ten minutes we could have been three or four ahead but, as soon as we went behind, we knew it was going to be tough. We've got mental and physical fatigue, we've got nine injured and two suspended.

"Some of these lads shouldn't be playing [through injury] but their passion is what got us through the game".

Footnote: Sadly, Luton loanee Josh Neufville, who was stretchered off in the game has reportedly suffered a broken leg.

WEEKEND RESULTS

• Aldershot Town 2-3 Bromley
• Altrincham 4-3 Yeovil Town
• Chesterfield 2-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Eastleigh 1-0 Boreham Wood
• Maidenhead United 1-2 FC Halifax Town
• Notts County 3-0 Weymouth
• Stockport County 1-1 Woking
• Torquay United 2-2 Barnet
• Wealdstone 1-4 Solihull Moors
• Wrexham 5-3 King's Lynn Town

AWAY WIN FOR RESERVES

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

This Saturday The Independent reported that "An injury-time penalty earned Eastleigh a 1-0 victory over Boreham Wood in a major boost to their National League play-off hopes.

The Spitfires threw everything at their opponents in the final stages and were rewarded when the referee pointed to the spot, with Joe Tomlinson converting.

Boreham Wood hit the bar in the first half through Gus Mafuta, while Eastleigh had an 88th-minute effort ruled out for offside.

Eastleigh are among five teams within two points of each other in the race for sixth and seventh places, and crucially they have a game in hand on all their rivals".

So, a win for the Spitfires at Altrincham would place them at the top of the group with one game to play, next Saturday.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Town came from a goal down to clinch victory with four minutes remaining when Danny Rowe scored his second goal of the game from the penalty spot.

The visitors took the lead after half an hour when the impressive Liam Gordon slotted in from close-range before Rowe equalised eight minutes later.

The Daggers were reduced to 10 men with 12 minutes remaining when Joseph Jones was shown a second yellow card and then Rowe tucked away the winner after the hosts were awarded a penaly for handball.

The win keeps Chesterfield in the last play-off place with one match to play, but they could be overtaken by Eastleigh who play their game in hand in midweek [at ALtrincham].

However, whatever happens, the Blues will travel to Halifax next Saturday with a chance of finishing in the top seven.

Supporters... gave boss Rowe and the players a superb reception before and after the game.

'It was a wonderful day, one that is going to stay in my memory for a very long time,' the manager said. 'The main thing was I wanted the supporters to leave proud of the club and I think the players did them justice today... I am proud to manage this club and it is only the start, it is only the beginning'...

On next week’s final day showdown at Halifax, who could still make the play-offs themselves, he added...'We have just got to do our business. I said we need six points from the last two so we need to win next week and we will see how the Gods are looking down on us'".

Bottom club Barnet, "fought back from two goals down to secure a point against second place Torquay United at Plainmoor. Simon Bassey's men dominated large spells of the game and finished off their away campaign with one of the best performances of the season.

It was the Bees who had the best openings of the first ten minutes at Plainmoor, with Michael Petrasso involved with both...

But for all their pressure, the Bees fell behind on 13 minutes as Jake Andrews connected with a low cross to power into the corner leaving Adam Parkes with no chance...

Yet again the Bees were punished and found themselves two behind as one long ball found its way through to Connor Lemonheigh-Evans who rounded the 'keeper before tapping home despite the best efforts of defender Ben Nugent.

The Bees didn't give up... After relentless pressure, the Bees worked a way back into the game seven minutes before halftime, as Harry Taylor was fouled in the area before Petrasso stepped up and powered his penalty home to bring the deficit back to one.

The Bees continued to hassle the Gulls who looked extremely unsettled throughout the half but Simon Bassey's men couldn't carve any clear openings before the break...

Kefalas wasn't to be denied... and we were level just nine minutes after the restart as Sam Skeffington's free-kick was brilliantly met by the big defensive midfielder and floated into the far corner...

Gary Johnson's men tried to pile on the pressure but found the Bees in stern mood and to a man they defended for their lives [and] the badge and headed away several balls that were swung into the box... In the end the Bees took a commendable point with them back to North London."

They may be too hard up to pay their players, many of whom they placed on furlough for the taxpayer to support, but we now read in the Lynn News that "King's Lynn Town have shown their intent ahead of the 2021/22 National League campaign by announcing midfielder Ethan Coleman as their first signing for next season.

The Linnets have seen off the intentions of several clubs, including the likes of Lincoln City, Forest Green Rovers, Aldershot and Boreham Wood to secure the services of Coleman on a two-year deal.

The impressive midfielder, who joined Lynn on loan from Brackley Town in March, turned in a string of magnificent displays during a brief spell at The Walks earlier this season...

The youngster showed excellent technique and great athleticism in his first spell with the club, where he played nine times... after helping their cause in the financial crisis by playing for little personal gain...

Lynn are believed to have paid a small fee to Brackley Town after Coleman's contract with the National League North side expired on May 1.

Director of Football Rob Back said... 'He had some very good performances whilst he was here on loan, so we were always keen to do a deal. It’s also great to encouraging that several other National League clubs were after his signature, therefore we are pleased he has chosen to further his career with King’s Lynn Town'">

Boreham Wood report that "A late penalty from Joe Tomlinson sealed all three points for Eastleigh as Boreham Wood succumb[ed] to defeat despite playing well and creating a number of chances...

Luke Garrard made one change from Tuesday night’s win at Weymouth with Tom Champion returning from suspension in place of Danny Woodards. The home side... had the better of things in the first half in terms of possession. However, after twenty minutes Wood had the first chance of the match..

On forty-three minutes the home side had their first real chance of the half... The home side turned up the pressure just before half time but both sides went into the interval level.

The second half started as slowly as the first and it wasn’t until the fifty-sixth minute when either team created a chance....

The Spitfires finally came to life in the last ten minutes and on eighty-four minutes Ashmore made a fantastic save to deny Ben House and a minute later saved well from a Jack Payne’s free kick. On eighty-eight minutes Pierce Bird put the ball in the net for Eastleigh but it was ruled out for offside with their supporters already going berserk.

This celebration was merely a dress rehearsal for what happened in the second minute of stoppage time. Just when it looked like Boreham Wood would hold on for a draw Sam Smart’s cross struck a Boreham Wood hand and referee Aaron Jackson had no choice but to point to the penalty spot. Tomlinson coolly sent Ashmore the wrong way sealing all three points for the hosts.

The Independent tells us that "Stockport handed the initiative in the battle for a National League play-off semi-final spot to Hartlepool after being held to a 1-1 draw by struggling Woking

County, who came from behind to claim a point as Max Kretzschmar’s strike was almost immediately cancelled out by Ben Gerring’s own goal, sit third in the table but Hartlepool could leapfrog them by winning at Sutton on Sunday.

Hatters' goalkeeper Ben Hinchliffe made several important saves but he was finally beaten on the stroke of half-time when Kretzschmar fired home from an acute angle.

However, the hosts hit back immediately as Alex Reid collected the loose ball after John Rooney’s effort came back off the post before unleashing a shot of his own, which Gerring inadvertently turned into his own net.

Half-time substitute Richie Bennett and Rooney were both denied by the goalframe within quick succession after the interval, while Reid saw his late effort come back off the bar as Stockport settled for a point".

ALTRINCHAM 4-3 YEOVIL TOWN

The opening stages were marred by a bad injury to Neufville following a foul by Kosylo (7 mins). A seven -minute stoppage ended with the unfortunate Neufville stretchered off.

Alty went on to take a 19th minute lead when Senior, Smith and Colclough combined and, with the Glovers unable to clear their lines, the ball came out to Kirby whose rising shot made it 1-0.

With eight added first-half minutes already announced, another lengthy stoppage saw Senior having to have a head wound bandaged. When play resumed, a superb looping header from right of goal by Mooney made it 2-0 (45+8 mins).

From being in control at the interval, Alty let Yeovil back into the game. Firstly, Sonupe's low shot beat Thompson (56 mins) before a mix-up between Thompson and a defender allowed Quigley to poke the ball into an unguarded net (69 mins).

Just three minutes later 2-2 became 2-3 as a thumping Lee header, from a freekick conceded by Colclough, seemed to have completed the visitors' recovery (72 mins).

With time running out, Hancock had a shot well saved but the ball was played back across goal by Senior for substitute Peers to net an equaliser, 3-3 (85 mins).

Above: Altrincham celebrate their winning goal in front of the Golf Road end supporters.

In the second of six added minutes Alty snatched back the lead as Colcough got to the byline, left of goal, and Hancock turned in his low cross to snatch all three points.

Match report here.

TODAY'S GAME: YEOVIL TOWN

Yeovil Town manager "Darren Sarll offered an update on the fitness of his squad as numbers are down to the bare bones for Yeovil Town’s trip to Altrincham.

Following Luke Wilkinson’s red card and continued injury issues, Town will be without several key men on Saturday afternoon.

Speaking to BBC Somerset, Sarll said 'The squad is looking bare, we’ve taken a step backwards because of Luke’s (Wilkinson) suspension. I don’t think there will be anyone back fit.

'I was hoping to have Alex John back fit and getting him some games because he’s a brilliant kid and deserves some games but, unfortunately, I don’t think he’ll make it along with (Matt) Worthington,' said Sarll. 'Charlie (Lee) is walking like he’s got glass in his shoe at the minute, he’s fragile and (Rhys) Murphy is nowhere near so we’re very short again'...

'I want very similar performance levels to Tuesday,' insisted Sarll. 'Since we started playing again after Lee’s passing, we’ve given it everything, absolutely everything which is a testament to them. It can be difficult looking at other teams now because you don’t understand their motivation levels.

'I can only speak for my own and my lads have been very motivated and kept a good attitude throughout and sometimes that’s not been good enough to play well and win, and other times it has been. If we can replicate our performance on Tuesday night from Saturday, that’s all I can ask for. They’re still getting paid so why should they perform any less than that?'"

And Yeovil Town add that today is "the final away trip of the National League season.

After a positive performance in Tuesday’s draw against Maidenhead, Darren Sarll will be hoping for more of the same, despite a threadbare pool of players to choose from.

Saturday’s hosts Altrincham will be welcoming 600 fans to Moss Lane for the first time this season and hoping to create a hostile atmosphere for the visiting Glovers".

NO GOALS FOR NUMBER NINE

Above: The last league goal scored by an Alty no.9 was also the last goal witnessed by spectators at Moss Lane, in March 2020, by Jordan Hulme against now-Alty keeper Matthew Gould in a 4-1 home win over Spennymoor Town.

Jacob Blyth was the first to wear the no.9 shirt this season but in one start and two sub appearances, totalling just 76 minutes on the pitch, he failed to score.

The departure, announced yesterday, of Joe Piggott, who became the club's second number nine of the season, after 8(+3) appearances and no goals, means that Altrincham have gone through a whole season without a number nine scoring a goal in a league match which is possibly the first time that has happened.

On the positive side a few players who played the no.9 role, but did not wear the no.9 shirt, did find the net.

Tom Peers, wearing no.23, scored three league goals in his 12(+18) appearances some of which were in the striker role. And Fisayo Adarabioyo netted twice but he wore no.26 and, sadly, one of his goals was wiped out by Dover Athletic's record being voided! Yusifu Ceesay also occasionally played up top and he scored three goals this season though not necessarily from that position.

Others who certainly played the striker role for Altrincham this season included Jamie McDonald, Nyal Bell, Byron Harrison and Montel Gibson, of whom only McDonald found the net (once) in the National League in a combined total, for the four players, of 22 appearances.

In only fifteen league games this season was there a no.9 in the Alty squad.

ALTY INITIATVES

Initiatives covered in the article on the official website include:

• Free Digital Match Programmes & Kit Launch Update
• 2021/22 Home & Away Kit
• Retail Store - Altrincham Town Centre
• 2021 Fans' Survey
• AltyDirect.com
• Hospitality Season Tickets - The Sponsors' Lounge

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Now Stockport County "announce that James Jennings has agreed a one-year extension at Edgeley Park, keeping him at the Club for the 2021/22 season.

James, 33, signed for his hometown club in the Summer alongside younger brother Connor, leaving Wrexham after three years at the Racecourse Ground.

The defender has made 30 appearances so far this season in a variety of positions, scoring twice and also registering five assists. He has started every game of the club’s recent record-equalling 16-game unbeaten run.

Manager Simon Rusk said 'His experience has been invaluable this season, and with this extension his contribution and professionalism have been rewarded'".

After announcing a new sponosrship deal this week, Woking have now announced that "Woking Football Club, along with Demoscapes and Demoway, have mutually agreed to terminate their sponsorship contract.

The Club will be making no further comment on this subject".

Meanwhile, at Aldershot Town, the Shots playBromley FC on Saturday.

First-Team Manager Danny Searle said of Bromley that they are "Another team that’s looking to be in and around the play-offs come the end of the season, so they’ve got a lot to play for...

“I thought Tuesday’s game against Eastleigh, I thought there was times where it was more exhibition football at times! We want to dominate the ball, we want to make good passes with a bit of purpose about it.

“Second-half I thought we did that well but then you concede the goals we did, I’m not going to go over it again because it gives me nightmares!... I want the boys to put on a show so the fans can see how much passion the players have got for the club...

“It’s been a long campaign and we’re all a little bit disappointed with how it’s kind of finished. But you can’t take too much credit away from the lads because up until probably Sutton (away), we still had a chance of getting in the play-offs and we’ve been in that position pretty much since December and if you look at where we were last season, I think that’s good progress and that’s all great for the lads..

“My selling point to the lads is if we’re sitting in the play-offs and there’s 3,500 people here, play in front of that every week! You’re not going to get that at most other clubs in the league and the noise that our lot make!...

“We can’t keep doing the same things every season and expect different results, we need to modify and slightly adapt what we’re doing and part of the recruitment is looking at players constantly, people who we think will fit OUR club and fit in with what we’re trying to do, so plans have already been underway for a long time...

"We are going to try and look at some different ideas for next season, so we always knew that was going to be a risk".

The Partsmouth News says that "Pompey have held talks with Liam Vincent over a potential summer move to Fratton Park.

The News understands that the Bromley youngster visited the Blues' Hilsea training ground for discussions earlier this month... Pompey have been casting their eyer over Vincent, having impressed for the Ravens this season.

The left-back has made seven appearances for the Hayes Lane outfit... Vincent has come through the youth ranks at the Londonders and signed first-team terms in September... He starred for Bromley in their surprise 2-1 victory over Pompey Academy in the FA Youth Cup at Fratton Park in December...

Pompey head coach Danny Cowley will look to plunder the non-league market to find the young talent he feels his squad lacks.. Lee Brown is currently Pompey’s only left-sided full-back and an additional option is required".

FOUR LEAVE ALTY

With the current campaign just days away from ending, against Torquay United next Saturday, Alty's manager is keen to implement plans for putting together the strongest, most competitive squad possible for the 2021/22 season...

The Alty boss said: ‘It has been a tough season with some highs... but unfortunately there have been too many defeats as well.

'Ultimately, we want to be more than just survival candidates long term. That’s why difficult decisions have to be made, and we are in the process of making some key ones. I would like to thank them both for their commitment to the club this season. Their attitude and application has been first class.’

Nyal Bell and Yoan Zouma have also returned to their parent clubs, Stockport and Barrow respectively, and we would like to thank them for their efforts during their short spells with Alty.

LEAVERS' LEGACY

Above, left to right: Yusifu Ceesay, Joe Piggott, Nyal Bell and Yoan Zouma.

• Yusifu Ceesay 26 year-old Spaniard, Yusifu Ceesay has had no fewer than three spells with The Robins. He finally signed a two-year contract on 12 August 2020, after two previous two loan spells from Blackpool.

  Yusifu's first loan spell at Altrincham was announced on 6 February 2019, with his arrival marking his fourth National League North loan to different clubs in that campaign alone! His arrival had immediately followed a month's loan at Nuneaton Town whilst, earlier in the campaign, he had also spent time loaned to Boston United and AFC Telford United. Before that, he had first emerged at Sporting Khalsa, in the Black Country, from where he had moved to Alvechurch.

  Yusifu rejoined Altrincham for a second loan spell in 2019-20 season, in time to make his second debut, against Farsley Celtic, on 31 August 2019. After impressing again, Yusif was sidelined by a hamstring injury in mid-September 2019 before his loan spell ended without any further league appearances on 4 January 2020. Sadly, this second loan comprised just 3(+2) games.

  His total appearances at the moment comprise 43(+13) appearances in which he scored six goals.

• Joe Piggott Twenty-one year-old Joe's return to Altrincham was announced on 30 January 2020, when his signing of a contract to the end of the 2021-22 season was confirmed. He had recently left Wigan Athletic.

  He had previously been a loanee from The Latics, a youth-loan arrangement annpunced on 29 January 2019.

  In his earlier career he spent time at Rochdale and Everton. However, early in the 2017-18 season he joined Dundee United. After being released by the Scottish club, he joined Warrington Town in early 2018 before joining Wigan at the start of the 2018-19 season.

  Joe soon made his mark with a hat-trick at Curzon Ashton but a back injury ended his season in late March 2019. After that loan spell he was briefly with Stockport County befofe returning to Wigan where injuries hampered his development.

  By coincidence his second debut for Alty, like his first, was at FC United, this time in a home game switched from Moss Lane. And it was exactly two years to the day after his first debut in 2019.

  His total appearances at the moment comprise 8(+9) appearances in which he scored four goals.

• Nyal Bell Now aged 24, Nyall Bell originally joined Altrincham on a month's loan from Gateshead on 19 August 2016. A 6ft 2in. forward, he had earlier in summer 2016 joined Gateshead from Rochdale.

  After just three Altrincham appearances he returned to Gateshead before signing for Stockport in summer 2018. He scored 13 goals as County won the National League North title.

  Phil Parkinson signed him for Alty, for a second spell at the club, on a season-long loan on 15 March 2021.

  In all he made 6(+7) appearances but failed to record a goal.

• Yoan Zouma Having recently turned 23 years of age, Yoan's arrival on loan from Barrow, was announced on 1 March 2021. Initially this was a one-month loan but, on 3 April, 2021, it was confirmed that that the arrangement had been converted into a season-long loan.

  A tall centre-back who is the brother of Chelsea's Kurt Zouma. Yoan moved from his native France to Bolton Wanderers in 2018 where he made 23 appearances. He then joined Barrow where, before joining Altrincham, he had appeared seven times for The Bluebirds, four of those games being in League Two.

  Having completed his first three appearamces for Altrincham, a hamstring injury forced Yoan off at half-time in his fourth game, but he had returned to fitness by early April, 2021.

  He made five starts for Altrincham.

TICKETS FOR SATURDAY AT ALTY

Altrincham FC Co-chairman Bill Waterson informs supporters that "Tickets for tomorrow's Vanarama National League fixture against Yeovil Town at The J. Davidson Stadium are now on sale... from the Match Tickets page of the club website.

There are around 200 tickets available for sale after Season Ticket holders, Vice Presidents and Patrons had bought their allocation.

We have limited capacity to 600 for tomorrow's game, and this and other COVID safeguards means there will be some changes to your previous matchday experience.

First of all, the Golf Road end of the ground is sold out, so if you wish to stand, you will have to buy a ticket at the Chequers End, including the Pop Side at that end of the ground. There are also limited tickets available in the Main Stand. Anyone buying a ticket today will be required to be at the ground at 14:15 tomorrow. Your ticket will specify which entrance gate you will need to use.

Later today, those who have bought tickets will be issued with our Code of Conduct, which you will need to read before attending the game. Most importantly, if you are showing any COVID symptoms, you should not attend the game. And equally, any away fans who manage to acquire a ticket, you will be refused entry and your money will not be refunded.

Tomorrow is a very important day for the club and the fans. It's great to have you back, and we are so looking forward to it. However, please do follow the instructions from the stewards and the ground staff. A good day tomorrow will allow us to increase the capacity for the last two games".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The owner of Lonsdale Consultancy and Demoscapes, the sponsorship will be split equally between both companies... Lonsdale was disqualified from being a company director for seven years in 2017 because he ‘failed to maintain, preserve and/or deliver up to the liquidator of Lonsdale Construction Services Limited (LCS) such books and records as were sufficient to explain its trading position and financial history’, as reported in the Hereford Times. He subsequently offended again in December of last year ‘for conduct while acting for DemowaySite Services Limited’ and is now banned from becoming a director until December 2030.

The deal with Woking will also see both companies become the headline sponsor of the club’s new initiative, Community Hero Project, which will see members of the public who do amazing things for their community rewarded with being the guest of honour at matches, with hospitality, meeting the manager, players, staff and for their work to be celebrated in the matchday programme, website and online.

Lonsdale said...'We are proud to be involved with this fantastic football club... We share the values of the club when it comes to the community and we are looking to play an active role over the next three years'...

Woking’s commercial director Mick Livesey added 'Andy is an amazing guy, he is really special and his support of the club is huge. Signing a three-year deal is massive for the club and this allows us to have some continuity and build on other areas'...

Meanwhile, the Cards travel to Stockport County on Saturday (May 22) to try and earn their first points in 11 league matcheS".

The Hartlepool Mail reports that "Hartlepool United potentially face an uphill task when it comes to finishing third in the National League this season after Stockport County drew 2-2 against Torquay United last Sunday.

While the result means Pools could still technically finish second ahead of Stockport and Torquay, it also means finishing third is now out of their hands and dependent on Stockport’s results in their final two matches.

'It’s not the best result, the best result would have been Torquay winning but I suppose it’s the next best result,' Pools' boss Dave Challinor said. 'It is what it is, you can get embroiled in things you can’t affect. We could have a situation where even if Torquay had won the game, it becomes irrelevant if we don’t go to Sutton on Sunday and win'...

Finishing third or second allows clubs to bypass the initial play-off eliminator matches and host a semi-final match at their home ground. Considering Pools boast one of the best home records in the National League, it could pose a significant advantage...

Challinor’s side travel to league leaders Sutton United on Sunday (12:45pm kick-off) before hosting Weymouth...

Despite the sides being level on 73 points, The Hatters hold a significant +14 goal difference advantage on Pools with two games remaining meaning Pools essentially have to better Stockport’s points tally or hope for a series of freak results."

The Leader Live says that Wrexham's "Dan Jarvis wants victory over King's Lynn to take some of the pressure off Wrexham... but the midfielder is still looking for two wins to make sure the Reds are guaranteed a play-off spot.

Dean Keates's side saw their seven-game unbeaten run come to an end as Notts County triumphed 1-0 at The Racecourse on Tuesday... Wrexham, whose destiny remains in their own hands, head to Dagenham for their final game next weekend...

Jarvis just wants to pick up three points at home to the lowly Linnets on Saturday...

'Three points against King's Lynn is massive.... It is still in our hands and we can only do what we can do. Three points on Saturday would be lovely to take the pressure off a bit'">

News of other play-off seekers comes from the Halifax Courier which tells us that "Defender Neill Byrne says The Shaymen still believe they can finish in the play-offs... Town have given themselves a lot of work to do to finish in the top seven, having suffered back-to-back defeats against Boreham Wood and Dagenham and Redbridge...

Halifax are now 10th and realistically need to win both their remaining games...

'100 per cent we believe we can beat anyone, we believe we should be higher than what we are now,' he said. 'We should easily be in the top seven, everyone who is in there now we’ve beaten, so we don’t fear anyone. On our day we can beat anyone'...

Byrne says Town need to put the disappointment on last Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Dagenham out of their systems... Said the defender 'Obviously one we needed to win, so to go out, not really play too well and concede three goals, it was a frustrating game. Other results didn’t really go our way. We’ve been in the play-offs pretty much the majority of the year so to slip out with two games to go, it’s a bit of a kick, but it’s not finished yet...

'It’s not like we’re out of it completely... We had a game-plan, and I thought it could have worked. They changed it after 20 minutes in midfield'...

'At Maidenhead, we just need to be strong, we need to be defensively solid and get back to what we were doing, be confident, attacking teams, going forward... We need to get our game plan right, go there and attack them. There’s no pressure, don’t be scared of anyone...

'I don’t see it as a good season or a good achievement if we don’t finish in the top seven,' he said... 'It’s frustrating to have these two games left when we should be secure, but we’re confident that we can go and beat anyone... we want to play our way, we don’t go out in a game to just hoof it and not play the style of play that we want'">

Aldershot Town "confirm that Danny Searle has signed a two-year extension to remain as First-Team Manager until the end of the 2022/2023 season.

Since his permanent appointment in 2019, Searle has gone on to manage over 100 games at the club..

Danny said, 'It’s been a tough two years but we’ve learnt a lot and it’s been great to see everyone pulling together to ensure the club not only survives but is also financially secure.

'The next two years will bring its similar challenges financially which means we have to be creative with our recruitment and continue to work even harder'...

Shahid Azeem, Aldershot Town Chairman said... 'Since becoming permanent manager he has done an excellent job, especially under the current circumstances. The fact that Danny took over in May 2019 when we weren’t even sure what league we were going to be in, followed up by the season prematurely ending in late February and this season we started this season with no crowds and it was a unanimous decision by the Board of Directors to extend his contract.

'As a club we have a clear vision with our stadium development and financial security in our Five-Year Plan... Danny has absolutely bought into the club’s ethos of developing and recruiting energetic, talented young players whilst maintaining a solid spine of experience within the squad'".

The Eastern Daily Press reports that "It’s no secret just how difficult it has been this season on and off the pitch for King’s Lynn Town...

Whilst some clubs have tried to exploit the furlough system to gain a competitive advantage, it has been exercised out of absolute necessity at the Walks. Without it, there wouldn’t be a club to support next season...

Now... there can be a genuine sense of optimism around the Walks going into the next campaign.

Much of that has been aided by the news that an anonymous businessman has pumped £25,000 into the club in a sponsorship deal for the Main Stand. The individual has never been to the Walks but is in a position as a ‘Norfolk sports fan’ to be able to help a club in need for nothing in return.

Chairman Stephen Cleeve has joked in the corridors of power that the Main Stand could now be called ‘The Stand with No Name’. It of course won’t be and acknowledged the benefactor’s wish for complete anonymity.

The Linnets’ coffers will also swell a little more next week when fans are able to return... and you can therefore understand why Cleeve has said the complexion on next season has changed somewhat... The Linnets squad is in need of an overhaul and this money will help in that whilst providing a little... stability.

It is hoped at the club it might encourage other businesses to come forward and help Lynn with further sponsorship deals... Things could suddenly be looking brighter on and off the pitch".

NEXT: YEOVIL TOWN

Yeovil Town, reported that "Ten-man Yeovil Town battled hard for a draw against Maidenhead United as supporters returned to Huish Park.

Luke Wilkinson received his marching orders in the second half... The safe return of supporters was a great success, with 1,497 Town faitful returning to Huish Park.

Darren Sarll opted for the 4-3-3 formation which brought success against King’s Lynn Town.

Adam Smith began in goal once again, with Carl Dickinson, Luke Wilkinson, Billy Sass-Davies, and Michael Kelly ahead of him. Charlie Lee began the deepest of the midfield three, with Chris Dagnall and Lawson D’Ath either side of him. Josh Neufville and Tom Knowles flanked Joe Quigley...

There was hardly a dry eye in the house during the fourth minute’s applause in memory of our captain, Lee Collins.

In terms of chances, the best fell to Yeovil in the first half, the majority to Neufville who proved to be Town’s bright spark in the first half. Playing his first game in front of the Huish Park faithful, Neufville struck the bar in the 12th minute... On the ball, the Luton loanee continually caused the visitors defence problems...

After the break, Town began brightly once again, winning a succession of corners which frustratingly led to nothing...

Town’s positivity was dampened in the 62nd minute as Wilkinson was sent off, receiving a second yellow card for seemingly punching the ball into the back of the net...

In terms of chances for Maidenhead, A.Smith was rarely tested, only being called into action in the second half making a double save.

Ultimately, the rather drab result did little to dampen the feeling in the stands, with the Yeovil Town support, vocal and happy to be back where they belong.

Yeovil Town: A.Smith; Kelly, Wilkinson, Sass-Davies, Dickinson; Lee, Dagnall, D'Ath; Neufville (Sonupe), Knowles, Quigley. Subs not used: Evans, Heaton, Stephens, Reid."

"REALLY POOR" SAYS NEIL SORVEL

Trailing at half-time, Alty rallied strongly in the second half and levelled through a typically-unerring long-range shot from Ryan Colclough, only to be undone by a late Weymouth winner.

Assistant manager Neil Sorvel [right]... said 'The opening five minutes or so aside, we were really poor in that first half... There was a general sloppiness about us, and we were as poor as I’ve seen us for a while.

'They had the ball far too long for my liking, but we were much better from the off in the second half... We had the better chances, and by the end, I felt we had done more than enough to have taken something out of it'...

Sorvel set his sights on finishing top of the four promoted sides... 'It would be a really good achievement to do that,' he said. “It needs a positive finish from us, and that’s what we will be aiming for.

'We’ve got three home games left, with the fans back in, and we need some good performances to get them on our side'".

ALTY FAMILY FORTUNES

The 28-year-old fans' favourite was the Reds' leading scorer with 23 goals in the 2014-15 season and he went onto play for Motherwell and Preston, who released the striker last week following an injury-plagued spell at Deepdale.

'It was flattering really,' said Moult...'Who knows what the future holds'..

Moult has a lot of affection for Wrexham, adding 'They will always have a place in my heart. I loved my time there and the people were unbelievable with me and my family.. It is a football club I have got a lot of time for.'"

BARNET FACE THREE LENGTHY TRIPS IN FOUR DAYS

Despite the best efforts of the Moors' grounds team, several outbreaks of torrential rain left the hosts pitch unplayable before the game was postponed by the officials last night.

The match will now take place this evening with kick-off scheduled for 18:00 at Damson Park. The plan is for the match to take place behind closed doors inside Damson Park. However should the main stadium pitch be deemed unplayable it has been agreed the match will take place on one of the Moors' 4G artificial pitches, to ensure the match takes place today".

• Solihull Moors 1-0 Barnet

Fewer than 72 hours after this match, for which they will have twice travelled, Barnet face another long trip, this time to Torquay.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"‘It would be one of the bigger football stories ever if they managed to do it'" he said...

Doswell has kept a close eye on his former club's title push, with Matt Gray's men now needing four points from their final two matches to be crowned National League champions. They will win the title if they beat visiting Hartlepool this Saturday and second-placed Torquay slip up at home to second-bottom [sic] Barnet.

Should Sutton go up, it would be the first time in the club's 123-year history they have reached Football League level.

Doswell enjoyed some remarkable success of his own during an 11-year spell as boss at Gander Green Lane.... But Doswell, who appointed Gray as head coach at Sutton during his time at the club, insists the "U"s getting to the EFL would easily top anything he achieved.

'I’m absolutely delighted,’ he said. 'We put a lot of the building blocks in play there and if Matt (Gray) can finish off the roof, he’s done an amazing job. I recommended him (Gray) for the job... It was a very, very strong recommendation when I left that the board take him.

'I knew he was right for the club, he’d already been at the club with me, but he’s done an amazing job. A lot of the players are still there who I brought in so I’ve got a massive affiliation with them... It would be one of the bigger football stories ever if Sutton, with such a low budget, managed to do it.'

Gray has his own Westleigh Park links; he played 14 times for the Hawks as a defender in 2005/06...

Sutton, meanwhile, would be forced to rip up some of the groundwork laid by Doswell if they were to go up... Doswell was influential in the club switching from grass to 3G and he believes the rule is 'stupid'".

The Hartlepool Mail reports that "They have 26 goals between them in the last 29 National League games for Hartlepool United.

Rhys Oates and Luke Armstrong have formed a formidable strike partnership for Pools this season, playing a crucial part in the club’s promotion push.

Prior to Armstrong’s arrival on loan from Salford City in December, Pools sat 14th in the table and Oates was without a goal in his first eight appearances following his return to the club last summer.

Fast forward five months and the pair have 13 goals apiece and Hartlepool have secured a top five finish and a play-off place with games to spare.

But with both players suffering from niggles in recent weeks, manager Dave Challinor will be wanting to wrap them in cotton wool ahead of the crucial play-off matches...

Challinor admitted 'Keeping them both fit is going to be pivotal as I said when we brought in Richie [Bennett] and Harvey [Saunders]. Those two are mainstays for us...

'Sometimes you try and control it so they don’t waste their energy chasing lost causes,' added the Hartlepool manager.. 'Because they are the type to run until the battery is empty.'"

NEIL SORVEL'S VIEWS

NEXT OPPONENTS: YEOVIL TOWN

The Glovers are managed by Darren Sarll, who took over the job in June 2019 and led Yeovil to a fourth-placed finish last season, but they failed to get through the play-offs.

Like his counterpart, Phil Parkinson, Sarll did not have a professional football playing career. Despite starting off with Ipswich Town, his highest playing level was at National League South level.

His coaching career started at Stevenage Borough (now Stevenage) where he coached the reserves before moving to be youth manager at Brentford and then was in charge of player development at Rotherham United.

Next, he returned to Stevenage and, after the sacking of manager Teddy Sheringham at Broadhall Way, he was briefly caretaker manager of the Hertfordshire club before being given the job on a permanent basis at the end of the 2015-16 season.

In 2018 he moved on to work in the Academy at Watford.

One player at Yeovil will be particularly familiar to Altrincham; he is Billy Sass-Davies [right], who spent time at Alty on loan from Crewe earlier this season, and is now on loan at the Somerset club.

Another Yeovil player familiar to North-West football fans is Matty Warburton who has played against Altrincham previously for Stockport County and Curzon Ashton. He has also played for Salford City. After leaving Stockport he joined Northampton Town before joining Yeovil on a season-long loan from The Cobblers who have signalled his release this summer.

TUESDAY RESULTS

• Aldershot Town 1-3 Eastleigh
• Solihull Moors P-P Barnet (7pm k.o., delayed after "a deluge" and then postponed at 7.45pm)
• Wrexham 0-1 Notts County (7pm)
• Weymouth 1-3 Boreham Wood
• Yeovil Town 0-0 Maidenhead United

CHESHIRE NEWS

This represents Step 5 of the non-league pyramid and with it, comes automatic inclusion into next season's FA Vase competition.

It also means that our inaugural league season will commence on Saturday 31st July 2021 and we will advise our definitive fixture list once confirmed.

The Club are delighted with this outcome and can now fully commit to our preparations ahead of the new season".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Work will commence on Monday 24th May 2021... The current soil-based pitch has been in situ, and home to the Spitfires, since the club moved to the Ten Acres site in 1957.

The extensive reconstruction will see a brand new main drainage system installed underneath the surface, with the current pitch being replaced with a sand-based construction.

After building a close working relationship with Southampton Football Club, they have generously donated 2,100 tonnes of fibresand rootzone from their Staplewood Campus, which will be incorporated into the newly constructed pitch profile at the Silverlake Stadium.

Fibresand rootzone is a blend of sand and soil, with polypropylene fibres incorporated within. The main benefit of this material is added stability to the surface, which has become a significant issue along with waterlogging at times on the current pitch profile.

Main pitch contractors InScapes... envisage the total build construction to take approximately six to eight weeks, leaving Head Groundsman Dan Barnes roughly six weeks to grow the pitch back in from seed in preparation for the 2021/22 season... Contingency plans have been put in place for an alternative, temporary home venue at the start of the 2021/22 season...

The Football Foundation funding contribution also allows the club to incorporate a new, high-spec automatic irrigation system, which will include 16 perimeter sprinklers and eight on-field sprinklers.

Club Chairman, Kenny Amor, said...'We are aware that improvements to our infrastructure must be made... At the moment, our surface has impacted the way we want to play football at times and has proved difficult to manage in the winter months when the bad weather comes in. We have often had to rely on the fantastic work of volunteers and club staff to get games on even after minimal periods of rain, for example.

'A pitch at our level should be able to be played on three to four times a week, rather than just once a week for the first team... It will also allow our Scholarship sides and Eastleigh Ladies team to share the Silverlake Stadium for their home games more regularly, which we feel is an important step in moving the Football Club forward both on and off the pitch'...

Head Groundsman, Dan Barnes, also commented... 'We are turning the pitch, which has been in place for the past 64 years, into a properly constructed, high-quality surface that will be a huge benefit to everyone involved at the Club...

'The current pitch infiltration rates (drainage rates) stand at 20mm per hour, with the new surface expected to drain rainfall up to 350mm per hour, which is an incredible difference'".

In the Maidenhead Advertiser, "Alan Devonshire claimed his Magpies’ side were now in transition after watching them lose 3-0 to title-challengers Sutton United on Saturday.

Like they’ve done so often this season United looked more than capable of causing an upset at York Road until the "U"s netted their first through David Ajiboye in the 65th minute and took control of the game after that.

Despite coming under the cosh in the opening 15 minutes the Magpies grew in confidence as the first half wore on and created their own share of openings to ensure Matt Gray’s men had to battle for all three points...

'They’re a decent side,' he said on Saturday. 'They’re top of the league and you can see why they’re top of the league. We’ve given away silly goals but listen, we’re in transition now and we’re looking at a few different things. The first goal was the killer goal. They got in down the side of us and it came from a missed header...

'We’ve got Yeovil now and I’m going to look at a couple of players that I need to look at. Up until the first goal the game was even... Their two centre halves headed everything away and they defended properly. Our centre halves didn’t to be fair... They’re very organised and they’ve got some quality. They’re also on a roll and haven’t had a lot of injuries which helps'...

The Magpies hopes of finishing in the play-offs have been extinguished by an inconsistent run of form of late and Devonshire will use the side’s last three games to have a look at different systems and players... He expects to start one of Reece Smith or Bradley Keetch against Yeovil after the pair made impressive late cameos...

'Goals change games and we’ve given away some poor goals this afternoon... On Tuesday... I’m looking at people, building things up and making a few big decisions about who I’m going to keep and who I’m not going to keep. There’s a few boys that have signed for us, but we won’t announce that until we get all of the business done that we want to get done'.

The Hartlepool Mail, tells us that "Dave Challinor is hoping to guide Hartlepool United to the National League play-off final, regardless of where it takes place.

But Friday’s confirmation of Bristol City’s Ashton Gate Stadium as the venue for this year’s final on June 20 has caused some confusion and plenty of discontent from supporters. The usual prestigious venue of Wembley Stadium is out of use due to it hosting Euro 2020 matches throughout June..

Fans from both finalists will be able to attend in limited numbers with a restricted 25-per-cent capacity attendance of 6,750 being reported. Should Pools get to the final, they would be facing a near 550-mile round trip, one of their longest of the season.

'It’s not ideal is it?' Pools boss Dave Challinor admitted.. 'For any player at this level, the opportunity to play at Wembley is a huge one,' he added... 'In the play-off picture, I’m not sure you could get many, if any, bigger teams in the top nine...

'We have no idea if they’ve spoken to every Premier League club and been told no, or whether this is the only option for us... You look at the makeup of the play-off places and go that potentially five out of the six teams could be northern based clubs and it becomes a difficult one for supporters.

'Ashton Gate holds 27,000 and if the crowd is going to be, for example, 10,000 and 4,000 for each team then I can guarantee those tickets will be snapped up in a heartbeat... On another day, in normal circumstances at Wembley, I’m sure there would have been 20,000 plus wanting to see that game'".

According to the Leader Live, "Deran Keates is taking nothing for granted against play-off rivals Notts County but the Wrexham boss admits his side are in a great position to clinch a play-off spot with three games to go.

Saturday's 3-2 come-from-behind victory at Boreham Wood took Wrexham up to fifth in the National League but... six teams [are] within five points of the Reds.

Wrexham have three games remaining and victory over sixth placed County would take the Reds one step closer to extending the season..

'Tuesday night might not go to plan,' said Keates. 'But we have given ourselves a chance, and we have still got two games after that. As it stands, we are in a great position. It is in our hands but we will run our own race.

'We will stick together, we believe in each other and confidence is there. It is a great team spirit that we have got'>

NEXT: YEOVIL TOWN

The clubs last met at Moss Lane on 29 April, 2000 when the Robins were held to a 2-2 draw in a game which, had they won it, would have kept them in the Football Conference a week later, at the end of that season, and would have sent down Forest Green Rovers instead.

Right: Dickie Landon in action for Alty in the home match against Yeovil in 2000.

Like Alty, Yeovil Town were founder members of the Alliance Premier League in 1979 but were relegated in 1985 to the Isthmian League, before regaining their status in 1988. They were relegated again in 1995, and spent two seasons out of the top-flight before returning.

They became Conference champions in 2002–03 when managed by current Torquay boss, Gary Johnson who, coincidentally, visits Moss Lane himself next Saturday for the last match of the season. Two years later they were League Two champions and went on to gain Championship membership in 2013, again under Johnson's managership.

But at the end of 2018-19 they were relegated back to the top flight of non-League.

Last Saturday's line-up for The Glovers was: A.Smith; Dickinson, Sass-Davies, Dickinson, Kelly; Lee, D'Ath (Stephens), Dagnall; Neufville (Sonupe), Reid (Quigley), Knowles.

And in advance of their midweek match tonight, Yeovil Town confirmed that they "welcome supporters back to Huish Park for competitive action for the first time since February 2020 as Maidenhead United visit Huish Park...

Darren Sarll said '(Luke) Wilkinson... put himself in harm's way and got a bang on his knee...

'We felt it was important after not scoring in three games, that we had a positive response and worry about Tuesday when it comes round. Wilkinson is up there with the very best players in our squad, he's a great guy and the fact that he put himself out there was great.

'I forgot Lawson had been out for three months, then I saw him stretching in the 87th minute, I was initally going to take (Tom) Knowles off, but thought I better get Lawson off. I thought he was incredible, and what he does, something we've missed a lot this year, he brings calm to the chaos, and if he can't turn out naturally, he creates a way of doing it anyway. Doing that, it can turn the momentum of games in your favour as when the ball lands with Lawson, he's going to retain the ball and allow the team to change shape.'

Yeovil Town will remain without Alex Bradley, after an unsuccessful appeal, he will serve the second game of his suspension against the Magpies.

Wilkinson nursed his way through 90 minutes on Saturday against King’s Lynn but told fans on Twitter that he thinks he should be fine to go again on Tuesday evening.

Josh Staunton remains a long-term absentee, whilst D’Ath made his full return in a starting berth against the Linnets.

Young midfielder Toby Stephens enjoyed a third cameo appearance on Saturday afternoon and will be hoping for his first in front of the Yeovil Town supporters on Tuesday evening".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The game will now get underway on Sunday 23rd May for a 12:45pm kick off at Gander Green Lane with the match being broadcasted live on BT Sport...

League leaders Sutton United have the chance to wrap up the title and seal promotion to the Football League if Torquay United fail to win their game against Barnet the day before.

Pools mathmetically sealed a play off spot over the weekend with a confident 3-1 win over Aldershot.

Luke Armstrong, Rhys Oates and Nicky Featherstone were on the scoresheet at the EBB Stadium as Pools ended a run of two consecutive defeats in the National League. The victory moved them level on points with 3rd placed Stockport County after their 2-2 draw with Torquay United... With a 2nd placed finish out of sight for Pools, they'll be hoping that favours can be done for them when Stockport take on Woking on Saturday.

A top three finish in the National League would ensure one less game to be played in the play-offs".

Devon Live explains "Why Torquay United manager Gary Johnson won't give up on the National League title just yet

Torquay United manager Gary Johnson refused to concede the National League title to Sutton United on Sunday, even though the Gulls are now three points off the leaders, who have a better goal difference, with just two games to go.

A 2-2 draw at Stockport County was hugely entertaining and full of quality but ultimately frustrating after two Scott Boden goals gave the Gulls a 2-1 lead that they couldn’t hold on to...

Johnson said the title is not gone 'until it’s gone'. He continued 'Of course, we are not the favourites by any stretch of the imagination, but what you have got to do now with the players is just say "these next games could be dress rehearsals for the play offs". However, we still need to win our next two games and see where everything is.'

Torquay play Barnet in front of fans at Plainmoor next Saturday, with Sutton at home against Hartlepool United on Sunday. Then, on the final Saturday, with Torquay at Altrincham, Sutton are at Barnet...

Torquay’s midfielder Connor Lemonheigh-Evans, who was BT Sport’s Man of the Match, couldn’t hide his disappointment... The Welshman said 'We came here to win the game and that’s all we had in our minds. We just dropped short today'">

The Derbyshire Times reminds us that "Chesterfield face two of the best attackers in the National League when they face the division’s in-form team Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday in what is the biggest game of the season.

Both sides are gunning for the play-offs and with Town fans returning to the Technique for the first time in 14 months it has all the ingredients to be a cracker.

With two matches remaining James Rowe’s men are in the last play-off spot on goal difference, while the Daggers are four points behind in 11th.

The visitors will arrive at the Technique with two of the most clinical talents in the league in their ranks.

Striker McCallum has 16 goals to his name this campaign, while Angelo Balanta has 12 and midfielder Matt Robinson has eight.

McCallum is in red hot form with nine goals in his last eight and Balanta is not far behind on six.

And Daggers' boss Daryl McMahon [said]... 'I have been saying this for a while but I feel we have got the best ‘9’ and ‘10’ in the division,' McMahon said after the win against Halifax. 'It was just getting them up to speed and we have now and they have formed a real partnership. They have been awesome together'...

McMahon’s men are unbeaten in their last eight, winning seven... It will be a remarkable achievement if Chesterfield secure a place in the top seven given they were in the relegation zone in November and injuries to key players down the spine of the team will make it even sweeter.".

The Nottingham Post repoirts that "Notts County [have been] rocked as defender [is] ruled out of promotion push

The Magpies defender has been a key player since arriving on a free transfer last summer but has recently been on the sidelines at Meadow Lane

Alex Lacey has been ruled out for the remainder of Notts County's season after it emerged the defender is likely to require an operation on a hip problem.

The defender needed to be replaced at half-time in the 2-2 draw at Torquay United last month...

Head coach Ian Burchnall said, 'I don't expect now to see him the rest of the season. He's probably going to need an operation, but it's not hopefully a long-term thing'...

With Lacey set for a spell on the sidelines, Notts are hoping that Connell Rawlinson will pass a late fitness test for tomorrow's clash against Wrexham."

NEXT: YEOVIL TOWN

The original fixture, set for 2 April, was postponed due to the sad death of the Glovers' captain Lee Collins.

With Alty originally set to play Macclesfield Town next Saturday, the vacant slot caused by the Silkmen's demise has allowed Yeovil to avoid a midweek trek from Somerset to Altrincham.

Since that original fixture date, both sides have dropped in the National League. Back on 2 April, Altrincham lay eleventh; they are now seventeenth, whilst The Glovers have moved down from fourteenth to sixteenth. Whereas Alty were two points ahead of Yeovil at that time, they are now nine points behind them.

It is 21 years since Yeovil last visited Moss Lane, on 29 April 2000, a game which ended 2-2. The reverse fixture this season ended in a home win for Yeovil, 2-0.

WIN FOR RESERVES

The Alty starters comprised Joel Torrance, Marc Bellingham, Niall Butchart, Madison Davis, Daniel Gavaghan, Callum Graham, Joe Haggerty, Reiss Hughes, Curtis Miller, Max Pouncey, Dre Taylor with the bench made up of Luigi Mongan, George Howarth, Daniel Lewis, Raheem Mercurius and Thomas Millington.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Spireites manager was sat in the stand for the goalless draw against Wealdstone and will have to do the same for three more games... Rowe said 'It was at the Bromley game at home. We obviously had two clear penalties that were not given, amongst other decisions that I was not too happy about, so I let my feelings known to the referee...'

Rowe added 'It is a different level of watching it obviously but not a level that I like. I like to interact with the players, we are still in a learning process, so it was difficult for me being so far away from the sideline. However, that is the way it is and I have got to get on with it. It can’t be used as an excuse'.

Rowe was in touch with his first-team coach Danny Webb throughout the game...

The Wealdstone draw was not without incident, Josef Yarney had a goal ruled out after Adi Yussuf was adjudged to have handled the ball and Town had what looked like a decent shout for a penalty for handball turned down... Rowe said 'I haven’t seen it but it is not a surprise is it? It doesn’t go for us at all at the moment so we will keep ploughing on.

'Thirty-three games, I haven’t had a penalty, so maybe I will get a penalty in the 34th game, who knows?'

Yussuf was booked soon after the handball incident and Rowe felt he had to take him off at half-time and bring on Marcus Dinanga... Rowe added, 'It would have only taken one more wrong decision and he could have received his marching orders so he came off for that reason.'

The Nottingham Post reports that "The Magpies are in the thick of a promotion race as they made it five games unbeaten to remain in the National League play-off places

The Magpies had fallen behind to Mark Ellis's own goal, but restored parity when Kyle Wootton tapped in from close range following sterling work from Ruben Rodrigues.

Rodrigues then grabbed his sixth goal in five games from close range after Calvin Miller had been denied by Mark Cousins before Jim O'Brien hit the foot of the post from long range...

Earlier this week it emerged that Calvin Miller will be free to leave Harrogate in the summer after they decided against extending his stay at Wetherby Road... Pedictably it led to plenty of Notts fans urging the club to make him a priority signing this summer.

The desire to see him become a permanent fixture at Meadow Lane has only heightened following his performances in the last four games in which he has been exceptional. He carries the speed and sleight of foot of a winger, but has also not shirked the defensive responsibilities asked of him by head coach Ian Burchnall...

'I am not making decisions on players just yet and we are taking our time with that,' he said... 'With Calvin on a free, it's something to think about'...

There has never been a dispute about the ability of Ruben Rodrigues... but... he could never sustain that level of quality over a period of time. Recently he was left out of the squad altogether after failing to meet the required standard in training which led to some tough love from Burchnall.

But whatever was said behind the scenes has undoubtedly paid off as proven by the stunning form he has produced since finally returning to the team... He sees himself as a number 10, but the problem is that Notts do not play with one.

But what Burchnall has done is move him up front alongside Kyle Wootton having given him a licence to roam...

Three games left, sixth in the table and still a play-off spot is still not secure. The National League is ridiculously tight right now and some wild results are occurring... Two wins out of the last three games should be enough to have another crack at a chance of returning to the Football League.

Burchnall's side has started scoring goals again, they are playing with confidence and they are more than a match for anybody on this kind of form... It rests entirely in their own hands".

Torquay United's "televised showdown with Stockport County ended with honours-even on Sunday, as two goals from Scott Boden secured a 2-2 draw at Edgeley Park.

Despite a bright start by Gary Johnson’s men, it was County’s Macauley Southam-Hales who opened the scoring, however the lead lasted just a few minutes, before Boden levelled things up from the penalty spot. A second from the same player after the interval raised hopes for another three-point haul for United, however Stockport responded through Ash Palmer soon after to take a share of the spoils.

The Gaffer made just the solitary change to the starting line-up which drew 0-0 with Bromley last time out, with Armani Little taking the place of Billy Waters....

In the 35th minute, the deadlock was broken... Southam-Hales made inroads down the right, before exchanging passes and cutting inside Dean Moxey to curl a left-footed effort into the top corner of the net to give his side the lead...

Johnson’s men drew level. With Lemonheigh-Evans once again reacting quickest to a loose ball inside the box, a rash challenge from Ryan Croasdale saw the referee with an easy decision to make...

Boden... with absolutely no nerves whatsoever on show... slammed the ball down the middle of goal with some vigour to make it 1-1.

Just short of the hour mark, it was United who edged in front... A low ball across the six yard box was finished at the second attempt by Boden... after his initial effort struck the crossbar.

Sadly, there was little time for the Yellow Army to fully celebrate... Rooney’s corner was delivered deep into the box, leaving Palmer to rise highest and head home at the back post, leaving things all-square once more...

It was end-to-end action during the final ten minutes".

From the other side, Stockport County "edged back up to third place in the National League, after sharing the spoils with fellow promotion chasers Torquay...

The result extended to 16 games the Hatters’ run without a defeat, and left the prospect of a top-three finish in their own hands whilst also confirming mathematically that their chances of the title and automatic promotion were now over.

County took to the field... with Tom Walker and Alex Reid replacing, respectively, Ryan Rydel and the injured Paddy Madden".

"I EXPECT BETTER" SAYS PARKINSON

"I expect a better performance than that.

"I thought we looked brighter in the second half and we created enough chances to get something from the game but [it was] the story of our season; we've not converted chances or defended well.

"I know what I've got to address over the summer and, when I see games like that, it makes it easier for me to do it".

WEYMOUTH 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

After making nine changes last time out at Solihull, and losing 4-0, Altrincham reverted to a starting line-up closer to that of recent games for this, their last away trip of the season. However midfielder Jake Moult had to be deployed at centre-back with Hannigan and Sutton both missing, presumably injured.

Altrincham made a bright start with a Mooney corner hitting the crossbar in the fifth minute. But, from around the 15th minute, the hosts started to get into the game and were comfortably the better side for most of the remainder of the first half.

Around the twenty-minute mark, Thompson (right) had to rush out smartly to block Dallas but the striker was to have better luck soon afterwards.

It was not long before a home throw on their right led to the ball being relayed to Dallas, in the "D"". The Weymouth striker was allowed time to make himself space before planting his shot past Thompson to give his side a 22nd minute lead. And that is how it stayed till half time with Altrincham largely on the back foot.

Alty started the second half on the front foot and got level after 50 minutes with a fine low shot from 20 yards or more by Colclough. But the promise did not develop and a second goal from Dallas settled the game. It came in the 78th minute after a corner from the right had been headed against the bar by McCarthy. The ball was relayed back by Weymouth into the box from the right where Dallas headed past Thompson.

Match report here.

WEYMOUTH PERSPECTIVE

Andy Dallas scored a clinical brace either side of Ryan Colclough’s equaliser as Weymouth gave themselves real hope of ending the Vanarama National League season as the highest-placed promoted side.

Looking to end a three-game losing streak, Weymouth made two changes... Calvin Brooks made his 300th appearance for Weymouth, joining just 20 Terras players since World War Two to have achieved that milestone.

Ben Worman and Cameron Murray earned starts, with Jake McCarthy and Josh Leslie-Smith dropping to the bench. There was no place for keeper Gerard Benfield but midfielder Jack Dickson came in to take his place in the dugout...

Aiming to close the six-point gap to Alty in 17th, Weymouth began brightly but it was the visitors who jangled home nerves early on.

Alistair Smith’s scything ball in behind for Dan Mooney was blocked and the latter’s dipping corner caused trouble for home keeper Ethan Ross.

The Lincoln loanee had to shovel the ball out from underneath the crossbar and Toby Mullarkey’s backheel was smuggled away...

In the 22nd minute, patient play from McQuoid and Murray teed up Dallas inside the area and a fake [feint?] to his right worked space to his left before he drilled a low shot clinically past Thompson for 1-0.

Dallas had bagged his 11th goal in 22 games and Weymouth were now in control...

Weymouth won a succession of corners near the end of the half...

Altrincham improved noticeably after the restart and drew level in the 50th minute with a little help from McQuoid.

Weymouth’s captain gave possession away 25 yards out, allowing Colclough to nip in and rifle a left-footed shot past Ross near the D.

Alty should have gone 2-1 up three minutes later as a counter-attack, led by Reagan Ogle, picked out Connor Kirby who was denied by a fine flying stop from Ross...

Altrincham had made two changes before the hour and Josh Hancock, who had only been playing for nine minutes, was denied by Ross 12 yards out.

Hancock’s fellow sub Matty Kosylo also went close with a rasping drive which crept just wide of the far post...

Weymouth took the lead in the 77th minute. After sub McCarthy had rattled the bar with a header, another Sean Shields corner [?] picked out the run of Dallas to nod into the bottom-left corner...

Despite late Alty pressure, the Terras closed the game out in relative comfort".

WEEKEND FIXTURES

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

Sunday 15th May k.o. 12.15pm

• Stockport County 2-2 Torquay United

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Injuries to Jack Earing, Jamie Allen and top scorer Jake Hyde hampered Pete Wild’s selection options for the trip as did Danny Williams’ three match suspension. This resulted in 3 changes to the starting line-up... with Jack Senior, Tom Bradbury and Tahvon Campbell coming into the starting eleven...

The hosts took the lead in the 34th minute when Matt Robinson found himself in space on the left side of the pitch and his low cross was converted by Da Silva Vilhete whose first-time shot gave Sam Johnson no chance...

Dagenham found the net again in first half stoppage time. A free kick on from Will Wright was emphatically headed home by McCallum and the half ended with a 2-goal advantage to the home side...

With Town looking for a way back onto the game it was the home side who added to their lead. A Will Wright free kick found Vilhete and his cross was netted at the near post by Angelo Balanta.

There was no way back for Pete Wild’s side."

In the Derbyshire Times "Chesterfield boss James Rowe said his team ‘lacked leadership’ in the goalless draw against Wealdstone and that the performance was ‘unacceptable’.

However, the hosts could have lost it if it had not been for some fine saves from goalkeeper James Montgomery.

On the performance, Rowe said 'It was sloppy, slow and we got away with a draw in the end....

'We nearly lost it and I think that probably symbolises the lack of leadership on the pitch when you are missing Curtis (Weston), Haydn (Hollis), Gavin (Gunning), I’m not on the sideline [he is banned] and it can have a real impact on the leadership and I thought that we lacked leadership today...

'This performance was unacceptable.'

Rowe said that Gavin Gunning (hamstring) and Curtis Weston (Achilles) could not be risked for this one...

'Seven points out of the last nine I guess is okay so there are some positives but we should be putting teams like that (Wealdstone) to the sword but we didn’t,' Rowe explained... [The players] need to reflect on that and we need better at this football club and we will have better at this football club.

'However, we have got eight on the injury table plus Alex Whittle as well who is really struggling. He was on the bench'".

Bromley took "on in-form Notts County...

It was Notts who would have a vast majority of the ball for the opening 15 minutes... Then came the moment Notts had feared. A deep, searching cross from Joe Kizzi was nodded back across the face of goal by Michael Cheek, and just as Ben Williamson set himself to divert it home, Mark Ellis headed into his own net to give the Ravens the lead...

The second half would prove to be an entertaining one... However, County weren’t to be denied an equaliser... as Wootton bundled home Ruben Rodrigues’s cross from inside the six yard box.

Nine minutes later, and the hosts would completely turn the game on its head. Rodrigues... turned the ball home from close range to put his side ahead...

The Ravens showed character and were by no means out of the game... Another excellent cross from Kizzi, this time a low one, was met by the stooping head of substitute Tate Campbell, who sent a diving header across goal and beyond Slocome to restore parity...

The two sides continued to battle through four minutes of injury time, but ultimately, settled for a share of the spoils."

The Leader Live reports that "Wrexham produced a fantastic comeback to win 3-2 at Boreham Wood and climb up to fifth in the National League.

Keates made one change from the side that secured a resounding 3-0 win over Yeovil the previous weekend...

With the home side having the upper hand... the Wood took an 18th minute lead. Femi Ilesanmi's cross reached fellow wing-back Smith whose shot found the bottom corner of the net...

Wrexham conceded a second goal in the 45th minute, Murtagh threading a pass through to Tshimanga who beat Lainton with a low drive.

Keates responded by making a double substitution for the second period, Jordan Ponticelli and Dan Jarvis replacing Gold Omotayo and Rutherford respectively...

Wrexham were back in the game after reducing the deficit on the hour mark... as Hall-Johnson slotted past Nathan Ashmore.

The Wood found themselves down to 10 men on 74 minutes when defender Tom Champion was shown a second yellow card following a foul on Luke Young...

The Reds levelled three minutes from time... Ponticelli's header across goal found the net.

And Wrexham went ahead in the 89th minute. Jarvis crossed from the left and Hall-Johnson headed past Ashmore to secure maximum points."

Yeovil Town tell us that "Tom Knowles’s quickfire double sank King’s Lynn as Yeovil Town returned to winning ways at Huish Park.

Two first half goals built a comfortable advantage for Town, before the visitors pulled a goal back from the spot.

Late in the day, Emmanuel Sonupe opened his Yeovil Town account, slotting home to secure the points were Yeovil’s

Darren Sarll opted for a return to the 4-3-3 formation. Adam Smith began in goal, whilst Carl Dickinson and Luke Wilkinson returned to the defence alongside Billy Sass-Davies and Michael Kelly.

Charlie Lee began the deepest of the midfield three alongside Lawson D'Ath who made his first start since a long injury lay-off, whilst Chris Dagnall continued in the midfield role he has thrived in.

Reuben Reid began as a lone striker with Josh Neufville and Knowles flanking him. The switch back to the 4-3-3 payed [sic] dividends for Town in the opening stages, dominating the ball in the King's Lynn half.

It only took nine minutes for this pressure to tell, as Knowles capitalised on Tai Fleming's slip, driving into the box and rounding Theo Richardson to open the scoring.

It was a three-minute double-salvo for Knowles who added his second of the afternoon in spectacular style... [as he] placed the ball into the back of the net...

Town's lead was cut in the 21st minute as Wilkinson left a leg in to give the visitors an opportunity to strike from the spot. Journeyman Simeon Jackson stepped up and finished emphatically.

With the pitch wet due to a continued downpour, tackles were heavy throughout, causing tempers to boil in the latter stages of the half...

As the second half went on, Sarll looked for fresh impetus from the bench, namely Sonupe and Joe Quigley. It didn’t take long for the two changes to combine, an excellent exchange between the two freed the wide man to fire home his first goal in green and white...

Ultimately it was a deserved victory for the green and whites".

According to the Maidenhead Advertiser "Sutton United took a huge step toward lifting the National League title after wearing down a hard-working Maidenhead United side for all three points at York Road...

After failing to take their chances in the first half, Sutton grabbed the lead through David Ajiboye’s close range finish in the 65th minute. They doubled their advantage with around 10 minutes to play when Omar Bugiel cut the ball back for Isaac Olaofe to apply the simplest of finishes and they wrapped up victory with the goal of the game, defender Louis John scoring from inside his own half after Maidenhead’s loan keeper James Holden was caught out of position.

The U’s began with a great intensity... But by no means did they have things all their own way...

Sutton scored the opener in the 65th minute and took control. Wilson again escaped the clutches of Twumasi, drew in Holden and drilled in a low cross which Ajiboye gleefully smashed into an unguarded net.

Olaofe...[fired] past Holden from close range after good and unselfish work from Bugiel to tee him up.

John then put the seal on a hard-fought but well-deserved win in injury-time...

[Sutton manager] Gray said afterwards, 'It’s another three points at a crucial stage of the season with three games to go...

'I was pleased to get into half-time with the clean sheet. I thought that with our aggressive style and the way we play, the slope here would help us...

'We stuck to our game plan and that’s what’s been getting us results all season.'

Magpies' boss Alan Devonshire added, 'They’re a decent side, you can see why they’re top of the league'".

TODAY'S GAME AT WEYMOUTH

Weymouth are offering a streaming service for the match.

Altrincham go into the match lying seventeenth, with 42 points from 38 games, whilst The Terras are eighteenth with six points fewer from the same number of games.

Six is also the difference between the number of goal conceded with Alty having let in 54 goals and Weymouth 60. At the other end of the pitch, Weymouth have the advantage by two goals, having netted 42 times as opposed to Alty's 40.

After experimenting by making nine changes at Solihull, last time out, it can be expected that Phil Parkinson will ensure that many of the more regular starters return for Altrincham today at the Bob Lucas Stadium.

Off the field, Weymouth "announce that Paul Maitland has been elected as Vice-Chairman.

The club face a very difficult task off the field in catching up with the on-field success of the last 3 seasons. There is a massive opportunity to enable it to establish itself in the National League. Paul will use his enthusiasm and drive to push the club forward and has been working closely on a variety of projects with recently appointed former player, club captain and legend John Waldock to enable this to happen...

The new Vice-Chairman said... 'Having been at the club for nearly ten years now I have enjoyed some unbelievable highs as well as lows, but these events have all given me valuable experience which I hope will benefit Weymouth both on and off the pitch'".

A GULF BETWEEN ALTY AND OPPOSITION

Right: Where Alty's away journeys start, the J. Davidson Stadium.

In 2018-19 whilst competing in the National League North, the return journeys for Altrincham's away league matches totalled 3,330 miles for 21 away games, an average of 159 miles per return journey

In the 2019-20 season, had it been completed, Alty would have travelled 4,196 miles to fulfil their league fixtures, not counting their involvement in the play-offs. That season should have comprised a total of 21 away games at an average return journey of 200 miles per return journey.

In 2020-21, up in the National League, the expulsion of Macclesfield Town reduced the away trips from the expected 23 to 22. Those 22 trips have included an ultimately void trip to Dover which Altrincham made before the Kent outfit stopped fulfilling fixtures.

Those 22 away trips in 2020-21 should have amounted, there and back, to a total of 7,138 miles by the end of the campaign but the switching of two home games to Broadhurst Park (FCUM) added two more round trips of 20 miles each to the total, making an overall journey mileage of 7,178 miles.

For those 22 trips, the average return mileage per fixture will be 326 miles, more than twice the distance of two seasons ago for Alty.

That total distance of 7178 miles equates to 150 miles further than the distance of a return air flight from Manchester to Abu Dhabi in the Gulf of Arabia.

Assuming an average speed of 45mph, allowing for short motorway service stops, that translates into almost seven 24-hour days spent travelling on the team-coach for the players, management and support staff.

Whether the players would have preferred seven days in sunny Abu Dhabi or seven days on the UK motorway system is debatable!

But, however you look at it, there has been a gulf of difference between this season's travel mileage and that of recent years, even if there has not been a gulf of class on the pitch for newly promoted Alty facing mainly full-time and better-resourced opposition.

ALTY OLD BOYS

The Wales Youth International [pictured, right] made three cup appearances for Crewe earlier in the season and he scored his first senior goal against Lincoln City in the EFL Cup to open the new campaign.

The progress made by the young centre-half is one of the main reasons why Olly Lancashire has not been offered a new deal this summer.

The Crewe Alexandra boss, David Artell said 'Billy has been doing very well at Yeovil and hopefully I will get to see him before the end of the season.

'He has gone down there on loan and held his place and it will be another great learning curve for him... Billy has got to be given his opportunity and I think he is ready. I will talk to him, to reassure him that him going out on to Yeovil is all part of his development. He has been placed on loan for that very reason, much in the same way Owen Dale was".

Like Billy, who has spent two loan spells with Altrincham, Owen was also a loanee at Moss Lane and this year has been named the Alex's Players' Player of the Season.

PLAY-OFF DETAILS

"Five season-defining matches will take place over a three-week period, with all games shown exclusively live by BT Sport.

With Wembley Stadium unavailable due to hosting Euro 2020 fixtures, The National League is delighted to confirm Bristol’s Ashton Gate will host this season’s Vanarama Promotion Final...

Due to the current Government sporting guidelines during the COVID-19 pandemic, all play-off eliminator and semi-final matches will be played at reduced stadium capacity with only home fans permitted.

Supporters of both participating clubs in the Vanarama National League Promotion Final at Ashton Gate will be able to attend in limited numbers"...

Vanarama National League Play-Off Schedule

• Saturday 5th June 2021 - 4pm Elimination Round - Match A - 5th place vs 6th place
• Sunday 6th June 2021 - 4pm Elimination Round - Match B - 4th place vs 7th Place
• Saturday 12th June 2021 - 12pm Semi Final - 2nd place vs winner of Match A
• Sunday 13th June 2021 - 12pm Semi Final - 3rd place vs winner of Match B
• Sunday 20th June 2020 - 2pm Promotion Final – Ashton Gate

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The message from Torquay United manager Gary Johnson ahead of Sunday's big game at Stockport County is ‘stay calm and stay competitive’...

Basically, for Torquay to take the title, win promotion, and avoid having to go through the play-offs, they have to do better than Sutton between now and May 29. Realistically, that means winning all three games and needing Sutton to slip up once. Any slip up by Torquay would need a further slip up by Sutton.

Meanwhile, both teams will be hoping to avoid a disastrous end which would let Stockport County in at the last minute. Hartlepool United, now fourth, have lost their last two games and only an extraordinary turnaround by everyone would see them take the top prize. Even their manager has conceded the title...

With Seale Hayne under water, training for the Gulls has been at Plainmoor and South Devon College this week, and Johnson has been working on keeping the players ‘topped up’ and focused ahead of the game at Stockport, which will be shown live on BT Sport...

'It is just keeping them topped up, really,' the manager said. 'We know our game and we know what we are doing and it just changes slightly depending on the team you are playing and the organisation that they play with'...

Stockport’s fine form may have just come a little late for the top spot but they are the big spenders in the division and are on a 15-game undefeated run... Midway through March they signed striker Paddy Madden on a three-year deal from Fleetwood Town for an undisclosed fee. He has now scored seven goals in 14 games. John Rooney will also be a threat, he has 15 goals this season, while Alex Reid is their top scorer with 17. Their last outing was a 1-1 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge on Tuesday.

Johnson, the National League Manager of the Month for April, said...'We are probably the two form teams over the last month or so. It’s a big game and I am seeing it like a proper Second Division game. They have got players that have been around and have been regulars in the Football League and it won’t look like a non-league game, that’s for sure”'...

Johnson... has taken both Yeovil Town and Cheltenham Town back to the Football League in his career...He said... 'From a managerial point of view you have got to show a calmness but an intensity to go and win the games. They know me now and I know them and we sort of all know how to treat each other to keep us on the straight and narrow'...

Despite the team drawing a blank at the weekend, Johnson is likely to continue with Scott Boden and Billy Waters up front, with Benji Kimpioka on the bench alongside Josh Umerah. Fellow striker Danny Wright is still recovering from his latest hamstring injury but may be back for the last game.

Defender Gary Warren missed the Bromley game after dislocating a finger against Chesterfield. There is no news on how far away defender Kyle Cameron and wingers Ben Whitfield and Aaron Nemane are. Midfielder Armani Little has been on the bench recently but could be a starting pick on Sunday".

Notts County's "Young forward Tyreace Palmer has been offered a professional contract at Meadow Lane.

The youngster rose to first-team prominence this season after his strong goalscoring record and consistent performances for our Under 18s earned him the opportunity to train with the senior squad.

This led to him making his professional debut as a substitute in our Buildbase FA Trophy trip to Havant & Waterlooville before being selected to start at home to Oxford City in the same competition.

And head coach Ian Burchnall... has seen enough to convince him that Palmer should be part of his squad next season.

'Tyreace is a player with a lot of potential,' said Burchnall. 'Not only is he a talented forward but he has a real willingness to learn and improve, which is vitally important. He has a long way to go but we feel training and playing in a senior environment will bring him on leaps and bounds and we’re excited to see what the future holds for him'".

The Leader Live reports that "It's been a team effort but Dean Keates is hoping his midfield men can continue to produce the goods as Wrexham aim to tie down a play-off spot.

The Reds go into tomorrow's game at mid-table Boreham Wood on the back of a 3-0 win over Yeovil which extended the unbeaten run to six matches.

During that spell, Jordan Davies has scored six goals while Luke Young struck for the 11th time against the Glovers to become leading scorer.

Jay Harris was superb as the holding midfielder before he was forced off with a leg injury...

'He brings the experience and know-how,' said Keates. 'Obviously his game has changed over time, that is the evolution of your body... The other two are getting plaudits and rightly so; Luke has been outstanding from the first game of the season and Jordan is an intelligent player who I have had no qualms about playing in different positions.

'I know what his position is, it was just case of trying to nail his position down and he has got goals and assists but it is still early days for the lad; he is in a good position and let's hope it continues for the next four games and then a longer period of time...

'Players who get goals get more highlighted than players who do the other side of the game,' said Keates. 'Jay goes about his business and is not one who is after pats on the back... When he went off, what we lost in his experience on the defensive side, but Paul Rutherford came on and gave us the energy on the other side and put in a great shift for us.'

WEYMOUTH, THE LAST TIME

Back in October 2008, Altrincham started with the same eleven which had begun the previous week against Oxford United, But on the bench keeper Andy Ralph and new loan signing Luke Waterfall, from Tranmere Rovers, came in for Alex Meechan and Kevin Street.

Right: The Weymouth mascot got into the frame when Alty last visited Weymouth in 2018.

The 2008 game was a Blue Square Premier match played on Saturday, 18 October 2008 which The Terras won 2-0, though the points were not to save them fromeventual relegation at the end of that season.

Altrincham could have few complaints after this defeat which ended their run of six league games without defeat. Weymouth could have been out of sight in the first half as Williams and Beavon tormented the visitors' defence. It was Beavon who fed McPhee for the opener following a quick throw on the left (36 mins).

But, curiously, despite Weymouth's early dominance, Alty could have been 2-1 up at the break after Young's fine header crashed off the bar and Little missed a sitter, both chances coming from Elam crosses in the final stages of the half. After the break Alty improved on their lacklustre first-half showing, especially after Dale Johnson came on (53 mins).

But Williams made it 2-0 to the Terras when Coburn was unable to hold Robinson's effort on the front edge of the box (83 mins).

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN; 2. Chris LANE, 4. Mark McGREGOR, 5. Greg YOUNG, 21. Shaun DENSMORE, 7. Robbie LAWTON, 16. Anthony DANYLYK, 3. Matt DOUGHTY, 19. Chris SENIOR, 9. Colin LITTLE, 18. Lee ELAM. Subs:13. Andy RALPH (gk), 14. Dale JOHNSON, 11. Warren PEYTON, 12. Joe O'NEILL, 17. Luke WATERFALL

ALTY'S FINAL PRE-SEASON GAME

Kick-off time is to be confirmed.

This will be our final pre-season fixture before the 2021/22 Vanarama National League season starts on Saturday August 21st.

Huddersfield Town FC wil confirm if spectators will be admitted to this game, once EFL protocols for the 2021/22 season are in place".

The fixture in 2021 is a repeat of one played on Saturday, 19 September, 2020 behind closed doors

On that occasion, Alty won 4-0 after two goals in quick succession put Alty in control. The first was a fine finish from Ceesay and the second was a smart finish from Hulme.

Hulme made it three before the break. Alty were comfortable during the second half and added a late fourth goal from Mullarkey after the visitors had made eight changes just after the hour-mark.

The other pre-season matches for 2021, all of which will be away from home owing to the pitch works at the J. Davidson Stadium, will be...

• 1 Sat.24.7.21 3pm A Ashton United
• 2 Tue.27.7.21 7.45pm A Nantwich Town
• 3 Sat.31.7.21 NB 2pm A Brightlingsea Regent
• 4 Sat. 7.8.21 3pm A Curzon Ashton
• 5 Tue. 10.8.21 7.45pm A Trafford

THREE GAMES TO WATCH

The National League confirmed plans were in place for doors to reopen from Monday. That initially meant fans being back in the ground for the home games with Yeovil Town on May 22 and Torquay United the following Saturday, but Eastleigh has been added to the list after the clubs agreed on a new date of Tuesday, May 25, following last Saturday’s postponement.

Precise ticket details have yet to be finalised, but Alty co-chairmen Lawrence Looney and Bill Waterson issued a joint-statement, saying... 'We will be putting in place a rigorous ticket selling policy, not least because we need to make sure we know who is attending each game. The first and most important factor is that we will only be admitting home fans to the games... we will only be selling tickets in advance.

'But before we can start selling tickets, we need to receive confirmation that we will be allowed standing spectators. We expect a decision on this from Trafford Council in the coming days.'”

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

James started a JustGiving page after the club was given a 12-point deduction for next season and fined £40,000 for not fulfilling fixtures by an independent panel commissioned by the National League.

The amount raised stands at just shy of £6,000 today and we would like to thank each and every supporter for their donation".

We learn from the Hartlepool Mail that "Hartlepool United manager Dave Challinor is expecting an ‘uncertain market’ on the transfer front this summer with the majority of his squad playing for promotion as well as their own futures.

With several players out of contract in the summer, uncertainty regarding what division the club will be playing in, as well as the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic, there is a lot that remains up in the air.

'Of course the players are playing for their futures because we’re going into uncertain times... People, regardless of their contractual situations, you want to be putting yourself in the picture for next season. It could be an uncertain market during the summer when lots of players are out of contract.

'Club wages and squad sizes could be reduced because no one knows the impact of what the last 12 months will have on football clubs. For us, it’s almost double edged because there are potentially one of two divisions we could be playing in, potentially two different budgets, two different size of squads we run with so there’s lots of unanswered questions.

'From the players' perspective, we’re coming into a time when these could be the biggest games of their careers so it’s a really exciting time and one to look forward to and embrace. It’s also one with a lot of meaning.”

Four Pools players have already been confirmed to be signed up for the 2021-22 campaign with ‘tentative discussions’ ongoing".

The BBC relays the view that "Wrexham will be at a disadvantage by not having fans at their remaining home games, says manager Dean Keates...

Wrexham have not been included in Welsh Government's test events.

'There's no doubt about it, be it having 50 people there or 500 people there, it does make a difference,' Keates said. 'When there's no atmosphere and no people shouting, does that influence the referee's decision and what he does in that split second? Yes, I believe so. It will be at a detriment to us if we go into games and the opposition have got fans in there.'

The Welsh Government have announced nine trial events across sport and culture...

Wrexham confirmed in a statement that the club can request permission to have fans in attendance at any home play-off game, adding 'This opportunity is comparable with that provided to both Swansea City and Newport County. The club are now accelerating the work required to make this application. The earliest date that fans could therefore be admitted to the Racecourse Ground would be 5/6 June but of course, this will not become a reality unless the club finishes fifth or above in the Vanarama National League.'"

Non-League Daily confirms that "Maidenhead United have signed goalkeeper James Holden on loan.

The Reading stopper joins Alan Devonshire’s side on a 28-day arrangement. The 19-year-old links up with the Magpies ahead of their final five National League fixtures".

And the Maidenhead Advertiser adds that the signing comes "after Rhys Lovett was injured in Tuesday night’s 4-0 defeat to Notts County...

Lovett was substituted early in the second half, and later taken to hospital, having taken a couple of hefty blows to his chest in aerial challenges with Ruben da Rocha Rodrigues.

With no back-up keeper on the bench, midfielder James Comley was forced to go in goal and, despite making a few decent saves, conceded three times as the Magpies were comfortably beaten...

Speaking after the game, Devonshire felt his keeper should have been given better protection by the match officials. Had they ‘done their job’ and cautioned Rodrigues for what he felt was a late and blatant foul on Lovett in the opening minutes, he believes the keeper would have escaped injury.

Fortunately, scans taken at the hospital revealed he’d sustained only severe bruising to his ribcage rather than any broken bones. He’ll almost certainly miss this Saturday’s home game with Sutton United and Tuesday’s trip to Yeovil Town...

'He hasn’t broken anything,' said Devonshire. 'He’s just struggling to breathe at the moment. His chest is very sore where he got whacked. We were really worried about him last night... He’s just very, very sore. I can’t risk him on Saturday or Tuesday this week. The kid’s been battered. It looks like he’s been 10 rounds with Anthony Joshua'..

With Taye Ashby-Hammond ruled out for the rest of the season through injury and young keeper Fred Chapman recovering from a collarbone injury, the Magpies have been ‘down to the bare bones’ in recent weeks.

'We only had one keeper last night,'Devonshire said. 'Taye (Ashby-Hammond) is injured as well, and if that hadn’t happened Rhys would have been on the bench. We didn’t have another goalkeeper full stop; you can’t pay three goalkeepers when you’re a small club like us. There’s no way you can do it.'"

Off the field the Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Maidenhead CEO Jon Adams has responded to criticism of the club on social media for failing to allow in journalists, commentary teams and photographers who wanted to cover Notts County’s key game against the Magpies at York Road.

United have had strict COVID-19 safety protocols in place all season, limiting the numbers of away club players, coaching staff and officials to 32, while external media haven’t been permitted access to the ground all season...

Charlie Wyatt, football editor at The Sun, called the decision ‘disgraceful’, and asked why the National League were allowing it...

Said Adams, 'We’ve adopted the same protocols this season with regards to COVID. One of the things we’ve done is limit access to the ground for both home and away teams. The ground is relatively tight, and we wanted to make sure we limited the opportunity for people to be impacted by or to catch COVID...

'We’re one of a very few clubs in the league that hasn’t had a COVID incident or a single positive test within our playing or coaching squad... We’ve applied the same rules to everyone.... Some of the bigger clubs want to bring more people with them, but we’ve limited clubs to 32 staff, players and coaching staff throughout the season. It’s been safe. Our changing facilities are limited, and we wanted to provide people with an opportunity to work in a safe environment...

'We haven’t let any external journalists in other than the Maidenhead Advertiser and we haven’t had any external radio in, and there was no reason to do it differently now... That’s how we’ve done things, and our approach has been reflected in the limited impact COVID has had on us directly as a club. You can look at other clubs, including Notts County, and see that COVID has impacted them and their season'".

MIND THE GAP!

Should Alty win that game they will not be able to finish the season lower than 18th and even that would be less likely than finishing seventeenth or higher as, to overtake them and take seventeenth place, Weymouth would then have to win all three of their remaining games and Alty lose all three of theirs.

There is currently one bigger points gap in the division, fifth-placed Notts County are seven points behind fourth-placed Hartlepool United but The Magpies have a game in hand. And looking down, Notts County have only a single point advantage over Chesterfield.

Altrincham's maximum points haul is currently 54 which, if achieved, should lift them several places or more up the table.

NEXT: WEYMOUTH

Commentary will be provided from Ben Ashelford and John Waldock, with the stream starting approximately 20 minutes before kick-off.

The price for this weekend’s stream is £10 and is available here.

On Tuesday, The Terras lost their third successive game. Weymouth report that "Solihull Moors came from a goal down to win 2-1 ..

Josh McQuoid got the Terras off to a flying start early on, giving his side the lead in the 9th minute. Andy Dallas travelled into the area before laying the ball off to Sean Shields who controlled the ball before letting a shot rip with his left boot across the face of goal. The shot was wayward but McQuoid tapped it in from close range...

Set pieces were looking a threat for Weymouth...

Solihull Moors were gifted an equaliser in the 30th minute. The Terras were playing the ball around the back line towards Ethan Ross. The goalkeeper attempted to alleviate the danger but his clearance was closed down by Kyle Hudlin. The 20 year-old striker backed into Ross, colliding with the goalkeeper and leaving him on the ground. Hudlin got up to tap the ball into the net. Terras players were claiming for a foul on their keeper but the goal was given.

Right: Altrincham take to the field when they last played a league match at Weymouth in 2008.

With that, the game turned on its head and, now, the Moors looked like the side on the front foot... Weymouth were lucky to go into half time level...

The momentum was with the home side and... Solihull completed the comeback in the 63rd minute, snatching the lead. Cranston crossed the ball... The ball was met by Adam Rooney at the back post. The header bounced down before hitting Ross and deflecting off the inside of the left post before going in...

The Terras will look to bounce back against Altrincham on Saturday afternoon.

Terras: Ross, Camp, McCarthy, McQuoid, Leslie-Smith (Worman 74), Robinson (Murray 88), Brooks (Fonkeu 74), Dallas, Mensah, Harfield, Shields. Subs not used: Benfield, Ngalo.

After the game, the Dorset Echo tells us that manager "Brian Stock felt victory at Solihull Moors slipped through Weymouth’s hands...

Stock refused to point blame at Ross as the game appeared to hinge on Solihull’s equaliser. He said... 'We’ve gone in at 1-1 and Ethan knows he’s made a mistake. He’s kept us in games this year and made some fantastic saves. I would never point fingers at a goalkeeper for an error because he’s trying to take responsibility to play out.

'It’s disappointing because we had the ascendancy, with and without possession. We were excellent... The emphasis was to try and take the game to Solihull. They’ve got a fantastic home record but they are slow starters. We came out of the blocks all guns blazing. Our regains in their half was the highest we’ve had in 45 minutes so far this season, which shows the intensity....

'We could’ve played better balls further forward and have forward runs. We couldn’t really get out of our half. That was frustrating... But for me, the result slipped through our hands. The one thing I ask is that you work hard and they ticked those boxes.'"

For that match, the Dorset Echo adds that for the game, "Cambridge United loanee Ben Worman dropped to the bench, with defender Josh Leslie-Smith coming in.

Centre-back Ben Morgan (hamstring) and striker Ben Thomson (groin) missed out with injury... Weymouth tried to build up a head of steam in their quest for an equaliser but looked slightly lethargic...

Weymouth stayed 18th despite a 22nd league loss of the season".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Two damaging defeats to Bromley and Maidenhead United in the last week have left them eight points behind league leaders Sutton United... Challinor accepts that he'll still need to rely on few favours to finish in the top three, which would ensure one less game in the play-offs...

'We're now at a point where we need help... We're hoping that Torquay United beat Stockport to give ourselves the chance of getting third spot. The maximum amount of points we can get now is 79, the reality is that's never going to be enough to finish in the top two, so from our perspective it's looking like 3rd or 4th...

'Beyond that, for us it's about... bouncing back from the previous two results we've had and get back to winning ways.'

This is the first season out of four in the National League, since their relegation from League Two in the 2016/17 season, where Pools have mounted a serious promotion push. Mistakes during the Maidenhead United defeat last weekend proved to be costly...

'Those were mistakes that they've probably not made since they were playing junior football... We've gone back to... looking at our defensive stuff in terms of covering positions and working as a unit'...

Top scorer Luke Armstrong will be available for their trip to the EBB Stadium... after missing the defeat to Maidenhead United.

Armstrong is now joint top scorer alongside Rhys Oates with 12 goals... 'When we travel away on a Friday, we tend to change the week. Train on Wednesday, we'll have the Thursday off and then train and travel on the Friday. It gives the players a longer break...

'We'll train on the way down and hopefully, we'll go there and pick up three points'".

In the Halifax Courier, "'We’re going to do this run-in our way', that is the message from Town boss Pete Wild ahead of their pivotal clash at form side Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.

Town go into the game on the back of a disappointing home defeat to Boreham Wood... The Shaymen are only in the top seven on goal difference, but Wrexham can overtake them if they win their game in hand.

Dagenham have won six of their last seven matches... 'I wish the game was tomorrow, I’m dead excited about it,' Wild said. 'Tuesday morning was the first time in three months I’ve had a Tuesday session, and had the chance to do some tactical work on what we’re about, because we’ve just been reacting to games.

'So what’s great this week is we’ll have had the time to get back to our style of play, address stuff that maybe we’ve not had time to address over the last three months, and I came away really excited about the weekend'...

Wild says Dagenham’s excellent form is not a huge factor going into the game. 'I don’t think it matters, I think you saw that on Saturday. Boreham Wood had nothing to play for but I thought they gave an excellent display, and I’m sure Daryl (McMahon, Dagenham manager) will have his players ready to do the same,' Wild said..

Wild said 'I want to see Halifax back, I want to see us. I said to the players this week "we’re going to do this run-in our way and we’re going to play the way we play". If teams try to stop us, like they (Boreham Wood) did on Saturday, stop us from being us, then we have to be better, find a better way of being us. So we’re going to do it our way...

'It’s everything we’ve been all season, free-flowing football, moving the ball through the thirds, looking to hurt teams with our quick play, and when we get in the final third, being ruthless. Out of possession, being solid, compact, tough to break down, everything we were against Stockport and Yeovil, we were excellent in both those games. We just didn’t show that on Saturday...

'I don’t think people should deter [sic] from the fact of how well the team has done this season... We’ve had a great season so far and we’re desperate to finish it off... All I’m bothered about is, in the last three games, us playing the way that we play. Everything else will take care of itself.

'If we don’t play they way we play, we won’t be in the play-offs. If we do, we have a chance. But in terms of who’s going to be in it, how tight is it, I couldn’t care less.'

Midfielder Jack Earing is a doubt after going off injured against Boreham Wood, while Danny Williams is suspended for all Town’s last three league games after receiving his third red card of the season against Boreham Wood.

Huddersfield loanee Micah Obiero remains unavailable through injury, but defender Tom Bradbury is back in contention after missing last Saturday’s game through injury".

King's Lynn Town "returned from play-off contenders Chesterfield with a 4-1 defeat, however like in many recent games they did cause their opponents some concerns and saw plenty of the ball.

Lynn were boosted by the return of Ryan Jarvis from furlough, who took his place in midfield. Lynn again went with 3 centre backs with Tai Fleming coming in for Elkan Baggott who is on FA Youth Cup duty with Ipswich Town today. Former Lynn striker Kairo Mitchell was named on the Chesterfield bench...

It was the hosts who took the lead on 28 minutes... Lynn hit back almost immediately, when a McCourt mistake allowed Carey to run towards goal slotting the ball past Montgomery.

Chesterfield then hit back quickly to retake the lead... The flurry of goals stopped there, but Lynn were seeing plenty of the ball...

Lynn were forced into a change at half-time with Jarvis being replaced by Alfie Payne. Lynn’s hopes for a good start to the half were in tatters within 2 minutes. A corner was headed back into the area by Maguire finding Yarney who reacted quickest to prod the ball past Richardson.

On 54 minutes, Chesterfield scored their fourth. Danny Rowe's free kick from 30 yards going through the Lynn wall and flying past Richardson... With the weather turning bad the referee blew on 90 minutes with no injury time played. Yet again Lynn played their passing game and saw plenty of the ball but Chesterfield were the more clinical".

The Maidenhead Advertiser tells us that manager "Alan Devonshire was sent to the dressing room and told not to return for his heated comments made towards the referee in Maidenhead United’s 4-0 defeat against Notts County on Tuesday evening.

Having seen Josh Coley and skipper Alan Massey pick up respective bookings on the stroke of half-time, with the Magpies already a goal down courtesy of Jim O’Brien, boss Devonshire saw red for his complaints to referee James Durkin as they walked off the pitch.

The match took another twist when goalkeeper Rhys Lovett was forced to come off through injury five minutes after the break and midfielder James Comley was thrown the gloves to stand in for the 23 year-old stopper.

The Magpies attacked well and wholeheartedly guarded their makeshift ‘keeper for the best part of 15 minutes before their visitors broke through the black and white defence with O’Brien slotting away his second of the game.

The flood gates were well and truly open now and on the 75th minute, County were presented the chance to put the game beyond doubt from the penalty spot after Kyle Wootton was cynically dragged down.

Up stepped O’Brien who smashed away the spot kick to complete his hat-trick... Maidenhead’s attacks were futile and, lacking a significant target man...

County had their fourth goal through a quick counter-attack concluding with Ruben Rodrigues sliding a low shot under the onrushing Comley.

Had Devonshire been in the dug-out after the interval, the game’s complexion might have been a lot different. But for criticising the officiating in the manner the Magpies' boss did, the primary shade of the match come full-time, was notably red".

The Barnet & Potters Bar Times informs us that "Barnet manager Simon Bassey has said there were no positives to take from the weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Notts County and that he wants to see his team competing with those at the top of the table, not the ones at the bottom.

County moved themselves back into the National League play-off places with a commanding 4-1 win over the Bees in which Bassey claims his players threw the game away shortly before half time.

The scoring did not begin until the last knockings of the first half, when the home defence were unable to get a last-gasp corner clear and invited defender Mark Ellis to nick the lead.

A second followed within a minute of the restart, with Ruben Rodrigues on hand with a neat finish and creator Calvin Miller also involved in Ben Richards-Everton’s own goal.

Substitutes Enzio Boldewijn and Michael Petrasso traded goals in the closing minutes...

Asked if there were any positives... Bassey told the Barnet website 'No. Not really... We’re low on numbers and we’ve got to refresh them the best we can... This is stuff that’s happening far too often and you work on it, but you know people need to help by doing their jobs and we never done [sic] that today.

'We gave ourself a mountain to climb and then with a second goal a minute after half time is suicide... I don’t want to be a bottom of the league manager. I didn’t come here to be third bottom in the Conference and have an open-top bus, and I want to get out this league; this club wants to get [out of] this league...

'It’ll be a good test to see if these players can play at a level required. Today we never [did]. We’ve got outrun, outfought, outpassed, everything'".

The Nottingham Post reports that "Ian Burchnall hailed an 'unbelievable' battling performance by Notts County as the Magpies romped to a 4-0 victory over Maidenhead...

Midfielder Jim O'Brien stole the headlines as the Scotsman smashed in a hat-trick at York Road before Ruben Rodrigues continued his terrific form by scoring his fifth goal in four games.

The result lifted dominant Notts up to fifth in the National League table as they made it three wins on the spin...

'The nature of the performance from start to finish was outstanding,' Birchnall said. 'It is not an easy place to come. It's a very difficult pitch to play on and we really battled... But I thought the intensity with which we played, even at 4-0 [?was good], we were pressing, closing down and going for five. I just thought that we had a real intensity from start to finish.'

Burchnall was full of praise for goalscorer O'Brien who scored the first hat-trick of his career... And he revealed how Rodrigues stepped aside to allow the Scot to take a penalty to complete his treble...

'We knew that they might do some man-marking at the back and they follow a lot of players. Third man runs would be important and Jim makes those runs so well. He opened them up...

'For the penalty, I think it just shows kind of where we're at as a team when Ruben's quite happy to give it over to Jim when he usually takes them... It shows a little bit of team unity in there as well, which is great.'

Burchnall also revealed that Maidenhead goalkeeper Reece Lovett had to be taken to hospital after he was forced off early on in the second half. The goalkeeper collided with the post when making a save from Rodrigues in the opening 45 minutes and never really recovered.

With no sub goalkeeper on the bench, midfielder James Comley had to replace him. "

Dropped points may cost them dear but Stockport County remain upbeat claiming that "The Hatters further cemented their hold on third place in the National League, and extended their unbeaten run to 15 games, but ended up sharing the points at Edgeley Park in a rearranged contest with in-form play-off hopefuls Dagenham & Redbridge.

Paddy Madden’s seventh County goal gave them a short-lived lead, before the visitors equalised just ahead of half-time to secure the draw.

County took to the field on a overcast, showery May evening showing three changes from the original line-up in SK3 against Wealdstone eight days previously with Elliot Newby, Ryan Rydel (who was handed his first start as a Hatter) and Macauley Southam-Hales replacing Sam Minihan, Alex Reid and the injured Tom Walker...

With 11 minutes remaining before the break, the Hatters countered to take the lead, with Madden converting Newby’s low cross from the right.

The advantage lasted fewer than 10 minutes, however, as the Daggers, following their fifth corner of the evening (and their first from the left), drew level, courtesy of McCallum, who rose unmarked to head home Wright’s in-swinging delivery...

Leading scorer Alex Reid was introduced upon the resumption, replacing Madden who had picked up a knock towards the end of the first half".

NEXT OPPONENTS: WEYMOUTH

The match streaming service can be acquired for £10 here

After New Year 2021, Weymouth's form had generally improved as the club transitioned towards a hybrid model mixing full- and part-time players.

Their home form was particularly good in February and March. Indeed, from 6 February to 2 April they went unbeaten in their five home games, beating Bromley and drawing with Solihull Moors, before wins over Stockport County, Wealdstone and Maidenhead United. However, that winning sequence was ended by a 0-3 home defeat by Aldershot Town, followed by a home loss, 0-2, to bottom club Barnet and on Tuesday night a 2-1 defeat at Solihull.

So, the Terras now go into the game without a win in three games, as Alty seek to end their own six-match run without a victory.

A forgotten link between Weymouth and the Altrincham area is revived by the Dorset Echo in a nostalgic story on their website this week.

Many residents of Trafford will remember athlete Darren Campbell, who was brought up on the Racecourse Estate in Sale

Darren won many accolades as a sprinter including being the 1998 European Champion in the 100 metres, a silver in the 200 metres in the Sydney Olympics (2000). He was also a very successful relay runner for GB, winning the European Cup in 1999 and 2000. The relay team won a gold medal at the 2002 Commonwealth Games as well as at the 2004 Olympics.

After retiring he has worked as a sprinting coach with Premier League football clubs.

The article in the Dorset Echo reminds us that "Campbell played for Weymouth during the 1995/96 season... Yet the Sale-born athlete’s success on the track only came about after calling it quits on the pitch.

In the 1995/96 season, Campbell turned out 27 times for the Terras as a striker, scoring four goals, and was highly sought after for his electric pace combined with a tireless work rate.

Campbell had turned to football aged 21 following an initial journey into athletics that was plagued by injuries. A move to south Wales and Cwmbran Town followed...

'I ended up going on trial at Millwall and Plymouth Argyle... Whilst I was waiting, there was an opportunity to go to Weymouth, so I went and met the chairman (Matthew McGowan). They offered me decent money, more than I was earning at the time because I was working at an insurance company. I decided to move to Weymouth.'...

He stayed in McGowan’s hotel on the seafront... He would be waited on by another future household name, comedian Alan Carr, son of Weymouth’s boss Graham.... '(Alan Carr) was doing table service in the restaurant, so that was crazy. Look what he’s gone on to achieve....

'I signed for Weymouth on the Wednesday,' Campbell said. 'Then on the Thursday I had a phone call... from Plymouth [Neil Warnock] offering me a two-year contract'...

[But] Campbell settled in at Weymouth for a spell he enjoyed immensely including developing a taste for post-match drinks.... 'I always remember getting on the team bus after games and all the lads having beers. I never drank beer... but in the end they managed to get me drinking beer!... I really loved my time there'...

The future Olympian also competed at Wembley, winning £600 in a sprint race to discover the fastest non-League player".

MIDWEEK RESULTS

• Aldershot Town 2-0 Yeovil Town (7pm)
• Chesterfield 4-1 King's Lynn Town
• Maidenhead United 0-4 Notts County
• Solihull Moors 2-1 Weymouth (7pm)
• Stockport County 1-1 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Sutton United 3-2 Woking (8pm)
• Wealdstone 0-1 Bromley

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

After going 16 matches unbeaten in the National League, Pools were beaten 1-0 at Bromley then lost 4-2 at home to Maidenhead United.. and Challinor is backing his players to turn things around with a consistent side.

'It’s tough because you’ve got to assess that the run we’ve had has been with a largely pretty consistent team,' he said. 'It’s easy to be knee jerk and you’ve got to look back and go, we’ve gone unbeaten in 16 games with a pretty consistent team. Those players don’t become poor players and you don’t rotate everything and make it a revolving door based on one game...

'We were forced into changes and those changes resulted in us not getting a win.'

Pools are expected to have both Gary Liddle and Luke Armstrong back available for the trip to the EBB Stadium this weekend.

'This weekend, the players who were out last week come back into consideration,' Challinor added. 'I don’t think it’ll be stupid to say they’ll come back into the team and start. It’s not worked the past two games but we’ll look to make it work this weekend.'”

The Football League World reports that "Queens Park Rangers have confirmed the signing of Yeovil Town striker Alfie Lloyd.

The promising 18 year-old arrives at the Kiyan Prince Foundation Stadium off the back of making his professional debut for the Glovers last November... and will now join up with the West London side’s under-23s.

A centre forward by trade, Lloyd rose through the ranks of the National League club’s academy and has gone on to make quite the impression at first team level...

The striker has signed a three year deal in W12 and was signed for an undisclosed fee by the R’s."

Speaking to the Yeovil Town website, Lloyd said "I have enjoyed every minute of my time at Yeovil, especially the last year working with Darren Sarll and Terry Skiverton.

“It was a great opportunity to work with someone like Darren who has a great reputation for developing young players and I was able to experience that first-hand, Terry had valuable advice and experience of what it was like to play at the highest level".

According to the Leader Live, "It's not often that Shaun Pearson isn't involved in the end of season play-offs and the Wrexham skipper wants to keep it that way.

The 32 year-old was used to battling it out for promotion with previous club Grimsby Town and he helped the Mariners return to the Football League... Since signing for Wrexham in the summer of 2017, Pearson has only once been part of a Reds' side that has extended the season; the Reds were beaten 1-0 by Eastleigh in the eliminator tie two years ago.

But Dean Keates's side are currently sixth in the National League with four games to go...

'This is my ninth campaign at this level and if we get in there, that will be six play-off campaigns,' said Pearson. 'I am used to being up at the top end... And once you are in there it is anybody's ball-game'...

Pearson is just focussed on the Reds, unbeaten in six games, continuing their challenge with victory at Boreham Wood on Saturday".

From the Maidenhead Advertiser we learn that "Sam Barratt says he will be ‘chasing down’ teammate Danilo Orsi-Dadomo to the end of the campaign in order to be crowned Maidenhead United’s top goalscorer.

Following his sublime hat-trick against Hartlepool on Saturday, Barratt has hauled his tally to 15 goals in the National League this season, while Orsi-Dadomo remains in pole position for the club’s golden boot with 17 before Tuesday night’s clash against Notts County...

'It’s always really good to have friendly competition within the team and I think it pushes you on when your teammates are right behind you,' said Barratt. 'Danilo (Orsi-Dadomo) has been class all year and he’s been brilliant in front of goal. I’m definitely going to be chasing him down until the end of the year, knowing I’m only two goals behind him.

'After the Hartlepool match, he showed me a stat that said we’re the highest scoring duo in the league'...

Barratt added 'I definitely feel we still have a chance of reaching the play-offs'".

NEXT: WEYMOUTH

Right: On 18 October 2008, Robbie Lawton felt the weight of the opposition at Weymouth, as Chris Senior and Anthony Danylyk waited for the outcome. Alty lost that game 2-0 but won the return fixture 4-0 as the Dorset side headed for relegation.

And another bit of symmmtery is that Alty's first ever game at national league level, in 1979, was away at Weymouth. So, after Saturday, both their earliest and latest away fixtures at national league level will have been at Weymouth.

The 2020-21 season has been Altrincham's fifth spell at the national level of football and it has been Weymouth's third such spell.

For Alty this season has been the first in top-flight non-League football since 2015-16 season whereas, for Weymouth, their last season at this level previously was 2008-09 when they were relegated amidst financial turmoil.

Since then, the Terras have risen two divisions in as many seasons but that success cost them their manager Mark Molesley, who moved up to manage at EFL level at troubled Southend United in summer 2020, only to be relieved of his duties as the Shrimpers headed for relegation and a place alongside Alty and Weymouth next season in the National League.

EASTLEIGH GAME AND SPECTATORS

In that connection, Altrincham FC co-chairmen, Bill Waterson and Lawrence Looney, write that "We have marked out The FootyAccumulators.com Stand and the Smart Storage Family Stand with socially distanced seating, we have calculated the potential standing capacity in line with the SGSA guidelines and we have ordered additional portable toilets.

We are now waiting for clarification from Trafford Council as to what our capacity would be. We will be allowed a minimum of approximately 250 seated supporters, but there is no decision on standing fans. Discussions will continue with Trafford BC, the DCMS and the SGSA this week.

If standing supporters are confirmed, then we will be allowed a capacity of 1202 for the last two scheduled home games of this season against Yeovil Town on Saturday 22nd May and Torquay United on Saturday 29th May. It is also possible that for the yet to be rescheduled Eastleigh game, postponed on Saturday, we will be able to admit spectators.

We will be putting in place a rigorous ticket selling policy, not least because we need to make sure we know who is attending each game. The first and most important factor is that we will only be admitting home fans to the games... we will only be selling tickets in advance.

But before we can start selling tickets, we need to receive confirmation that we will be allowed standing spectators. We expect a decision on this from Trafford Council in the coming days".

Altrincham's last three home games are

• Sat.22.5.21 v YEOVIL TOWN 3pm
• Tue.25.5.21 v EASTLEIGH 7pm
• Sat.29.5.21 v TORQUAY UNITED 12.30pm

WATCHING FOOTBALL

'The National League can confirm plans are ongoing for the anticipated return of spectators at Vanarama National League matches from Monday 17th May. Subject to the Government easing lockdown restrictions in England, clubs will be issuing details on their media channels for the remaining games of the 2020/21 campaign in due course...

Clubs have been requested to submit an Operational Plan to The National League for approval. Permission must also be sought from their Local Authority.

Stadium capacities have been calculated using methodology provided by the Sports Grounds Safety Authority (SGSA) to ensure social distancing is in place.

Through consultation with its members, The National League has determined only home supporters will be able to attend league matches from May 17th and each of the play-off eliminators and semi-finals...

The National League looks forward to welcoming supporters back to matches from May 17th'.

Ticket information for our last two games of the season, at home to Yeovil Town and Torquay United, will be released as soon as possible'".

ALTY OLD BOYS

22 year-old Owen is a winger who joined Altrincham on a month's loan and made his debut at Darlington on 25 August 2018. He had previously played against Altrincham whilst on loan at Witton Albion in 2017.

Owen made his Crewe first-team league debut in September 2017. He proved to be a good addition to the Altrincham side and his loan was renewed for a further period in September 2018. Sadly, Crewe took him back at the end of November 2018 after he had made 13(+3) appearances and scored 3 goals.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Spireites are eighth in the National League and just one point off the play-offs with four games to go.

Fraser Kerr went off with an ankle injury in the first-half of the win against Woking and fellow defender Gavin Gunning was struggling with his groin towards the end.

'There are quite a few players who are touch and go for tomorrow evening'... [manager] Rowe said.. 'We don’t want to risk players for the rest of the season'.

Kerr was seen wearing a protective boot after the game and is having a scan today... Rowe explained, 'It was a full-blooded tackle and that is what I want from my players... but unfortunately he has come out the wrong end of it and had to come off'.

On Gunning, Rowe added 'We are hoping he will train today with a view to tomorrow'...

The Blues... might be forced to finish the season with a makeshift back line...

Rowe said, 'We have got a strong squad here and whoever gets the opportunity tomorrow needs to take it'...

King’s Lynn have not won any of their last nine matches but Rowe... added 'I am sure they are building towards next season so they are going to come here and have a right go... We need to put our home form right.'”

Meanwhile, the Maidenhead Advertiser tells us that "Ryan Peters expected Maidenhead United to give Hartlepool United a good game on Saturday, but to win the match in such thrilling fashion, with a hat-trick from Sam Barratt after the side had been reduced to 10 men, went way beyond those expectations.

United led 2-1 at the break... but they’d also been reduced to 10 men after Ryheem Sheckleford was given his marching orders for a challenge minutes before the interval.

Rhys Oates...had given Pools a lifeline and, with the extra man they must have fancied their chances of turning the game around in the second half. Instead, they were sunk by a couple of marvellous goals by Barratt, carbon-copy strikes which arrowed into the bottom corner from well outside the area...

Peters told Maidenhead’s media officer Grace Scott 'I expected us to give it a go and I expected us to win the game. But win it in the manner we did? Probably not. I rarely speak about the officials, but they weren’t great today. To have them not on our side and to still come away with a victory, it’s really pleasing.

'I’m really pleased for Sammy (Barratt). He’s had a torrid time with injury over the past few years so to come back to his home, and score as many goals as he has, it’s been great...

'It’s a really good Hartlepool side and they play good, flowing, football, but so do we, even with 10-men...

Hartlepool hadn’t lost at Victoria Park for more than five months... However, the Magpies were good value for their victory which keeps alive their own slim hopes of finishing in the top seven. They also did it after travelling up to the North East on the day of the game...

Said Peters 'We left really early. It’s probably not what Hartlepool did when they came to play at ours, but that’s where we are at this moment in time... Now we’ve got Notts County on Tuesday and we’ll look to do the same to them.'”

In the Hartlepool Mail, "Dave Challinor addresses Hartlepool United's 'big miss' from Saturday's defeat to Maidenhead United. Hartlepool United’s 4-2 defeat at home to Maidenhead United on Saturday further highlighted the importance of one particular player, Gary Liddle.

In Liddle’s absence due to suspension, Pools suffered their first defeat at Victoria Park in 2021 against the 10-man Magpies.

As clinical as Maidenhead were, Hartlepool continually struggled with long balls forward into the box and looked a far stretch from the side who had previously won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 at home.

The 7-2 win at Wealdstone remains the only game Pools have conceded more than one goal in this season with Liddle in the side. His sending off in Monday’s 1-0 defeat at Bromley is also the only match the side have lost in which the defender has featured in this season...

'You’d be stupid to say he wasn’t a big miss because of the result we’ve got,' Dave Challinor told The Mail. 'What it did do is show that the mistakes we made are compounded with Lidds not being in the team with his experience at the back.

'Do I think we would have conceded those goals with Lidds on the pitch? Absolutely not, because he’s an organiser, not a loud one, but he’s a calming influence and on this occasion our two centre-backs weren’t good enough. They weren’t at the races and all of the goals have come down the middle but they’ll take it on the chin and be better for it.'”

Liddle is back available for Saturday’s trip to Aldershot Town".

Confirmation comes from Devon Live that "Torquay United's game against Stockport County next weekend has been moved from Saturday to Sunday so that the game can be featured on BT Sport...

Torquay, who have three games left, are now two points clear at the top of the National League but with Sutton having a game in hand.

'I am disappointed we didn’t come away with the three points,' said Gary Johnson. 'I felt we had enough good opportunities... Bromley came here with a game plan that they saw through; they were taking their time over lots of things from early on but we have got to be better than that'...

There were a couple of changes from the team that beat Chesterfield on Monday with loan striker Scott Boden, who couldn’t play against his parent team, back in for Sunderland loan player Kimpioka, alongside Billy Waters up front. Joe Lewis was back after his injury with Gary Warren dropping out after dislocating a finger in the last game...

The conditions weren’t great; as well as the wind, the pitch was noticeably wet and fast because of a day of on-and-off rain.

Torquay really put some good pressure on the visitors in the last 15 minutes but couldn’t do enough to score an all-important goal...

The game against Stockport next Sunday will kick off at 12.15pm".

HOME (DIS)COMFORTS

Altrincham's record is a case in point as, so far this season, the club has won just five of its 18 home league games and gained 19 points, with PPG of 1.05, whilst its away record exhibits six wins and a PPG of 1.15.

Historically, Alty's worst record in the Conference as regards home wins has been five victories in a season and their lowest tally of home goals was 21 (1993). This season they have three more home matches to beat both of those figures, having won five home matches and netted twenty home goals so far this season.

NEXT: WEYMOUTH

And Weymouth report that "The Terras suffered defeat in London on Saturday afternoon losing 2-0 to promotion chasing Sutton United.

The Yellows were pressing for a goal from the get-go, and they took the lead in the 14th minute. Beautyman put the ball into the area and Eastmond headed the chance in...

Weymouth got the ball down the pitch with haste at the beginning of the second half. A long ball from Ethan Ross drifted out to Josh McQuoid on the right. The Terras played the ball around well but were dispossessed and almost punished on the counter attack.

Sutton made it 2 in the 50th minute... Sutton thought they had scored a third soon after... but the pass was offside.

Stock changed things in the game, bringing on Pierre Fonkeu and Ben Thomson for McQuoid and Andy Dallas, but still they couldn’t break. Jake McCarthy had a chance at the death but...with that the game finished, the Terras second consecutive 2-0 defeat. They next travel north to Solihull Moors on Tuesday night.

Terras: Ross, Camp, McCarthy, McQuoid (Thomson 64), Robinson, Brooks, Dallas (Fonkeu 63), Mensah (Leslie-Smith 52), Harfield, Worman, Shields. Subs not used: Dickson, Murray".

Just six of the Weymouth starting line-up also started the eraly season reverse fixture against Altrincham.

JAMES DEAN R.I.P.

Above: Alty celebrate their first goal against Salisbury City in 2007, a thirty yarder from James Dean (no.20).

The ex-Halifax Town, [Altrincham] and Chorley hero, 35, was last seen in Oswaldtwistle near Blackburn, Lancs, at around midnight on Wednesday.

An extensive search was launched and he was found in the Moscow Mill Street area around 2.25pm today. Former footballer James Dean, 35, vanished on Wednesday sparking a search by police and members of the community...

The 6'3' striker started his career at Great Harwood Town before a move to Bury in 2007. During his time at the club, Dean made four Football League appearances".

As reported yesterday, James made 3 appearances for Altrincham in 2007 during a month's loan from Bury. He made his Alty debut on 13 October 2007 at Salisbury City and scored a superb 30-yard goal in that game..

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The boss wants to see more character despite knowing his squad are running on empty due to a number of players being placed on furlough.

'We’ve been here before, we’ve said it, if you’re not prepared to stay with your runners, work hard and give everything first and foremost for yourself and your family then your team-mates you’re just cheating them and yourself,' Maynard admitted.

'In the first-half we had too many players that weren’t prepared to roll their sleeves up and dig deep. That’s what happens at this level, if you’re not prepared to run hard against your man, that’s what happens.

'We were 4-0 down, but it could have been six or seven, and we probably deserved to be six or seven down with the way we played and performed. The lack of desire and commitment first-half; we will look at the positives and in the second-half the lads came out and they’ve given everything.

'It shows if you do run and be committed then tactics and shape go out the window when you’re not prepared to work hard. We worked on things, but none of it happened in the first-half, we had to change it tactically and ended up going man for man which we shouldn’t have to do...

'We’ve got a soft under belly at the moment, once one goes in then it’s two or three or even four, but that’s when you learn about the characters in the group. You need characters that are prepared to roll their sleeves up, dig out other people on the pitch, and make them dig deep for you'...

Wealdstone made three substitution before the second-half was underway and it could have been more.

'I could have pretty much subbed everyone, no doubt. Massive plus was Danny Parish, he rolled his sleeves up, and when he works hard like that for us and gives everything then he can be a top player. We said to him after if you work hard like that every week, then you’ll play.'”

"Chesterfield got their play-off hopes back on track by putting four past struggling Woking" reports Liam Norcliffe in the Derbyshire Times.

Goals from Gavin Gunning, Marcus Dinanga, George Carline and Jack Clarke secured the points at the Kingfield Stadium on Saturday.

With the Spireites two-nil up, the hosts halved the deficit when Charlie Cooper scored from the spot but Town added two more strikes to boost their top seven ambitions.

There were some interesting comments from James Rowe after the game about the importance of Chesterfield not forgetting their identity and their playing style. Most people would say it is the results that matter at this time of the season but the manager is a perfectionist and it is probably fair to say he was not exactly thrilled by this performance...

The Spireites have probably played better than this in recent weeks and lost but the four goals is a big plus.

Since Rowe took over in November scoring from set-plays has been the one area of improvement that many fans have been calling for so they will have been delighted to see all three goals in the first-half coming from Tom Whelan corners...

The injuries are mounting up and unfortunately there was another one here as Fraser Kerr hobbled off with an ankle problem in the first-half. He was wearing a protective boot afterwards and Rowe said it didn’t ‘look great’... After he went off, Town played with a makeshift back four including central midfielder Jak McCourt at right-back. It is a patched-up defence right now and it will be for the rest of the season...

Rowe rang the changes for this one, including taking another look at goalkeeper James Montgomery, as he did last month against Halifax. The boss said the decision to start the stopper was ‘tactical’ and the 27 year-old made some good saves in the second-half. But the biggest eyebrow-raiser came at the other end with striker Dinanga making his first start for more than two months... He marked his return with his first goal for Chesterfield".

The Maidenhead Advertiser reports how "Sam Barratt netted a hat-trick as 10-man Maidenhead United handed Hartlepool United their first defeat in over five months at Victoria Park.

United produced one of their best away performances of the season, and took another scalp of a promotion contender, despite playing for more than half the game with only 10 men after Ryheem Sheckleford was shown a straight red card in the 42nd minute.

By that stage United already led 2-1 thanks to goals from Danilo Orsi-Dadomo, who calmly stroked the visitors ahead, and Barratt...

Having gone three matches without a goal Orsi-Dadomo stroked home the Magpies' opener in the 15th minute... Oates brought the sides level shortly before the half-hour mark, dancing through some flimsy Maidenhead tackles before planting the ball past Lovett...

Barratt finished off a sweeping move from the visitors to make it 2-1. Sheckleford received his marching orders in the 42nd minute but United survived through to the break with their lead intact.

Maidenhead must have thought they'd have to withstand a second half barrage of pressure from Pools, but instead a quick-fire double from Barratt tipped the scales firmly in their favour.

He gave the visitors some breathing space in the 47th minute... Barratt then completed an impressive hat-trick in the 55th minute, picking out the bottom corner from distance...

Barratt was withdrawn late on for Alfie Egan, as was United's other goalscorer, Orsi-Dadomo, for Josh Kelly, and, despite conceding again in the 86th minute, when Danny Elliot found the net for the hosts, United held on comfortably to seal their first win in four matches".

NEXT: WEYMOUTH

Morgan, 22, joined for a small undisclosed fee from Gloucester City in April. Morgan played his third game in six days against Barnet on Monday and suffered a suspected torn hamstring...

And Terras’ manager Brian Stock admitted... 'Ben’s got a very nasty injury, it looks like he’s torn his hamstring. That can only [be] one thing: fatigue. It’s tough because you don’t have that contact time with the players.

'You can offer lots of recovery procedures with massage and ice baths, but the onus is on the players to look after themselves... Ben’s come in and played three games in six days and it looks like it was one too many.'

Stock added '’ll be surprised if he plays again this season, he’s in a lot of discomfort'... Josh Leslie-Smith, Brennan Camp or midfielder Jake McCarthy could fill in at centre-half for Morgan".

On Saturday, Weymouth lost 2-0 at Sutton United. In that match theBBC reports that Sutton kept up the pressure at the top of the National League with a 2-0 win over Weymouth at Gander Green Lane.

The hosts took the lead in the 14th minute through a header from midfielder Craig Eastmond, with Harry Beautyman then putting another chance wide in blustery conditions.

Donovan Wilson added a fine second goal six minutes after the restart when he turned in the penalty area to fire past Terras keeper Ethan Ross".

ALTY OLD BOY

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Femi Ilesanmi's superb second-half strike settled the game and handed a deserved win to the visitors, before Danny Williams was sent-off for Town.

'They had the better chances and it was only a matter of time before they scored one,' admitted Wild. 'We looked really nervous first-half, we didn't play well. We started both halves well, and had a wobble when we didn't score and, ultimately that's cost us the game.

'But it wasn't good enough from all of us today. We played the game they wanted us to play, a bit like against Bromley. They forced us one way well, which we'd spoken about in training, they competed, every 50-50 they won, they came away with the ball, we didn't look after the ball well enough, we didn't get down the sides of them like we'd spoken about doing yesterday'...

Wild said, 'One of the characteristics of a Boreham Wood side is that they want it, they work hard, they graft, they're in your face, they won't give up, all the things we expected of them, they were today. And they were better at it than us.'

Halifax failed to register a shot on target in the match... Wild said 'We looked like a team today that was just desperate to get the game out of the way, and hopefully get three points and get out of here...

'We tried to tactically change it, tried to move people around, tried to get some pace on late in the game,' he said. 'Everything we tried to do didn't work for us, which is frustrating. At half-time we spoke about shortening our game up, we were going too long, too early, and we just didn't do that...

'The club's had a phenomenal season, we're still capable of finishing the job off... It's the time of the year to remain together and push forward.'

Midfielder Jack Earing lasted only three minutes after coming off the bench before being forced off with a hamstring injury...

On Williams's dismissal, Wild said, 'Two needless yellow cards, frustrating, doesn't need to do it... We all seemed to want to be the hero in the final third, when there was a more sensible pass on...

'I think there were three or four lads below par today, but it's not a time for me to start pointing the finger at people, it's a time for us all to remain together... That's probably as low as I've felt for a long while today, with just how the game went....

'But I'm not beaten, I'm not done. I'll pick myself back up tomorrow'".

As for the match itself, the Halifax Courier tells us that "It all went wrong for Town in less than 10 second-half minutes when Femi Ilesanmi put the visitors in-front before Jack Earing went off injured and Danny Williams was sent-off.

But in truth, Town were second-best all afternoon, failing to impose themselves against a hungry, well-drilled opponent, and failing to register a shot on target all game...

Town were out-fought, out-battled and out-played... This defeat leaves them looking nervously over their shoulders again.

Jake Hyde and Jamie Allen both returned to start up-front for Town... As expected, Boreham Wood were resolute and physical, unspectacular but organised."

Another team suffering an unexpected home defeat were Hartlepool United who "suffered a 4-2 defeat to Maidenhead after a hat-trick from Sam Barratt and a goal from Danilo Orsi...

The opener came from a defensive mistake. Odusina misread the throw in and the ball rolled through the danger man Danilo Orsi. The 16-goal striker made no mistake, placing the ball beyond Ravas and into the bottom corner.

Orsi’s goal woke Pools up and chances for Molyneux and Saunders followed. Pools were back level not long after through Rhys Oates... the striker took on six Maidenhead defenders, twisting and turning past challenges before firing the ball past Lovett...

Orsi once again got in behind the Pools defence and after his chance was blocked by Odusina, Barrett managed to reach the ball first and slide it home.

The first half ended in controversy as Sterry avoided a booking for a late challenge, much to the disdain of Alan Devonshire in the Maidenhead dugout. On the counter-attack, Saunders looked to break through and was caught high by Ryheem Sheckleford who saw red after deliberation from the referee.

The second half started in the worst possible way for Pools as Barratt got his second...

Challinor rang the changes, bringing on Danny Elliott, Lewis Cass, and Luke Williams, but it wasn’t enough to slow down Maidenhead. Barratt struck from 30 yards out and the low shot found its way past Ravas for 4-1...

Danny Elliott did get his goal five minutes from time after a header gave Pools a bit of hope."

Wrexham "ran rampant in the first half at the Racecourse Ground as a trio of goals in the first half-hour put Yeovil Town to the sword.

Shaun Pearson, Luke Young and Jordan Davies all got on the scoresheet ...

The game began as it would continue, with Wrexham firmly on top. Eight minutes in Wrexham won a corner which was swung in by Young and was met by a firm header by Pearson, his first Wrexham goal in over two years...

On 19 minutes Wrexham doubled their advantage as Young rifled an effort on the edge of the box which... found the back of the net.

It was a lead that was extended further ten minutes later as Jordan Davies struck a sweet free-kick into the bottom corner to make it a rout early on.

Wrexham... were hit with injury trouble before the break, with Jay Harris forced off and replaced by Paul Rutherford.

Neither side could trouble the goalmouth at either end in the final 20 minutes, and Wrexham comfortably claimed the three points.".

Barnet "were beaten 4-1 by play-off hopefuls Notts County at the Hive.

It was a windy encounter and neither side looked to take too many risks in the opening stages of the match. However it was Notts County, a side still very much in the mix to finish in the play off places, who were having more of the ball and asking the most questions, but weren't really causing the Bees many problems...

Notts County may not have threatened the Bees goal too much in the half, but their last chance happened to be the most important with Mark Ellis turning the ball in from a corner, just before the referee blew his whistle for the break...

The second half started in just the same fashion as they doubled their lead within the first minute from the restart, with Ruben Rodrigues finishing neatly past Parkes into the bottom right hand corner.

Things got worse less than ten minutes later for the Bees as the visitors got a third goal with the ball being turned in by Ben Nugent into his own goal...

With just under five minutes to play of normal time, Notts County extended their lead even further with substitute Enzio Boldewijn cutting inside and curling an effort from outside the box into the back of the net.

Just before stoppage time was announced Michael Petrasso managed to grab his eighth goal of the season, in what was merely a consolation goal."

The Kilburn Times informs us that "It was a sixth consecutive victory for Dagenham & Redbridge as they thrashed strugglers Wealdstone 5-0...

Braces from Paul McCallum and Matt Robinson as well as a goal from Angelo Balanta sealed the points to move them to within five points off the play-off places at Grosvenor Vale.

Daggers boss Daryl McMahon named an unchanged side from the win over Woking on Bank Holiday Monday while the Stones saw both Dennon Lewis and Riley Harbottle return to the starting line-up for the clash.

It was a great start for the visitors as they opened the scoring in just the first minute when midfielder Saidou Khan played it inside down the left for Mauro Vilhete ... but his effort was denied by youngster Jake Askew but Angelo Balanta was there to fire home the rebound.

Three minutes later they doubled their lead as Matt Robinson and Balanta cut through the Stones defence and Robinson smashed an effort past Askew for his seventh of the campaign.

Khan tucked it into the bottom left corner from 20-yards in the 21st minute to make it 3-0. The former Leyton Orient striker grabbed his second of the match as he poked home a Joey Jones cross from close ranger with nine minutes left in the first-half...

Things got heated at half-time as there was a scuffle among the Stones players heading into the tunnel...

Dagenham made it 5-0 in the 90th minute as Robinson tucked home his second of the game".

TODAY'S GAME POSTPONED

The Spitfires had travelled up yesterday and now face a second trip to Altrincham on a midweek night later this month.

More than twenty fixtures affecting Altrincham this season have now been moved or voided owing to bad weather, Covid at one or other of the teams, furloughing (Dover Athletic), expulsion from the league (Macclesfield Town), fixture clash with FA Trophy (Torquay United), television company requirements or National League rescheduling. In addition several evening matches not shown below were moved to earlier evening times to facilitate away team travel.

1. Tue.13.10.20 H SOLIHULL MOORS 7.45pm Postponed owing to Covid-19
2. Sat.17.10.20 H BROMLEY 3pm Postponed owing to Covid-19
3. Sat.31.10.20 A Dover Athletic 3pm Match voided by League on 26.3.21 as Dover furloughed players
4. Wed. 11.11.20 H SOLIHULL MOORS 7.45pm 0-2 Postponed from Tue.13.10.20; moved to 10.11.20 and then to 11.11.20
5. Sat.5.12.20 H KING'S LYNN TOWN 3pm Postponed owing to waterlogged pitch
6. Tue.8.12.20 H WOKING 3pm Postponed owing to waterlogged pitch
7. Sat.9.1.21 A Sutton United 3pm Originally a home fixture, venue switched because of bad weather.
8. Tue.12.1.21 H KING'S LYNN TOWN 7pm Postponed from 5.12.20 owing to waterlogged pitch and from 12.1.21 owing to Covid-19 at King's Lynn Town
9. Tue.19.1.21 H WOKING 7pm Postponed from 8.12.20 owing to waterlogged pitch and from 19.1.21 owing to Covid-19 at Woking
10. Sat.30.1.21 H MACCLESFIELD TOWN 3pm Macclesfield Town expelled from League
11. Sat.6.2.21 A Torquay United 3pm Postponed; clash with Torquay in FA Trophy; game moved to 2.2.21
12. Tue.9.2.21 H WREXHAM 7.45pm Match venue switched to FCUM, pitch unfit at Moss Lane
13. Sat.20.2.21 H BOREHAM WOOD 3pm Match venue switched to FCUM, pitch unfit at Moss Lane
14. Sat.6.3.21 H DOVER ATHLETIC 3pm Game not played, as Dover furloughed players
15. Sat.27.3.21 A Maidenhead United 6.15pm KO moved for live TV coverage
16. Fri.2.4.21 H YEOVIL TOWN 3pm Postponed due to death of Yeovil captain. -
17. Tue.13.4.21 A Wealdstone Rescheduled by league to 7.11.20
18. Sat.17.4.21 H SUTTON UNITED 4.30pm Originally an away match, reversed on 9.1.21 with home game because of bad weather; k.o. moved to 12.30pm to avoid clash with funeral of Prince Philip and then moved again to 4.30pm.
19. Sat.8.5.21 H EASTLEIGH 3pm Postponed owing to waterlogged pitch
20. Sat.22.5.21 A Macclesfield Town 3pm Game not played as Macclesfield Town expelled.
21. Sat.29.5.21 H TORQUAY UNITED KO moved to 12.30pm for TV

Next Saturday, Altrincham are away at Weymouth... perhaps!

SATURDAY FIXTURES

• Altrincham P-P Eastleigh (waterlogged pitch)
• Barnet 1-4 Notts County
• Dover Athletic P-P Stockport County (Dover players furloughed)
• FC Halifax Town 0-1 Boreham Wood
• Hartlepool United 2-4 Maidenhead United
• King's Lynn Town P-P Solihull Moors (waterlogged pitch)
• Sutton United 2-0 Weymouth
• Wealdstone 0-5 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Woking 1-4 Chesterfield
• Wrexham 3-0 Yeovil Town
• Torquay United 0-0 Bromley (k.o. 5.20pm live BT Sport)

BEFORE THE MATCH: v. EASTLEIGH

In contrast to Altrincham's large turnover of players this season, thirteen of the sixten players who were in the Eastleigh squad back in October against Alty were also in the Spitfires' squad last Monday.

Eastleigh preview the game, saying "The Spitfires’ impressive winning run came to an end last Saturday, as Ben Strevens’s side lost 3-1 away to league-leaders Torquay.

As a result, the Silverlake side go into the weekend 10th in the National League table on 56 points. With just five games remaining, Eastleigh sit two points off the play-off places.

Tyrone Barnett pushed his claim to be the club’s top scorer this season after netting his tenth goal of the campaign against Torquay...

The Robins have lost five of their last six fixtures, and haven’t claimed a win since they won 1-0 away to Maidenhead on 27th March...

In the last meeting between the two sides at the Silverlake, back in October, the game ended 1-1 with Cav Miley getting on the scoresheet for the Spitfires.

Overall, Eastleigh are unbeaten so far in National League fixtures against Altrincham, with two wins and three draws".

That is incorrect as Eastleigh's own records (below) show that in fact Alty won in Hampshire in 2015 so it is actually one win apiece and three draws.

• 10/10/20 | Eastleigh 1-1 Altrincham | VNL
• 16/04/16 | Eastleigh 2-0 Altrincham | VNL
• 15/09/15 | Altrincham 1-1 Eastleigh | VNL
• 04/01/15 | Eastleigh 0-2 Altrincham | VNL
• 13/09/14 | Altrincham 3-3 Eastleigh | VNL

JORDAN SINNOTT FUNDRAISER

Right: Jordan is here congratulated by Luca Havern after his freekick had laid on the only goal of the match for Damian Reeves as Alty defeated Chester FC on 24 October 2015. That was an FA Cup Fourth Qualifying Round tie.

Brothers Charlie, Will and Louis Hutton and their friend Jack Warburton have followed the fortunes of The Jordan Sinnott Foundation since its inception early last year and have devised a method of supporting it that promises to test their powers of endurance to the limit.

From Monday to Saturday next week, the four former footballers will run all 13.1 miles of a half-marathon on a daily basis, ending each lung-busting leg at the home of one of Jordan’s former clubs.

They are starting out at Matlock, the club he played for at the time of his death, and finishing up at Huddersfield, where his career started, calling in at The J.Davidson Stadium in between on Thursday afternoon...

They have launched a Just Giving page for donations that has already topped £4,500, with a contribution on its way from Alty's board and every penny going directly to the Foundation."

PROMOTION TO EFL QUESTIONED

Southend United owner Ron Martin has revealed that a proposal has been made to the EFL... The duo {Southend United and Grimsby Town] have already been consigned to relegation ahead of the final day of the fourth tier season but are challenging their drop into non-league given that no teams will be relegated from the National League this term.

A proposal, which Martin says has been led by Grimsby but supported by Southend, has been submitted to the EFL. It will be discussed at their AGM next month...

'Grimsby and us feel that the unusual circumstances of this year should be acknowledged. The National League haven’t relegated but they have promoted and the way it’s pitched at the moment it's unfair to relegate clubs from League Two. We're looking at the rules'...

But for the time being, the proposal is just that and it’s business as usual for Pools as they look to bounce back from Monday’s defeat at Bromley".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Dave Challinor’s side have won 12 and drawn one of their last 13 games at The Vic... the best home record in the division.

Meanwhile Maidenhead, who were beaten 4-0 when the sides last met back in October, have enjoyed a fairly solid campaign after a difficult start.

'It's probably a team who are a lot more confident than what they were at the start of the season,' Challinor said... 'At Maidenhead we took advantage of scoring at the right times by scoring just before and just after half-time... Maidenhead lost their first four and looked doomed... What they have done this season [has] maybe surprised a few.

'They’ve got a group of players who know what their strengths and weaknesses are and they don’t hide behind anything they’re not. They’re a hard working honest group with goalscorers in the team. They have all the things that can send you on your way. Of all the teams up near the top or with a play-off opportunity, they’re the ones that have probably overachieved this season because they’ve given themselves a shot'...

Alan Devonshire’s side sit 12th in the table, nine points off the play-offs but still with seven games left to play, more than any other side.

'They’re absolutely still in with a shot [of the play-offs],' Challinor told The Mail... 'They’ve got themselves in a really good position and given themselves a chance considering the start they had to the season... I’m sure they’ll fancy themselves this weekend. But we... go into it full of confidence... on the back of a brilliant run at home'".

In the Nottingham Post "It has been claimed Notts County’s players threatened to go on strike after assistant boss Maurice Ross racially abused one of the club’s players.

Ross left Meadow Lane earlier this week after aiming the abuse at winger Enzio Boldewijn during last Saturday’s draw at Altrincham.

Confirming his comments on Wednesday, Ross said: “The exact words I said were, ‘He looks like he’s moving like a 40-year-old. What age is he actually? Does he have a doctored African passport?’”

He went on to apologise and express his regret...

The former Rangers defender is said to have made the insult in front of the club’s substitutes while Boldewijn was on the pitch [at Altrincham] during the second half of the match, with the Magpies' substitutes telling the Dutch winger, 28, after the match.

Mirror Sport reports three of the squad’s players were waiting at the door of chief executive Jason Turner on Bank Holiday Monday to outline the depth of feeling at Ross’s remarks.

The national title says Notts players are 'understood to have made it clear to Turner in no uncertain terms' that the squad would no longer be prepared to train with Ross in his post.

Turner, it is said, then telephoned head coach Ian Burchnall to outline the situation with the manager then contacting Ross to tell him not to go into training. Within hours of their telephone conversation, Ross, who had only been at the club for five weeks, had left his post".

The Leader Live apoke to Wrexham's Jordan Davies who "an see a huge difference in the Wrexham team that struggled at the start of the season and the Reds’ side that is challenging for a play-off spot with five games to go.

Dean Keates’s side go into tomorrow’s clash against Yeovil at The Racecourse sitting sixth... and Wrexham’s destiny in their own hands...

Davies, who returned to his hometown club for a second spell in the summer after leaving Brighton and Hove Albion, is happy...

Davies, who hails from Coedpoeth, [said] 'We are right in there'...

Wrexham, unbeaten in the last five games, are in the promotion mix... 'We had a wobble at the start of the season but, after Christmas, we are a different side,' said Davies. 'We are playing some good stuff, we know what suits us and we know what to do'...

Wrexham had to come from two-nil down at half-time against Maidenhead United at York Road to draw 2-2 and continue the unbeaten run on Monday... Said Davies, 'We played some really good stuff and implemented our game-plan really well. Before they scored that first goal we were certainly the better side and all over them... We just had to regroup and have the belief that we could get back into the game.'

Davies reduced the 2-0 deficit early in the second half and set-up substitute Dior Angus for the equaliser...

Said Davies 'I think it was a point gained rather than two points dropped after being two-nil down at half-time... That is four points from the two games over the Bank Holiday'...

After opening his account for Wrexham in the 3-0 win over play-off rivals Bromley on March 27, Davies has gone on to score six goals in his last nine games".

According to Lynn News, "King’s Lynn Town manager Ian Culverhouse won’t be frightened to turn to youth in the remaining weeks of Lynn’s National League season.

The Linnets go into their penultimate home fixture of the campaign against Solihull Moors with a wafer-thin squad and Culverhouse has confirmed it will be those already at the club who will feature in the final month.

Midfielder Cameron King has been ruled out for the rest of the season, Ethan Coleman left the club last Saturday after his loan spell expired and defender Elkan Baggott is set to miss one, possibly two, of Lynn’s last five games with the small matter of an FA Youth Cup semi-final against Liverpool on the horizon.

'I think we have to work with the ones we have got here so there will be no new additions now, this is us all the way through now,' he said.

Under-21 midfielder Joe Gascoigne could be given another chance to impress after making his senior debut in the home win over Altrincham last month. 'The game he played he didn’t look out of place, he did well. He is part of it, a massive part of it and he will get his chance again,' said Culverhouse...

The current situation means Lynn will have to rely on the likes of Kyle Callan-McFadden and Rory McAuley to guide them through their last five fixtures.

The tough central defensive partnership was reunited last weekend with Rory McAuley, who has been injured and furloghed since then, back in the side for the first time after more than two months out."

Weymouth are six poits behind Alty with teo games in hand as the Terras and The Robins contest the honour of ending the season as the highest placed promoted team in the National League.

And the Doreste Echo tells us that "Weymouth manager Brian Stock believes the Terras have 'nothing to lose' against Sutton United, adding 'The pressure’s on them'...

The Gander Green Lane side, 1-0 victors over Weymouth earlier in the season, are gunning for promotion... Stock added, 'I was really impressed with them earlier in the season. I felt they had a whole team, squad and management, that knew exactly what they wanted to try and achieve.

'Although they’re very direct, they play percentages, get into areas and have got quality in the final third'...

Asked if the 2-0 home loss [by Weymouth] to Barnet last time out was a blip, Stock replied 'It was three games in six days and was crazy. With a small squad because of furlough and trying to save money, it puts a lot of strain on the players... It’s one of those that you put behind you and go again'...

Centre-back Ben Morgan (hamstring) misses out and could be replaced by the returning Josh Leslie-Smith".

From the Derbyshire Times we learn that “'It’s crunch time', says boss James Rowe as Chesterfield prepare to get themselves back in the play-off places.

With five games to go, the Spireites sit ninth and are two points off the top seven. Just one win in the last seven has caused Town to tumble down the table but they have been hit by injuries and had a tough fixture schedule...

'It is basically all or nothing now. We have got the experience in the group, we have got proven winners at League One, League Two and National League level and also play-off success in the squad as well. We have got experience right through and hopefully that will come to the forefront now', he said.

Four wins from the last five should be enough for the Blues to secure a play-off spot...

He said, 'The advantage we have got is the teams around us are playing each other so they both can’t win and these next four we are not (playing teams around us). We have got to make sure we get as points as we can in these next four..I have always said I want to secure a play-off place as soon as possible'...

'But we don’t just want to get in the top seven, let’s see what happens over the next two weeks in terms of who is in what position and what sort of game we are looking for if we can get a play-off place.'".

SENIOR SERVICE

So, with captain Jake Moult amongst those rested, his position as the Altrincham player with the most National League game-time this season was lost. And the man who took over that mantle was a player who was not even in the first-team squad for the first two matches of the 2020-21 season.

The player in question was one of the two to retain his place, namely 21 year-old Joel Senior (right), who is now only behind goalkeeper Tony Thompson in terms of league match game-time in 2020-21. Only Senior, Thompson and Moult have exceeded 3,000 minutes on the pitch this season (if the expunged match with Dover is included in the calculation).

Right-back Joel was signed days before the start of the delayed 2020-21 season on 29 September 2020 having originally joined Altrincham for the pre-season games.

He started out as a youngster with Oldham Athletic who released him at the age of 15, leading to a spell playing at Sunday-league level. His career was rebuilt via NW Counties football at Maine Road, followed by joining FC United of Manchester in National League North and then Curzon Ashton at the same level before he moved to Premiership club Burnley who later released him.

He made his Altrincham league debut at Eastleigh in the third game of 2020-21 season, a side which, coincidentally, he faces again this Saturday.

NEXT GAME: EASTLEIGH

Access to the streaming service can be acquired here.

In contrast to Altrincham's large turnover of players this season, thirteen of the sixten players who were in the Eastleigh squad back in October against Alty were also in the Spitfires' squad last Monday.

One significant change from that reverse fixture, however, is the arrival at Eastleigh of King's Lynn striker Adam Marriott who recently escaped from his imposed furlough in Norfolk to play for the Hampshire team.

This week Eastleigh, were "defeated in a penalty shoot-out in Totton as Bournemouth [were] crowned the champions of the Hampshire FA Senior Cup following a last minute equaliser from the Cherries keeper.

It was a quick start from the Spitfires as a cross by Tom Bearish to the back post was headed in by Abdulai Baggie with virtually Eastleigh’s first attack of the game...

In the 33rd minute, Bournemouth did get an equaliser through a free kick of their own...

In the 39th minute, Eastleigh had the perfect opportunity to retake the lead from the penalty spot. Lewis Beale was taken down into the box, giving Dan Smith the chance to get back amongst the goals. But the Huber [sic] nine would have to keep waiting as his attempt into the bottom left corner was saved by the Bournemouth keeper...

Like the first it was a quick start to the second half for the Spitfires... Ben Scorey fired home with a half volley. After re-taking the lead, it was the boys in blue who looked to add to their tally...

In the dying stages of the game, Bournemouth had a cup final moment that will live long into the night. A 92nd minute equaliser as goalkeeper, Mark Travers, headed home from a corner that would give his team the chance of a penalty shoot-out.

High on spirits after their last minute goal, Bournemouth went on to win the FA Hampshire Senior Cup in a penalty shoot-out...

Eastleigh FC: Flitney (C); Baughan, Bragg, Scorey, Torniainen, Blair (78′), Bradshaw, Bearwish, Baggie, Smith, Beale. Subs: Philpott, Willcox, Kamdem-Fotso, Feltham (78′), Taylor"

ALTY OLD BOY

James Dean, 35, was last seen in the Orchard Drive area of Oswaldtwistle, in Lancashire, at around midnight on Wednesday, May 5. He has not been seen since.

Officers say James has links to Accrington, Blackburn and Burnley. He is described as white, 6ft 2ins, of a very slim build and has a shaved head. He also has tattoos".

Background: James was signed by Altrincham on a month's loan from Bury on 11 October 2007. He had made 3(+1) league and 1 league cup appearance for Bury in 2007-08. As well as having footballing ability, James was also a kick-boxing champion.

He made his Alty debut on 13 October 2007 at Salisbury City and scored a superb 30-yard goal in that game.

After leaving Moss Lane, Bury then loaned him out to Stalybridge Celtic.His Altrincham career appearances numbered 3 and he scored 1 goal.

ON THIS DAY: 7 May

After Tuesday's pulsating game at Nuneaton which had brought Altrincham to this Nationwide North play-off final at Rockingham Road, Alty brought three coachloads of supporters and many others made their own way to witness the North's play-off final at Kettering Town. In all, probably 400 fans travelled in support of The Robins.

Both teams had overcome higher-placed opposition away from home to reach this stage, in Kettering's case this had been Droylsden and in Alty's it had been second-placed Nuneaton.

After their hard-fought game at Nuneaton on Tuesday, Alty were without Steve Aspinall but centre-back Gary Talbot was back after missing that game. On the bench, Richard Norris stood down as Alty brought in Richard Acton as sub goalkeeper. So, Melling moved to right-back to replace Aspinall and Talbot returned to partner Maddox in central defence.

Above: Alty celebrate victory, as director Graham Rowley and kitman Dave Mitten look on. Pictures kindly supplied by Gavin Rathbone's GR Photos.

Altrincham reached the promotion play-off final with a pulsating extra-time win, their second such game in a week, having beaten Nuneaton on penalties.

At Kettering, watched by 2,285 noisy spectators, Altrincham were second-best in the first half. In contrast, Kettering started the game well and deservedly took the lead after 15 minutes during a period of 10 minutes when Alty were down to ten men, Maddox having had to leave the field for six stitches to be inserted in a head injury.

However, whilst Maddox was missing, Jamie Patterson had fired his side ahead with a left-footer from outside the box. Patterson himself had been patched up to play but was unable to carry on and was substituted after 19 minutes.

For Alty, Chalmers replaced the injured Maddox at the interval and Alty were much brighter in the second half. The Robins levelled through Owen's 20 yard shot following the clearance by Brown of a long throw from Chalmers (53 mins). No further goals meant that the game went into extra time.

Owen put Alty 2-1 up, again following the half clearance of a Chalmers long-throw (101 mins), but Kettering then hit the post. From a well-contrived cross by Danks, Burgess equalised for the Poppies in the second half of extra time (109 mins) before, seven minutes from the end, Matthews put through his own goal with a diving header from a Potts corner from the left, a sad end to his testimonial year.

Alty were the better side in extra-time and deservedly ran out 3-2 winners.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. George MELLING, 3. Chris ADAMS, 4. Mark MADDOX, 5. Gary TALBOT, 6. Eddie HUSSIN (capt), 7. Colin POTTS, 8. Val OWEN, 9. Colin LITTLE, 10. Rod THORNLEY, 11. Gary SCOTT. Subs: 12. Lewis CHALMERS, 13. Richard ACTON, 14. Kieran LUGSDEN, 15. Jonathan MITTEN, 16. Kirk HILTON.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Town’s destiny is in their own hands with four games remaining, and manager Pete Wild wants his side solely focused on Saturday’s game...

He said... 'If we can get some points on the board on Saturday, then that sets us up for two tough away games. And if we get points in those tough away games, then obviously that rolls into what everybody’s talking about and we’ll see where it takes us.

'We don’t talk about them (the play-offs), we just talk about Boreham Wood'...

Boreham Wood come into the game on the back of a 5-1 home win over King’s Lynn on Bank Holiday Monday, but that was only their second victory in their last 16 matches.

'I think you’re expecting exactly what we all know about Boreham Wood, well coached, very physical, a mixture of strength and pace throughout the team, a team that’s been together for 18 months, two years now,' Wild said.

'He (manager Luke Garrard) has lads that he trusts and that have served him well. Everything we’ve known about Boreham Wood since I’ve been at the club will be prevalent [sic] on Saturday. The one thing you can say about them is they won’t roll over and have their bellies tickled, regardless of where they are in the league and what stage we are in the season.

'Luke’s got to make sure they come up here and give us a game. Coming off the back of such a good result they had on Monday, I’m more than wary of the threat Boreham Wood will pose us on Saturday'.

Town have... two remaining matches at home and two away....Said Wild, 'There’s no real advantage (of being at home), and we’ve seen that in the amount of away games we’ve won... The main reason is there’s no fans in'...

'I think it’s that stage of the season where it gets dead cagey, and you maybe approach games in a different way, teams will see you as a coup, teams will say "come on, they’re in the play-offs, let's play better against them because it looks good on us"'...

On this week’s departure of Billy Chadwick back to parent club Hull City, Wild said: “Unfortunately FA rules state he can only do a certain number of days with us, and that’s within the terms of his deal, because of when Hull sent him out to us. So he has to go back. It’s a sad miss'...

Wild said Chadwick’s impending return was one of the reasons why striker Darren Stephenson, who made his debut at Yeovil, was brought in on loan from Curzon Ashton... He said 'We just didn’t want to be left short. We had a squad game at Mossley on Tuesday night in which a lot of our squad players got minutes that haven’t been in the games recently'".

In the Leader Live, "Luke Young admits it would be a 'nice achievement' to end the season as leading goalscorer...

The 28-year-old converted two penalties in Saturday's 2-1 win over Solihull Moors to move onto nine goals, joint top marksman with striker Kwame Thomas who is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after rupturing his Achilles...

Former Plymouth and Torquay man Young would love to get into double figures in the final five games and land the accolade... Said Young, 'There is a chance for me to be top scorer at the club and it would be a nice achievement... If I don't get another goal this season and we get in the play-offs, I will be as happy as if I scored in every game.'

Young would already be on 10 goals and the outright leading scorer but his strike in January's win over Dover doesn't count as the Whites' results have been expunged... And even though penalties make up the majority of goals, it doesn't make the feat less special to Young...

Said Young 'I am close to the double-figure mark with five games to go and if you'd have given me nine goals at the start of the season, I would have taken it and snapped your hand off! A lot of them have been penalties but... I have scored a couple of great goals too'...

Wrexham followed up the win over Solihull by drawing 2-2 at Maidenhead to remain sixth in the National League and extend the unbeaten run to five games."

According to the Dorset Echo, "Weymouth manager Brian Stock is confident the healthy relationship between the Terras and Bournemouth can continue to exist.

In mid-April, Stock’s men were able at short notice to arrange a friendly with the Cherries’ under-23s side, drawing 0-0.

The fixture followed loan moves this season for Portland-born Brennan Camp, Corey Jordan and Christian Saydee, the latter duo since returning to the Vitality Stadium.

Former Bournemouth midfielder Stock has maintained the strong connection between the two Dorset clubs since predecessor and Cherries’ under-23s assistant Mark Molesley left to join Southend.

Asked if he felt relations were still strong, Stock told Echosport... 'That relationship will still remain strong. Shaun Cooper (U23 manager) is a good friend of mine and Carl Fletcher (loans manager). It’s an easy one for me to make contact with Bournemouth.'”

PARKINSON'S WARNING

The Alty boss made no fewer than nine changes to Saturday’s starting line-up as he earmarked the Solihull game as an ideal opportunity for testing the strength of his squad.

After seeing his reshaped side ship three second-half goals to lose 4-0, he was in no doubt that decisive action was needed.

'It was always a possibility that the game could go that way, so I will have to take full responsibility for it,' he said. 'The one positive from the weekend is we have given lads the opportunity to show they can play at this level and be at this club next season.

'To be fair, there were some really good individual performances but, as a team, we let ourselves down badly, particularly in the second half. The goals we conceded were terrible. Solihull didn’t even have to work very hard to score them. But it does at least allow me to look at things and analyse who is going to take this club forward, because that’s what this process is all about.

'It hasn’t been a great day, but Neil Sorvel and I do now have a lot of food for thought. We will sit down this week, because we need to make some difficult decisions on certain individuals.

'There is no getting away from it. We are going to have to bring in some real quality in certain positions and some people, unfortunately, will have to leave the club. We have to show, as a bare minimum, we can compete at this level, but we also have to be able to play the brand of football Neil and I [pictured, right] want us to.

'This is a cruel, ruthless league, where no one takes any prisoners, so we have to make sure we can compete and stand up to that. We will get that right; we will be competitive next year.'”

ALTY YOUTH HIT FIVE

There were braces for Sumner and Goulden with Billingsley the other scorer for Altrincham. Coincidentally that was exactly the same list of scorers from the previous fixture, a 5-4 win over Stockport County.

Out of the starters from that last match were Johnston, McGowan and Mongan, with Bohe, Plested and Thoms replacing them.

The starting line-up comprised Ryan Forde, Matthew Plested, Joshua Jordan, Frazer Graham, Lewis Waller, Theo Donachie, Dionicio Bohe, Alex Goulden, Maxwell Thoms, Lewis Billingsley and Matthew Sumner. On the bench were Ryan Radi, Ali Khral and Jonathan Phillips

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

Eastleigh's last visit to Altrincham was in 2015-16 when the Spitfires drew 1-1 in a Vanarama National League match played on a Tuesday evening, 15 September, 2015. Their only previous visit had also ended in a draw.

On that occasion, Alty who were to be relegated that season, came within three minutes of defeating the ambitious visitors from Hampshire but substitute Yemi Odubade drove home an 87th minute leveller as Eastleigh mounted sustained late pressure on the home goal.

Above: Alty form a defensive wall to defend an Eastleigh freekick.

Altrincham played with another injury weakened side (Coburn, Clee, Richman and Marshall were out and O'Keefe was only on the bench following a knock). They faced an Eastleigh team with selection problems of its own. The Spitfires had lost their keeper to injury and Strevens to suspension and had several others missing.

Altrincham brought in Luca Havern, for his first start since returning from injury, so Sam Heathcote moved to the bench.

Eastleigh arrived at the ground at 6.50pm following motorway problems and the referee delayed kick off till 8pm. The visitors started the better of the two sides but Altrincham gradually came into the game and took a 29th minute lead. The goal arrived after Griffin had won the ball well and set Lawrie running up the inside-left channel. From outside the box he fired an excellent left-footed shot past goalkeeper Noice.

The second half developed into a bad tempered affair with five bookings in an eight-minute spell early in the half. Altrincham came under late pressure and could find no outlet when they did manage to clear the ball. Eventually the pressure told as Eastleigh brought on forwards Midson and Odubade. Following three corners in quick succession, the ball was lashed home from right of goal by Odubade.

ALTRINCHAM: 17. Tim DEASY, 2. Shaun DENSMORE (capt), 6. Scott LEATHER, 22. Andrew PARRY, 5. Luca HAVERN, 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT, 7. James LAWRIE, 18. George BOWERMAN, 20. Jordan SINNOTT, 9. Michael RANKINE. Subs: 10. Damian REEVES, 19. Ryan CROWTHER, 24. Rhain DAVIS, 12. Sam HEATHCOTE, 14. Josh O'KEEFE

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Just a handful of the 2020/21 squad will be at Crabble for the start of next season when the club goes part time.

Whites have taken up the option of extending the contracts of young players Josh Bexon, TJ Bramble and Marshall Wratten while offering new deals to captain Sam Wood and Travis Gregory.

Players leaving without the offer of a new deal are Yusif Mersin, Josh Passley, Will De Havilland, Jack Munns, Kurtis Cumberbatch, Paul Rooney, Joe Bedford, Oscar Gobern, Steven Rigg, Bilel Hinchiri, Ahkeem Rose, Omar Mussa, Marvel Expiteta, Louis Collins and Ade Azeez.

Hessenthaler, speaking to the club’s media team, said... 'It is never an easy time for any manager, informing players they are being let go; it’s tough, but my job is to make these decisions however hard they might be'.

Dover played just 15 games of the National League season, pulling the plug on their campaign due to lack of finances. They are fighting a points deduction and fine that the National League imposed on them for stopping play.

As previously reported Dover are going back to part-time football mext season.

The BBC tells us that "Maurice Ross has publicly apologised to Notts County's Enzios Boldewijn for the 'clumsy' and racially 'insensitive' comment he made to the Dutch winger.

Former Rangers defender Ross says guilt prompted him to resign as County assistant on Monday after the remark during Saturday's draw at Altrincham.

He regrets that he has caused 'pain, hurt and sadness' to the 28-year-old. 'I take full responsibility of it, I am not trying to hide away,' Ross told BBC Scotland Sportsound... 'I'm here to apologise to an individual who is a cracking footballer, a cracking lad. I can only say sorry...

Ross said 'The exact words I said were, "'He looks like he's moving like a 40 year-old. What age is he actually? Does he have a doctored African passport?' I had no other intentions other than I was questioning the mobility of a footballer. When I hear it back now, I'm wincing at it... I just feel sad that I've made a really lovely boy feel bad about him myself. That's where my pain lies...

'I've got foreign children,' he added. 'I've lived in different cultures, in Asia, in my playing career I've been to Turkey, I've integrated well with other cultures, and I just feel I've let myself down'".

The Hartlepool Mail reports that "Dave Challinor believes Hartlepool United are still in the National League title race but admitted there is no room for error in their final four games.

Pools will secure a play-off place with victory over Maidenhead United this weekend, a draw may also be good enough but the side's ambitions reach higher than simply securing a top seven spot.

Hartlepool have spent all of 2021 in the top four in the National League table and are still in with an outside chance of securing a first-ever league title with four games remaining. But after Monday’s 1-0 defeat at Bromley, it’s going to be a big ask...

'We can only get 82 by winning our remaining games. That’s our target and that’s what we’ll try and get'...

Finishing second or third would see Hartlepool host a play-off semi-final match against a lower ranked side while finishing fourth means another game before a potential semi-final away at either Sutton, Torquay or Stockport...

'There are four teams battling out for three spaces,' Challinor added...

'That [fourth] team then has to win three play-off games to get out of the division. We’re still competing and we’ll give everything we’ve got'".

In the Halifax Courier reports that since his appointment at FC Halifax Town, "Nearly two-and-a-half years later, [manager Pete] Wild has completed 100 games in management, with Millington alongside him for every one of them.

'Me and Chris never thought we’d do one, never mind 100, so we’re really pleased to hit that milestone', Wild said. 'It’s been a lot of learning, a lot of mistakes, a lot of hard work along the way'...

Wild has a win percentage of 44 per cent from his 100 matches.. He said 'I think tactically I’ve become better, man management has become better, how to conduct myself, how to manage people, how to manage games, how to behave. There’s so many facets to consider.

'Do I think I’m anywhere near being good at them? No, I think I’ve got a lot more to learn but what me and Chris have tried to do is go about our business in a positive manner that we’re open to new ideas, we’re open to learning and we’re also not naive enough to think that we know everything.... We just want to be honest, hard working and students of the game...

'I will never, ever slag a manager off, because I know how hard it is to be a manager. Anybody who puts their head above the parapet and has a go I have enormous respect for... It’s easy to sit there in the pub and you think you’re the cleverest coach in the world and you know all the answers, but until you have a go at it, you realise you don’t...

'It’s an industry where everybody thinks they know better and they’ve got a better opinion than yourself'...

'I know people would give their right arm to be in our profession, and I love every minute that we’re in this profession. But the realities of the profession are that, if you don’t get it right quickly, you don’t stay in it for long, so you’ve got to have a lot of luck along the way and you’ve got to be brave and believe in yourself...

'One thing I think me and Chris are is brave in terms of how we set the team up, how we go about our business, how we’re prepared to try things, how we’re prepared to stand there and go "yeah, that didn’t work", and we’re quite happy to say that if it doesn’t work'...

'I was talking about it with Darren Sarll (Yeovil manager) on Monday, about what we’d learned and who we are. I think there’s a saying that you can only class yourself as a manager if you do 250 games. Well I’m 150 short so I’m still very much the apprentice in this environment. I’m happy with that tag, it means you’ve got to keep working hard and keep reminding myself that I’ve nowhere near cracked it'".

Also from The Shay, FC Halifax Town report that they have a "plan by which fans will be able to watch our last home game of the season against Chesterfield FC. We must stress this plan is provisional...

The following will be in place for the Chesterfield fixture only.

• Currently, there will be no standing permitted at the Shay
• The East & part of the West Stand will be open
• Currently, there will be no away fans
• Streaming will continue to be in place
• Adult season ticket holders will be given first priority to seats in the East Stand
• FREE kids’ season tickets will not be permitted in the East Stand – unfortunately we simply can’t seat all our paying adult season ticket holders with the social distancing guidelines that are in place
• Second priority will then be given to 12-17 season ticket holders and Gold Supporters’ Club members who are not a season ticket holder (a match ticket will need to be purchased in advance)
• Third priority will then be given to Supporters’ Club members and those season ticket holders who have purchased a season ticket for the 20/21 season and have chosen the option ‘to defer’ until 21/22 season. (in these cases a match ticket will need to be purchased in advance and clear information regarding this will be provided nearer the time)
• Once these priority groups have been seated we’ll then open tickets up for general sale subject to any availability. These will need to be purchased in advance...
• You will be able to form a seating ‘football bubble’
• You will not be able to pick your seat(s) as before, seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis...

In the Nottingham Post "Ian Burchnall admitted he had to be 'tough' with Ruben Rodrigues following his arrival at Notts County.

Rodrigues hit two goals as the Magpies breathed new life into their play-off bid with a 3-2 victory over title-chasing Sutton United on Tuesday.

Having also scored in the 1-1 draw at Altrincham on Saturday, Rodrigues has taken his tally to the season to seven... Burchnall has revealed he wanted more from the Portuguese, who has responded in perfect fashion.

'I came in and I was probably a bit tough with him because I felt he had huge potential and was a really good football player,' said the Notts boss... 'I wanted more from him. I demanded that and, to be honest, Ruben’s gone away, he’s pushed himself, he’s done extra... To be a top player, he has to do it consistently. We now have to push him to do it every week'...

'We said we wanted to build momentum before the end of the season,' said the Magpies box... 'We’ve had a couple of good performances but no good results. Now I feel we’ve had a really good performance... I think we were positive. We still kept two up front and kept creative players on the pitch and did not accept 2-2 at any point... We now need to use this as a springboard'".

The Dorset Echo relates that "Weymouth manager Brian Stock insisted he had no regrets over team selection, following the disappointing 2-0 loss to bottom side Barnet.

Stock made four changes to the team that dominated Woking 4-2 on Saturday.

The Terras’ boss had his hand forced by fatigue as several players completed their third game in seven days.

Weymouth appeared jaded and struggled to play with their usual fluency as simple passes went astray and only two chances of note were created...

'It’s impossible to be able to field the same team.... Players that didn’t play were feeling fatigued. Andy Robinson couldn’t even be in the 16 because of stiffness from the game on Saturday. We had to freshen things up. It was important we had to make changes.

'Although the performance and result wasn’t there, I don’t regret my decision', said Stock.

Stock raised eyebrows when midfielder Jack Dickson was placed at right-back during the first half, with regular defender Calvin Brooks on the wing.

Stock said 'JD has come back in and we have to make sure we protect him. Being able to play 90 minutes is a big ask, so he filled in at right-back and in the second half we switched him and Calvin so he played further up'".

Skipper Alan Massey would probably have taken a point from Monday’s game against Wrexham before kick-off, but the way things panned out, he and his teammates were desperately disappointed not to take all three.

Maidenhead met Wrexham on Bank Holiday Monday. In the Maidenhead Advertiser we read that "The Magpies mastered the blustery conditions well in the first half and deservedly led at the break thanks to a couple of stunning strikes from Sam Barratt and James Comley. Barratt drove the home side in front after 15 minutes with a sensational goal of the season contender from inside his own half, while Comley ran half the length of the field before half-volleying the ball past Rob Lainton to make it 2-0 on the half-hour mark.

A riled-up Wrexham fought back to make it 2-2 in the second half with goals from Jordan Davies and Dior Angus, but captain Alan Massey felt United did brilliantly to compete with so many players out injured and having played at King’s Lynn 48 hours previously.

'They’re a good side who have been going well and are pushing for the play-offs,' he said. 'I would have taken a point before hand, but we’re disappointed to have been 2-0 up only to draw 2-2. I thought the boys were brilliant, especially after playing on Saturday and with a squad that’s down to the bare bones'..

United will look for a first win in four matches when they visit Hartlepool United".

ALTY MANAGER PLANS FOR FUTURE

The Altrincham manager remarked that in the coming weeks "Some people will have to leave the football club". He also hinted that the team's playing style would have to adapt to ensure long-term survival in the National League.

However, he concluded that at the Club, "everything is going in the right direction".

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS

• £250 cash | #23 | Lisa Jones
• £75 cash | #125 | Malcolm Jackson
• £25 cash | #168 | R. Jones
• Robin Polo Shirt | #60 | David Meadows
• Replica Alty FC Shirt | #168 | R. Jones
• Alty FC Polo Shirt | #189 | Mrs Clarke

Congratulations to all the winners!

NEXT OPPONENTS: EASTLEIGH

Of their eleven most recent home games, only two have ended with an Altrincham win.

With just four points separating sixth-placed Wrexham from ninth-placed Eastleigh, the Hampshire club are in with a good chance of reaching the play-offs so will certainly not have taken their foot off the pedal when they play Altrincham. They will also be looking to avenge Altrincham's 1-1 draw in the reverse fixture, inwhich Yusifu Ceesay scored an early goal for the visitors.

The Spitfires arrive after four succesive games against promotion aspirants, a run which produced a commendable haul of three wins before a 3-1 defeat at Torquay last time out. Before that they had won away at Notts County (1-0), at home to Sutton United (1-0) before complewting a rapid-fire double over Notts County, 2-0, at the Silverlake Stadium.

They are the lowest scorers of all sixteen clubs lying above Alty in the National League, having netted 41 times, scoring just once more that the Robins from one fewer game. With the exception of FC Halifax Town and Bromley, they have conceded at least as many goals (36) as every other team in the top nine.

TUESDAY GAME

• Notts County 3-2 Sutton United

ALTY RESERVES' NEWS

The Witches climbed into top spot in their Cheshire League JB Parker Premier Division Challenge Cup group with a 2-0 success in Warrington against Greenalls Padgate St Oswalds at the weekend, despite playing for 55 minutes with 10 men.

But with the group league table a tight one, Middlewich need to deliver another strong performance to boost their chances of progressing to the knockout stage.

They potentially need at least a draw to finish top of the group, depending on how second-placed Broadheath fare against bottom side Greenalls.

Middlewich lost 1-0 at home to Altrincham when the sides first met in the competition on April 17.

Sam Wakefield's double strike in the latest victory against Greenalls means they can go to Alty in good mood though...

Said Speight, 'We’ve worked hard on and off the pitch as a group and we need to finish the job next week with another win at Altrincham.'"

ON THIS DAY: 5 May

The previous five years for Altrincham had seen two relegations and a promotion so this was, on paper, a low-key finale to the season. However, the confirmation only the preceding Tuesday of Bernard Taylor and Graham Heathcote as permanent manager and coach, had given Alty fans their only chance to show their positive feelings towards the restored managerial partnership. Indeed, Altrincham supporters turned up in large numbers and the Golf Road End choir was in good voice throughout.

This was the Robins' first visit to Hucknall, who had risen from the Northern Counties East division in quick order. The Watnall Road pitch was hard and uneven, with a slight slope across it and it was the first surface that Alty had played on this season to boast a crop of dandelions!

The Club was a friendly one and the young lad who directed the car-park operations was to be particularly commended. He clearly had management potential and even tried, (sadly unsuccessfully), to secure free sandwiches and beer for the passengers when the supporters' coach was found to have a damaged tyre and the Alty fans were stuck in the car-park, as a result, till after 7pm. (see picture, left, as the A.T.S. repair man removes the damaged tyre from its rim).

Altrincham's 20th league win included some well-taken goals.

Ian Craney slotted home the first when he finished off a fine move, which he himself had started (14 mins). Somewhat against the run of play Hucknall equalised when Cooke curled a fine shot past Coburn after Bowker had missed a through ball (39 mins). Hucknall missed a couple of good chances before Rod Thornley put Alty ahead again, seizing on a fumble by goalkeeper McCarthy (59 mins).

McCarthy injured himself in the process and had to give way to Cooke in goal. Altrincham's third came from Craney, again, this time a fine finish from the edge of the box after 69 minutes.

Despite this good win, many Altrincham fans were left "deflated" at the final whistle- the supporters' coach was found to have a flat tyre and was stuck in the Hucknall car park for over two hours whilst repairs were carried out (as shown, left). Alty ended up in seventh place that season.

ALTRINCHAM 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Jason GALLAGHER, 3. Steve PORTER, 4. Terry BOWKER, 5. Mark MADDOX, 6. Steve HAWES (capt.), 7. Danny MURPHY, 8. Ian CRANEY, 9. Adam FARLEY, 10. Rod THORNLEY, 11.,Steve FINNEY. Subs: 12. Stuart SCHEUBER 14. Richard LANDON, 15. Keith MAIRS.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Portuguese slotted home his second goal of the game from 12 yards despite Dion Kelly-Evans' earlier dismissal with the match poised at 2-2.

In the first half, Rodrigues produced an excellent finish to claim his second goal in as many games only for Isaac Olaofe to equalise with an audacious lob before the break.

We retook the lead when Kyle Wootton ended his lengthy run without a goal, tapping the ball home after Rodrigues had linked up brilliantly with Kelly-Evans.

But the dangerous Olaofe played a pivotal role in putting the visitors back on terms once again as he made progress down the left before seeing his low cross eventually come to Omar Bugiel to apply a close-range finish.

Our quest for three points became tougher shortly afterwards when Kelly-Evans received a second yellow card with 23 minutes to play...

It looked like the match was going to end in stalemate but we had other ideas as Ellis was felled in the box, leaving Rodrigues centre-stage to mark an outstanding individual performance with a memorable winning goal".

The Derbyshire Times provides its "guide to the National League promotion race...

It has been a difficult few weeks for the Spireites with just one win in their last seven, a run which has resulted in them dropping out of the play-off positions to eighth and two points behind seventh-placed Bromley.

But with a more favourable set of fixtures coming up against teams who have nothing to play for, all is not lost with three weeks to go...

A couple of months ago it looked like Chesterfield might have a sniff at a place in the top three given the form they were in and the games in hand they had. However, that has proved to be a step too far with the top four sides of Torquay United (76 pts), Sutton United (72 pts), Stockport County (71 pts) and Hartlepool United (70 pts) having all pulled away from the chasing packing and will now battle it out for top spot...

Realistically, the Spireites will be aiming to catch the teams from Halifax in fifth downwards. The Blues are six points behind the Shaymen but have got a game in hand and play them away on the last day of the season. Halifax have a slightly better goal difference (+13) than Chesterfield (+9) so that would need to be overturned as well. Wrexham in sixth and seventh-placed Bromley are only two points in front but Eastleigh, Notts County and Dagenham and Rebridge are in the mix as well...

Stockport are finishing strong[ly] and are 14 games unbeaten. I’m going to take a punt and say they will beat Torquay later this month and pinch the title. That will leave Torquay second and Hartlepool third in my book.

In terms of the other play-off positions, I’m going for Sutton, Halifax, Bromley and Chesterfield".

Coventry City report on one of their loanees who faced Altrinchamrecently. "It was a double game weekend for Jordon Thompson and he capped it off in style, with his first professional goal.

On Saturday, Thompson started his first game for Solihull Moors and it was a dissapointing debut, as the Moors slipped to a 2-1 defeat away at Wrexham.

However, on Monday, Thompson started back-to-back games and he opened the scoring ina 4-0 rout against Altrincham at home.

With 38 minutes on the clock, JT found the back of the net to help the Moors to all three points".

And Thompson was not the only loanee facing Alty for The Moors as Bermuda's Royal Gazetter reminds us that "Justin Donawa played the entirety of the match... in a thumping 4-0 victory over Altrincham... stretching their unbeaten home run to six matches...

Meanwhile Donawa’s international team-mate Jonte Smith was not part of the Woking squad who slipped to a 3-1 defeat away to play-off chasing Dagenham & Redbridge".

From the Leader Live we learn that "Wrexham manager Dean Keates has spoken about the on-line trolls that have threatened to burn down his house and left him questioning whether he should walk away from his job as Wrexham manager...

Keates revealed that he has received threats to set fire to his house as well as abuse directed at his children and also trolls hoping he contracted coronavirus.

'When it gets personal, when it was aimed at my family, my kids and people are taking it upon themselves to wish that you catch Covid-19 and that gets you out of a football club, it is hard to take,' said Keates... 'There are points where I have thought to myself "Is it actually all worth it?". But I have never shied away from things...

Keates accepts ... 'There is pressure that comes with being manager of this football club but when it goes above and beyond... There has been a lot of bad things written about my team and about my group which has been upsetting... By 5pm everybody knows your job better than you if it is not going to plan... It is disappointing to live in a time where this is happening. Social media companies need to do better.'"

SOLIHULL MOORS 4-0 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here

ON THIS DAY: 4 May

Above: Nicky Clee and Simon Richman battle it out at Brackley

The sides went into this second leg of the BSBN Promotion Play-Off Semi-Final with Altrincham holding a 2-1 advantage. In contrast to the 43 away supporters at Moss Lane for the First Leg, there were several hundred travelling fans from Altrincham at this match. Brackley had decided not to segregate the game and a number of Altrincham stewards were requested to attend by the home side.

Right: Jefferson Louis (no.10) holds his ground as Stuart Coburn and Shaun Densmore try to stop him getting to the ball.

Alty could have no complaints after being outplayed throughout this play-off second leg. Brackley got off to an ideal start as Jefferson Louis got free up the middle to drive home a low shot from outside the box in the fifth minute. Reid's shot was diverted home by a defender to make it 2-0 after 24 minutes. Though Alty improved a little after the interval, Walker finished them off with a third goal, eight minutes into the second half. So Brackley won 4-2 on aggregate and now host FC Halifax Town in the final.

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

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Connor Lemonheigh-Evans gave the visitors an early lead and Billy Waters added a second with 15 minutes remaining which was harsh on the Spireites.

The Blues had some good chances of their own with George Carline and Adi Yussuf having efforts cleared off the line among others.

Town, with just one win from their last seven, drop to eighth and are now two points off the play-offfs...

'I am proud of the performance,' Rowe said. 'If I had come away with a point I would have been really disappointed. If you looked at that game as a neutral and you did not know what the league standings were you would not think they were top and we were seventh at the beginning of the day.

'They (Torquay) started brightly in the first 20 minutes but from then on it was all us. Forget the little breaks at the end because we are gambling, they probably had two or three final third entries in the whole of the second-half and leading up to half-time we were completely in the ascendency.'

The Spireites boss was disappointed with the type of goals they conceded again...

'We have got to be more ruthless,' he explained... 'We have conceded nine goals in the last four weeks and seven out of nine are from set-plays so second-phase is not good enough.'

'I will get in trouble but I have never known [?such] a lack of game management,' he added. 'How they have only added six minutes on, there should have been 12 added on.

'There were balls behind the goal and they were running past them and the referee did nothing about it and then he added six minutes on and there were six subs made as well.

'It is happening consistently and you can’t talk to them. It is just absolute nonsense.'”

Scotland's Daily Record reports that "Former Rangers star Maurice Ross has left his role with English side Notts County after an 'ill-judged comment' to a player...

Ex Scotland international Ross was assistant manager with the club but has now left that role after a flashpoint with a member of the team.

A short statement on the County website said 'Assistant head coach Maurice Ross has this afternoon left the club with immediate effect. We will be making no further comment.'

Later though Ross broke his silence and admitted he'd made an improper comment to one of his players.

The former Motherwell reserve boss said 'During Saturday’s match at Altrincham, I made an ill-judged comment to a member of our playing staff which has led to my departure from the club. I deeply regret the comment, which is not a reflection of the type of person I am, and would like to place on record my apologies to the player in question for the upset I have caused'".

In the Hartlepool Mail we read that "Hartlepool United’s title hopes took a huge blow as they were beaten 1-0 at Bromley on bank holiday Monday.

Jude Arthurs’s first half header was enough to secure victory for The Ravens and condemn Pools to their first defeat in 17 matches.

Gary Liddle was dismissed late on for Pools following a second yellow card as the defender suffered his first defeat of the season...

After beating Chesterfield 3-1 less than 48-hours earlier on Saturday evening, Pools boss Dave Challinor hinted that he would be making some changes to his starting line-up against The Ravens.

And that he did as captain Ryan Donaldson returned for only his second start of 2021 and Fleetwood Town loanee Harvey Saunders made his full debut after coming off the bench on Saturday.

Lewis Cass dropped out with a knee injury and Rhys Oates dropped to the bench despite scoring against The Spireites.

Bromley, fresh having not played on Saturday, got on the front foot early and started to create problems...

Just before the break Arthurs... nodded in Frankie Raymond’s cross from the left to give Bromley a half-time lead. Pools were left exposed down that side as Donaldson left the field briefly due to an issue with his foot.

Pools improved after the break with the introduction of Molyneux...

As the full-time whistle approached Ravas kept Pools in with a shout with a fine point-blank save to deny James Alabi...

A frustrating afternoon was summed up late on as Gary Liddle was given his marching orders with a second yellow card as Bromley saw out the win despite a glaring late miss by Cheek.

Winning the league was always going to be a big ask for Pools but Saturday’s defeat is a huge dint to their title hopes".

Torquay United "Manager Gary Johnson saluted his side, as United secured their first-ever league win at Chesterfield.

'The boys were courageous, they were like warriors today,' began Johnson.

'It was an unbelievable wind and rain, it was really, really tough conditions, and you have to keep mentally ready and right. Two bits of brilliance for the two goals, and the boys knew how to defend when they had to defend.'

As well as two excellent strikes from Connor Lemonheigh-Evans and Billy Waters, a superb defensive performance from The Gulls helped clinch a hugely impressive three points for Torquay...

'Obviously they [Chesterfield] needed to win, so they threw players forward, they threw numbers forward, and we defended it very, very well as a team. There wasn’t that many proper real opportunities'".

According to the Kilburn Times "A battling Wealdstone side were eventually swept aside by title-chasing Stockport County in a 4-0 defeat at Edgeley Park...

A resolute Stones managed to hold on for 53 minutes before two goals in two minutes from Ryan Croasdale and Alex Reid made it a comfortable second half for the hosts.

Reid doubled his tally four minutes from the end before John Rooney scored a free kick in injury time.

Wealdstone boss Stuart Maynard made two changes to the side that lost to Yeovil Town just 48 hours previously, with Charlee Hughes and Sonny Lo-Everton coming in for the injured duo of Alex Dyer and Dennon Lewis who dropped to the bench."

Altrincham have a remaining fixture against Yeovil Town who "fell to a cruel defeat against FC Halifax Town...

A first half penalty claimed the lead for the play-off chasing visitors, but Town will feel hard done by not to leave with something, having multiple seemingly blatant penalty shouts waved away.

Two late goals added shine to a result which ultimately flattered FC Halifax Town.

Darren Sarll made just one change to the Yeovil Town side which beat Wealdstone on Saturday afternoon. Adam Smith kept his place in goal, whilst Michael Kelly, Albi Skendi, Billy Sass-Davies, and captain Carl Dickinson started in defence.

After picking up a yellow card on Saturday, Charlie Lee took his total to ten meaning and sat out against the Shaymen. This saw a return of the midfield diamond, comprising of Jimmy Smith, Tom Knowles, Josh Neufville and Chris Dagnall.

Reuben Reid returned to the starting side to partner Joe Quigley. There was also a first squad inclusion for Toby Stephens who started on the bench.

Despite coming into the game full of confidence, it was difficult for either side to play any resemblance of fluid football due to the intense wind carrying the ball across the Huish Park pitch.

This meant Town were limited to shots from distance in the opening 45 minutes... The one-dimension nature of the game was highlighted in Halifax’s opener, after Tom Bradbury sent through Billy Chadwick in the left channel, the forward got the wrong side of Skendi to earn a penalty which Luke Summerfield calmly dispatched.

Despite their lead, Halifax were penned in their half, with little they could do about it due to the ball catching in the wind every time it was cleared forward.

However, this also made Town’s afternoon difficult, with the visitors dropping so deep that routes in behind were almost impossible to find, despite driving runs from the likes of Neufville and Knowles.

At the break it was hard to say who deserved the lead, but Halifax were the ones who held it.

After a poor first half on the footballing front, the second was certainly a better watch, with Town on the hunt for an equaliser.

Halifax then went up the other end to double their advantage through Kieran Green.

In the dying embers of the affair, the visitors added a third as substitute Alex Bradley misjudged his header, sending the ball through to Jake Hyde to complete the visitor’s effective afternoon.

Despite the comfortable score line, the game was far from that for FC Halifax Town, as Yeovil will leave Huish Park scratching their heads as to how they’ve walked away comfortably beaten."

MONDAY FIXTURES

Monday, 3 May 2021, 3pm unless stated

• Aldershot Town P-P Dover Athletic [Dover players furloughed]
• Boreham Wood 5-1 King's Lynn Town
• Bromley 1-0 Hartlepool United
• Chesterfield 0-2 Torquay United
• Dagenham & Redbridge 3-1 Woking
• Maidenhead United 2-2 Wrexham
• Solihull Moors 4-0 Altrincham
• Stockport County 4-0 Wealdstone
• Weymouth 0-2 Barnet
• Yeovil Town 0-3 FC Halifax Town

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

Since then Solihull have changed their manager with Jimmy Shan being replaced by the experienced Mark Yates, after a run of poor form.

For the second game running, Altrincham, who themselves are having a poor run, face a side also having an indifferent run as Solihull Moors remind us that "The Moors have lost three out of their last four games but will be pleased to be returning to the SportNation.bet Stadium when form at home is strong. Mark Yates’s side have won four out of their last five home fixtures.

Alty sit three points and a place below Moors in the league table, playing two games extra. They’re on a five-game winless run, but did pick up a point against Notts County last time out...

[For the Moors], Tyrone Williams serves the final game of his four-match suspension following his straight red card at Dagenham. Stephen Gleeson and Nathan Cameron made their return back from injury in Saturday’s defeat at Wrexham, while Jamie Ward continues to progress.

Long-term absentees Jamey Osborne, Callum Howe, Alex Gudger and Kyle Howkins remain unavailable".

The match is being streamed by Solihull Moors TV for £7.50 and access can be acquired here.

ALTY'S UNBALANCED SEASON

The imbalance started early in the season. After game six of the current season, Alty had played five of their matches away from home, due to Covid postponements. That run included a game at Dover, which was later expunged.

By game twelve Altrincham had caught up with matches at the J. Davidson Stadium and, at that point, had played six times each at home and away. The balance only remained for two more matches, till after game fourteen.

But then five of the next six fixtures were on the road, and the home/away balance has not been restored since then. There now remain five fixtures to play, three at home and two away after the completion of a sequence of four successive matches at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Following Monday's trip to Solihull, three of Altrincham's final four games will be at Moss Lane.

As of now, the season's official record is as follows, excluding the Dover game.

• At home: P18 W5 D4 L9 F20 A24 PTS19 PPG=1.05
• Away: P19 W6 D5 L8 F20 A26 PTS23 PPG=1.21
• All: P37 W11 D9 L17 F39 A49 GD-10 PTS42 PPG=1.13

As well as the imbalance in the location of games, there has been a similarly uneven pattern of results. Alty won just one of their first eight fixtures, including the expunged match at Dover. They then suffered just two defeats in their next 13 fixtures. Five straight defeats then followed, at the start of a sequence which now comprises eleven defeats in the last seventeen matches.

ON THIS DAY: 3 May

To reach that final, Altrincham had to win two away matches, the first of which was this Nationwide North Play-Off Semi-Final played on Tuesday, 3 May, 2005 at 7.45p.m.

Left: After the game, Jonathan Mitten and Mark Maddox leave the pitch.

Nuneaton had won their last nine games to clinch second place in the league table whilst Altrincham had only lost their unbeaten run, at the eighth hurdle, the previous Saturday at Hucknall, though the outcome of that game was probably influenced by knowing, once Southport were five up at Harrogate, that even a defeat would qualify them for the play-offs.

After the trouble in Nuneaton at the previous week's game with local rivals Kettering, there was a strong police presence for this play-off and segregation was enforced on the terraces, which were well covered by 1,532 noisy spectators from both sides.

The supporters were all in good humour, even at the end of an evening that was a tremendous advert for non-league football and, by all accounts, far more entertaining than the Liverpool v Chelsea Champions' League semi-final taking place simultaneously.

Gary Talbot, a virtual ever-present that season, was unfit to play this game with a foot injury but Alty had Rod Thornley, Colin Potts, Steve Aspinall and Eddie Hussin back in the starting line-up. So, Josh Mitten, Lewis Chalmers and Richard Norris all moved to the bench tonight. Before the match Graham Heathcote had indicated that he would have a sub-keeper on the bench tonight, with Kurt Edginton, the favourite, but in the end he went for five outfield players.

It turned out to be quite a night at Nuneaton! Even without the injured Gary Talbot and having lost Steve Aspinall with an ankle injury in the first half, Alty played an excellent first 45 minutes. Rod Thornley put them ahead when, from a short corner from the left by Colin Potts, he drove in a low shot from 20 yards, which took a slight deflection to beat keeper Darren Acton (19 mins).

Right: Colin Little heads for the dressing rooms.

Nuneaton came at Alty for most of the second half but could not convert the chances that their pressure brought them. Despite injury to Lewis Chalmers, who nevertheless played on, Alty looked to be home and dry until the third of a surprisingly long five minutes of added time allotted by the otherwise impressive referee, Mr Brittain. Then, after Stuart Coburn had punched well clear, Terry Angus sent in a dipping shot from 20 yards which looped over Coburn into the net.

Alty responded well in extra time but Nuneaton also had their chances. The game went to a shoot out with Nuneaton's first effort, by Reeves, magnificently saved by Coburn, his fourth successive penalty save in recent weeks.

After Colin Little had netted for Alty, Murphy scored for Nuneaton. Gary Scott put Alty 2-1 up on penalties, before Whittaker blazed over the bar for Nunny. Although Nuneaton converted their fourth kick, Josh Mitten and Chris Adams both scored to make it 4-2 to Alty on penalties. Altrincham had earned a place in the North Regional Final at Kettering.

This was yet another sterling team performance, with many of the players battling on through injury. There was a great atmosphere created by both sets of fans and ecstatic scenes at the end as the Alty players saluted their travelling support.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Steve ASPINALL, 3. Chris ADAMS, 4. Mark MADDOX, 5. George MELLING, 6. Eddie HUSSIN (capt.), 7. Colin POTTS, 8. Val OWEN, 9. Rod THORNLEY, 10. Colin LITTLE, 11. Gary SCOTT. Subs: 12. Richard NORRIS, 14. Kieran LUGSDEN, 15. Lewis CHALMERS, 16. Jonathan MITTEN, 17. Kirk HILTON.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

It extended Pools’ unbeaten run to 16 in front of the BT Sport cameras despite former Poolie Fraser Kerr pulling back a second half consolation for the visitors...

Pools boss Dave Challinor made one change from the side that beat Wealdstone 7-2 a fortnight ago as Luke Armstrong returned to the starting line-up in place of the recalled Richie Bennett, who returned to his parent club Stockport County earlier this week.

New signings Zaine Francis-Angol and Harvey Saunders were named on the bench for the first time. Midfielder Tom White was also recalled to the matchday squad... while Danny Elliott and Ryan Donaldson kept their place on the bench. Ryan Johnson remained sidelined with a knee injury as Luke Molyneux and Luke Williams were notable absentees from the squad.

It was Pools’ first game in two weeks but they were the side who raced out of the traps... Four minutes played and Hartlepool were already a goal to the good.

Challinor’s side maintained their early pressure... Pools had been dominant but the run up to half time really saw that dominance transpire [sic] itself as they effectively secured the points. Gary Liddle (now unbeaten in all 20 games he’s featured in this season) played a brilliant forward ball to find Jamie Sterry... Sterry’s ball across goal to find Armstrong was intercepted by Josef Yarney but the ball rolled into the Chesterfield goal to make it 2-0...

[They were] three goals to the good at half-time, much like they were last time out at Wealdstone...

Chesterfield came out with their heads up after the break and got themselves on the front foot. Defender Cass was replaced by Francis-Angol at the break after suffering with tendonitis in his knee... Pools still looked comfortable but a headed goal from former Hartlepool defender Fraser Kerr on his return to Victoria Park pulled one back for Chesterfield and meant it would be a slightly nervy final half hour for the hosts...

The side are now unbeaten in 16 league games, the longest run without defeat of any side in the division this season".

The Hartlepool Mail reports on Chesterfield boss James Rowe who, after defeat by Hartlepool United admitted that "We certainly didn’t look like a team that’s contending for promotion. Having said that we are game after game and how their fixture got called off [last Saturday] I will honestly never know. It’s unacceptable that it’s been called off and they’ve come into this game with a two week break, it shouldn’t be happening.

"They set up well and knew our main ball handler was out in our back three so they pinned us down and came after us and won too many one v one battles.

"If you don’t win your individual battles, that’s what happens you concede three.

"They’ll say they sat off but we had them worried when we pulled one back. It’s one we’ve got to take on the chin and we’ve got to bounce back. It’s a poor performance and we’ve got to take that".

According to the Manchester Evening News, "Relentless Stockport battled to a 0-1 win at play-off hopefuls Halifax Town on Saturday afternoon, as Paddy Madden’s cracking finish on the stroke of half-time moved The Hatters into the top three of the National League.

County started brightly in what was, prior to kick-off, the clash of fourth vs fifth, with Liam Hogan’s superb cross from the right mere inches over the head of the lurking Paddy Madden inside the six-yard box early on.

With five minutes until the break, the marauding Hogan’s cross was headed narrowly over the bar by Madden as the search for the opening goal continued before County’s prolific Irishman did then make the breakthrough before-half time.

A long ball forward was looped up into the air by ‘Fax defender Niall Maher, with Harry Cardwell seizing the opportunity to nod into the path of the waiting Madden, who lashed an unstoppable half-volley superbly into the roof of the net from the edge of the area, with County taking that hard-earned lead into the interval moments later...

A resolute County rear-guard action produc[ed] a magnificent eighth clean sheet amidst a thirteen-game unbeaten run, with nine wins and just four draws in that period".

In the Halifax Courier, "Town boss Pete Wild says he will continue to rotate his side for Monday's clash at Yeovil.

Wild made three changes for the 1-0 defeat against Stockport on Saturday, and says there will be more changes at Huish Park, with the game coming only 48 hours after the loss against Stockport.

'I've rotated this week, I think it's worked so far. I'll rotate again for Monday,' said Wild. 'I've got Jeff (King) who comes back into the mix as well (from suspension)... I expected them (Yeovil) to win at Wealdstone (on Saturday), I expect an aggressive, front-foot, in your face Yeovil, ready to have a go at us,' said the Town boss.

'You know what Darren Sarll's teams are like. We, first and foremost, have to match our levels from Saturday, and make sure we do out stuff right so we don't get undone... We need to get a positive result, a draw or a win'".

And, from the Manchester Evening News we learn that "Town manager Pete Wild thought his side deserved at least a point after their 1-0 defeat to Stockport County...

'I thought we were excellent, I thought we were really good, with and without the ball,' said Wild. 'We've gone more than toe-to-toe with them and deserved at least one, if not three points today. We did a lot of tactical work yesterday on containing their wide men, because a lot of their play comes through their wide men. I thought the two wingers, Danny and Jamie, got that spot on, along with the two full-backs.

'We did a lot of work on containing the second ball when it goes up to Cardwell, and I thought we did that really well. In possession, we knew we could have a lot of the ball. I think you've seen probably the best on the ball performance from us all season in terms of how we've moved the ball, manipulated the ball and passed through the lines.

'I think tactically, the lads were spot on today.'

On Stockport's goal, which came from a mistake by Niall Maher at the back, Wild said 'It's an avoidable goal but that's football, sometimes it doesn't go your way. But it's taken the most expensive striker in the league to spank one in with real quality to win the game. Let's be honest, that's the only real shot they've had all game...

'You've got little old Halifax and you've got Stockport in the corner, slowing the game down, time-wasting all second-half because they can't live with us and they can't get out of their own box for 20 minutes. That's credit to the players that they've had to start time-wasting. We've kept all their big players quiet. Everybody should be really excited at how we've dealt with them today...

'They [Stockport] know they've got away with one today, and they have, massively,' he said. 'Yes, we've come a long way since the start of the season... and that gives me immense pride'...

Jack Earing was again not involved due to his ongoing hamstring problem."

Weymouth visited Woking on Saturday and "The Terras were triumphant at York Road, coming from behind twice to see off Woking 4-2...

The first twenty minutes were a tight affair for both sides, Sean Shields caused the most danger for both sides early on...

The Terras were looking the stronger of the sides, and were pressing hard for a goal...

Then, against the run of play, the Cardinal’s took the lead. Jacob Mensah scythed down a Woking attacker through on goal and was given a yellow card. Charlie Cooper took the set piece with his right foot just outside the area and curved in over the wall and beyond the out stretching gloves of Ethan Ross...

The Terras grabbed the equaliser. Shields was weaving his way into the area and drove a pass into the path of Andy Dallas. The striker, who strolled into the box, touched the ball into the goal with the left foot...

Two minutes into the second half, Woking took the lead for the second time. Hodges played a ball through to Ashford who drove into the area before striking a ball with his left boot. The ball deflected on the leg [of] Terras' keeper Ethan Ross before nestling into the back of the net

Weymouth got back into the game soon after... A low cross... was acrobatically flicked on by Dallas at the near post past the keeper...

Then, in the 90th minute, the Terras took the lead... McCarthy saw the ball come over his shoulder before striking it on the volley with his right foot. The ball went across the goal and past Ross...

The Terras completed the scoring in the 94th minute. Josh McQuoid danced past opposition defenders in the area, luring Ross off his line. The former Northern Irish international looked up and benevolently passed the ball across the face of goal for Shields who tapped it into an open net.

With that, the game concluded and the Terras claimed their second win in a row, both away from home".

"REALITY CHECK" FOR ALTRINCHAM

"Altrincham manager, Phil Parkinson tells Brian Flynn that Altrincham are slowly but surely finding out what we need to grind results out and win games and that we have to give the league more respect.

The Robins supremo was pleased with Saturday's performance & will be utilising all of the available players that didn't start against Notts County when the Robins travel to Solihull on Bank Holiday Monday for a 3pm kick-off".

In the interview Parkinson promised eleven changes for Monday's game at Solihull!

"A DRAW WAS FAIR" SAYS NEIL

"We could've won it, we had the better chances but we were lacking in the final third. A draw was fair".

Notts County boss Ian Burchnall opined, "A point isn't good enough. We want to come to places like this and take all three".

He also said of his team's performance, "It was poor, really poor. We didn't deserve any more than we got as we were nowhere near the intensity level or the attacking threat we need. Altrincham sat low and countered, which they did well, but we lacked the quality going forward and attacked too slowly".

ALTRINCHAM 1-1 NOTTS COUNTY

Match report here

MAGPIES' BOSS "NOT HAPPY"

The Magpies had fallen behind in the first half when Alistair Smith struck from outside the box.

But Ruben Rodrigues hauled Notts level with a free-kick right on the stroke of half-time after Richard Brindley was fouled.

Notts had chances to win it in the second half with Enzio Boldewijn and Kyle Wootton denied by Tony Thompson, but goalkeeper Luke Steele came to the Magpies' rescue with two important saves at the end.

The result kept Notts in touch with the play-offs ahead of a crucial clash against Sutton on Tuesday, but Burchnall couldn't hide his disappointment.

'In the last two games against Eastleigh and Torquay, I came out and said that I thought we played well and deserved to win the games.

'People can agree or disagree with that, but here, if I am honest, we didn't deserve any more than what we've got.

'It wasn't a good enough performance. I've praised the team when we've played well and not won, but I have to stand here and say I was not happy.'"

ESSEX TEN FOR ALTY

Following a pre-season friendly at Brightlingsea Regent this summer, Altrincham will face Southend United in the National League in 2021-22 season.

Southend-on-Sea lies some 225 miles away from Altrincham, and it is surprising how many other clubs from the county of Essex have faced Altrincham in competitive matches over the last forty years or so. No fewer than eight such clubs are identified below.

More remarkably still, some of those Essex clubs faced Altrincham not in the top-flight, national tier of non-League football, as might be expected but, rather, when the Essex clubs in question were incongruously placed in the northern England half of tier two's regionalised leagues!

The clubs in question were Bishop's Stortford (1) and Braintree Town (2) who were both members of Conference North.

Other Essex clubs faced by Altrincham in the national level of non-League football are Dagenham & Redbridge (3), Colchester United (4), Grays Athletic (5) and Canvey Island (6).

In addition, Altrincham has had FA Cup ties against Colchester United and (Leyton) Orient (7) and have also met Leytonstone/Ilford (8), Bishop's Stortford and Grays Athletic in the FA Trophy.

Nowadays Dagenham and Leyton may be considered by some to be part of London rather than Essex, their historic county, but on that basis, Alty are a Manchester, not a Cheshire, club!

So with Southend United (9) and Brightlingsea (10), Alty will have played at least ten Essex clubs, nine of them competitively.

RESERVES LOSE LOCAL DERBY

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

Soilihull Moors report that on Saturday "Adam Rooney’s late penalty wasn’t enough to salvage a point for Solihull Moors as they narrowly lost at play-off chasing Wrexham AFC.

In a game where all three goals came from the spot, Wrexham’s Luke Young dispatched two in the first half for the hosts.

Moors piled on the pressure in the second half and pulled one back through Rooney, but couldn’t quite find a second at the Racecourse Ground.

Manager Mark Yates made six changes to the team that lost 3-0 at Yeovil Town on Tuesday evening. In came Stephen Gleeson, Adam Rooney, Cameron Coxe, Nathan Cameron, Alex Addai and Jordon Thompson.

Joe Sbarra, Callum Maycock, Jordan Piggott and Kyle Hudlin dropped to the bench, while Reiss McNally and Ben Usher-Shipway missed out. Gleeson and Cameron made a welcome return from injury and on-loan Coventry City defender Thompson came in for his Moors debut...

On 27 minutes, Reece Hall-Johnson went down under the challenge of Kyle Storer who protested, but referee Jacob Miles pointed to the spot. Luke Young stepped up and made no mistake from 12 yards, slotting home past Boot to put the hosts into the lead.

Just five minutes later, Wrexham were awarded a second penalty as Nathan Cameron brought down his man after a run in behind. The same man, Young, converted once again, but only just. Boot guessed the right way and got plenty behind it, but the ball cruelly snuck into the bottom right corner. Wrexham were two up after 33 minutes.

Moors... started the second half well... Yates opted to make a double change on 55 minutes, with Kyle Hudlin and Callum Maycock replacing Gleeson and James Ball...

Yates rolled his final dice with 10 to play as Joe Sbarra entered the fray in place of the returning Coxe.

Moments later, a third penalty of the game was awarded and this time it went to the Moors. Arms were up inside the area as the corner came in and the referee had no hesitation. Rooney was the man on the spot and, with nine to play, Moors had a lifeline as the striker found the bottom corner.

That goal made for a nervy end for the home side as Moors grew in confidence in search of an equaliser...

Solihull Moors: Boot (GK), Cranston, Storer ©, Gleeson (Hudlin 55), Rooney, Coxe (Sbarra 80), Ball (Maycock 55), Donawa, Cameron, Addai, Thompson.Subs not used: Piggott, Hancox."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Manager James Rowe made three changes to the starting XI with Josef Yarney, Curtis Weston and Nathan Tyson replacing Gavin Gunning, Martin Smith and Kairo Mitchell.

The home side got out of the starting blocks quickly and took the lead within the first five minutes. Gavan Holohan rose highest from a corner and saw his header saved by Grant Smith before Rhys Oates swept home the rebound.

Chesterfield struggled to gain a foothold in the match... Hartlepool soon doubled their lead. Jamie Sterry latched onto a cross-field pass and rolled a low ball across the face of goal, which Yarney prodded into his own net...

In the 43rd minute, the Spireites went further behind. A free-kick was helped over to the back post where Holohan struck the woodwork from a couple of yards out and the ball fell to Luke Armstrong who tapped home from close-range...

Just after the hour-mark, Chesterfield reduced the deficit. Mandeville floated a corner into the middle of the penalty area and Kerr powered his header into the back of the net.

After the goal, the game slowed down and both sides struggled to create many chances... Unfortunately, there was no grandstand finish and the Blues were beaten."

And the Derbyshire Times reports that "Spireites boss James Rowe said Chesterfield’s first-half performance against Hartlepool United was ‘unacceptable’ and that he picked the ‘wrong’ formation.

Chesterfield conceded three times in 43 minutes to give themselves a mountain to climb...

'It was unacceptable in the first-half,' Rowe said. 'I have picked the wrong team and the wrong shape on the day and it has come back to bite us. 'Second-half, when I changed the formation, which I thought about going with from the start, which was a bit gung-ho, we caused them a lot of problems.

'I thought we looked the better team second-half, we pinned them in, we created opportunities so credit to the lads because that is character. We lost to the better team today.'

The manner of the goals disappointed Rowe, saying they came down to ‘desire’ in the box.

Gavin Gunning missed out due to an ongoing hamstring problem and Rowe said his absence affected their ability to play out from the back...

This was Hartlepool’s first game in two weeks after their home fixture against Weymouth was moved to the last day of the season to allow fans to attend, and Rowe was in no doubt it made a big difference.

'They looked like a team who could focus on this one solely for two weeks and we looked like a team focused on Wrexham away, Bromley away and here was probably a step too far. I think the games are catching up with us, I think the injuries are catching up with us and we are patching it up at the moment.'”

Woking’s "winless run stretched to ten games as a patched-up, youthful side offered effort and commitment but found themselves largely outplayed by a more fluent, confident Terras outfit.

Missing ten players through injury and Jack Cook through suspension, Alan Dowson was nevertheless able to start with Sam Ashford and Zach Robinson up front, though neither was likely to have been fully match fit, and, at the back, Ben Gerring – with no other defenders available for selection, looked to be struggling from the outset.

Academy graduate Leo Hamblin started again at left back. Woking, against the run of play, twice took the lead but were pegged back on both occasions and, then, as has happened frequently recently, saw even a point slip from their grasp as the visitors ran in two late goals to add yet another four goals to the ‘goals against’ column.

Woking started quite brightly, taking the game to the Terras.. From about the quarter-hour mark Weymouth dominated proceedings, with the outstanding, quick-footed, Sean Shields leading the Cards defence a merry dance...

Having somehow survived this period of intense pressure, Woking took the lead completely against the run of play... as Cooper thumped an excellent free-kick into the top corner to give the Cards a 1-0 lead with 31 minutes gone...

There was Dallas to cleverly glance the ball past Ross to make it 1-1 in the 44th minute... The Terras almost grabbed another goal after a spirited Hodges tackle had presented McCarthy with a free-kick just outside the area. His shot was deflected, with Ross doing brilliantly to tip the ball over the bar...

Ashford put the Cards 2-1 up with 47 minutes gone... Unfortunately, Woking’s lead didn’t last long... Dallas showed his finishing ability once again as he managed to flick Shields’s near-post ball into the net in the 60th minute...

The experienced McQuoid then produced a moment of great skill... He volleyed superbly past Ross to put the Terras 3-2 up in the 89th minute...

Shields... couldn’t miss from a couple of yards out to make the score 4-2 to Weymouth. So, within the space of a few minutes, the Cards’ hopes of at least coming away with a 2-2 draw had been dashed and, instead, they had to face the huge disappointment of yet another unforgiving scoreline...

Dowse will have his work cut out, though, in putting a side together for Monday’s encounter at Dagenham and Redbridge and helping the players to overcome the inevitable lack of confidence that ensues from such a dreadful run of results".

Lynn News says that "King's Lynn Town manager Ian Culverhouse has provided an update on Cameron King following a goalless draw against Maidenhead United at The Walks.

The Linnets boss has confirmed that King is unlikely to feature again this season and possibly beyond after an injury-hit campaign with the club.

Culverhouse said, 'He's waiting for tests and we'll know where to go with it after that... I don't think we'll have him again this season and we will have to see where we go with him once the summer gets here.

'He's had such a stop-start season. It started in pre-season where he felt something in his legs and it's been like that all the way through.

'We've seen glimpses of the really good, talented lad that we know he is but we haven't had that consistent run of games from him.'

The 25-year-old playmaker has only featured 18 times this season and has only completed 90 minutes four times in a disrupted campaign.

The Linnets included Rory McAuley in his defence for the time in almost three months following a combination of injury and furlough...

The game saw the Linnets bid farewell to on-loan midfielder Ethan Coleman, who delivered another impressive performance in the middle of the park.

With his contract at Brackley finishing, and with Lynn in no position to pay him, the 24 year-old has played his last game for the club.

'I thought he was magnificent for us again,' said Culverhouse after the game".

SATURDAY FIXTURES

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

ALTY'S PITCH AWARD

The FSIF have earmarked 70% of the £184,000 project costs – a grant up to a maximum of £128,768. This award, allied with the renowned generosity of our supporters, justifies the gamble that the board have taken in undertaking the biggest investment in the playing surface in the club’s history at a time when we have had no matchday revenue".

Follow the above link for the full story...

TODAY'S GAME: NOTTS COUNTY

Access to the Alty TV streaming service, which is covering the match, can be acquired here.

Altrincham will be seeking to end a run of four successive defeats, the last three all at home, and avoid a repeat of their sequence of five successive defeats in games 21 to 25. Having lost just six times in the first twenty games of the league season, Alty have been beaten 11 times in their last 16 matches.

However, in terms of recent form it is Notts County who are marginally the lower ranked team, having lost all four of their last matches and taken just a single point from their last five league fixtures, whereas Alty have had a win and four losses in that period.

On the eve of the game, Notts County reported that "Club captain Michael Doyle says the onus is on the team to deliver improved results, starting on Saturday at Altrincham.

The midfielder returned to the starting line-up recently following a spell out injured... and, having picked up only one point from those two matches, Doyle delivered a frank assessment of our current situation...

He said, 'I know what supporters want – they want us to win. Clearly, we’re not doing that at the minute and it’s tough. I don’t want to patronise anyone. I’m sure the fans are irate at the minute because they want to see their club get back into the EFL.

'As players, it’s time to put up... At this moment in time we just want to get results'...

Recent results haven't necessarily reflected performances, with a significant number of chances created and the team controlling the majority of the play...

Said the skipper, 'You’re at this club for a reason; you’re good enough to play for a big club like this and there’s an expectation that comes with that. You’ve got to stick your chest out, show your qualities and let your performances do the talking'".

ON THIS DAY: 1 May

As expected, Phil Parkinson made changes from the much-altered side which had drawn at Ashton the previous weekend. Back into the starting eleven came Thompson, Hampson, Hannigan, Hulme and Ceesay. There was no space in the squad for Callum Dolan and Matt Chadwick.

Andy White had already been ruled out by injury but otherwise there was, apparently, a full squad available,

Right: Jake Moult battles for an aerial ball against Blyth.

After Blyth had deservedly taken a deserved two-goal lead inside the first half-hour, Altrincham gained a lifeline when Johnston converted a penalty, awarded for handball, seven minutes later. However, the visitors' lead remained intact until the third of four added minutes at the end of the regulation ninety minutes.

Alty's 93rd minute leveller by Josh Hancock took the game to extra time and, with no further goals being scored, penalties followed.

Twelve perfect penalties made it 6-6 from the spot until substitute Wrightson saw the thirteenth effort saved by Tony Thompson. Josh Hancock then converted Alty's seventh kick to put the seal on a victory which had seemed highly unlikely earlier in the evening.

Alty had started the evening poorly, showing little invention and frequently mis-passing and mis-controlling the ball in the opening stages.

In the 11th minute Jarrett Rivers put Blyth ahead, on merit, when he drifted across the box from the right, played a one-two, and then smartly netted. A superbly struck 25-yarder from full-back Nicholson made it 2-0 to the Spartans in the 28th minute.

Seven minutes later, when a Sean Williams shot struck a Blyth man's arm, Alty were awarded a penalty which John Johnston converted to make it 1-2.

Alty had the better of the second half but time seemed to have run out as they sought an equalizer. However, in the third added minute, Josh Hancock got free and scored from about 12 yards to send the match into extra-time.

Alty had the better of the first period of extra-time, before Blyth finished the second period strongly. What turned into the 14 kicks of a penalty shoot-out followed, with Alty emerging the winners 7-6 and so earning a trip to Chorley on Sunday for the semi-final.

In the Penalty Shoot-Out:

1. 0-1 Reid netted as Thompson guessed wrongly.
2. 1-1 Moult likewise bamboozled the Blyth goaklkeeper to score.
3. 1-2 Rivers converted with a shot which went in off the crossbar.
4. 2-2 Jameson went to his left but Densmore's effort just beat him.
5. 2-3 Likewise, Thompson went the right way but Liddle scored.
6. 3-3 Poole levels the shoot-out scores for the third time.
7. 3-4 Buddle scored confidently.
8. 4-4 Johnston repeated his earlier success from the spot in normal time.
9. 4-5 Atkinson found the top corner of the net.
10. 5-5 With a miss meaning instant defeat, Harrop scored.
11. 5-6 Another high shot, this time from Laing, restored Blyth's lead.
12. 6-6 Harrison, presumably brought on for his spot-kicks, netted.
13. 6-6 Thompson's dive to his right blocked Wrightson's effort, which had not been badly hit.
14. 7-6 Hancock stepped up to score the decisive spot-kick.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony Thompson, 2. Shaun Densmore, 3. Connor Hampson, 4. James Jones, 5. Tom Hannigan, 6. Jake Moult (c), 7. John Johnston, 8. Sean Williams, 9. Jordan Hulme, 10. Josh Hancock, 11. Yusufi Ceesay. Subs: 12. Max Harrop, 14. James Poole, 15. Simon Richman, 16. Ben Harrison, 20. Elliot Wynne.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Hartlepool United Football Club Limited posted a loss of £322,812 for the financial year ending July 2020, with these accounts covering the entire of the 2019/20 season.

That campaign was, of course, impacted by COVID-19 with the National League season declared null and void... The vast majority of National League clubs tend to operate at a loss year-on-year.

Yet despite that, Pools were still able to reduce their losses from their previous set of accounts (2019: -£860,114). Much of that was due to the continued support of Raj Singh, with loans from his holding company... Clarence 18 Ltd provided Pools with loans of £700,000 during the 2019/20 campaign. That was up from £676,565 during the previous season.

As of July 2020, the club owed £2.25 million to Clarence 18 Ltd...

At the end of the 2018/19 season, the document showed that Pools employed 202 staff, but that had fallen to 143 by July 2020. This number is likely to include match day staff too... Pools’ accounts state that the club has ‘a continuity plan in place which they believe will allow the business to continue to operate for a period of at least twelve months’. The mention of twelve months is standard practice in accounts of this nature...

The impact of Singh’s continued financial support is clear in this set of accounts".

The Daily Express confirms that "Chelsea are set to complete a deal to sign young striker Jayden Wareham from National League side Woking. Wareham has been on trial in the Chelsea youth setup for a month and has seemingly won a deal to sign for the Blues.

Woking boss Alan Dowson confirmed on Friday morning that a deal that sees the 17 year-old leave the club is all but done...

Only five of his 22 outings have been from the start, with his two goals coming as a substitute in the 2-2 draw at Bromley in January. Dowson did not name Chelsea but says Premier League clearance is the only thing that needs to be sought for his exit to be confirmed...

He told the Woking YouTube channel 'I don't think they want to publicise it massively but I believe everything's in order'".

Weymouth "announce that former Club Captain, defender and Hall of Fame inductee John Waldock has accepted an invitation to join the club’s board of directors.

John will bring his wealth of football experience back to the club who he served during his spell from 1995 to 2006. Since retiring from football John’s career in business has blossomed and he has held several directorships in large multinational multi-million turnover companies. He will use this experience to promote the club and enable it to establish itself in the National League and beyond. He will primarily take on a role of developing the engagement within the club in the Community but support in other areas...

Chairman Ian White added...'We look forward to seeing John develop the Club’s community activities.

John said, 'It is a great pleasure to join one of the most successful boards the club has had in the last 20 years. Although not involved in the club directly over the last few years, I’ve been impressed with the Club’s recent direction...

The Club is currently in its rightful place in the National League, however, the board, management, playing staff, volunteers, supporters and community will all need to invest time and energy to ensure we continue on this great journey'".

Footnote: Waldock played against Altrincham for Weymouth in 2004.

From another promoted club, Lynn News reports that "King’s Lynn Town manager Ian Culverhouse can be forgiven for counting down the games left this season as the Linnets prepare to welcome Maidenhead to The Walks.

The Lynn boss continues to mix and match before he begins a major rebuilding job during the summer.

It has become an uphill struggle in the last few weeks as the club see out a campaign that became a complete dead rubber following the National League’s decision to carry on playing in the middle of February.

Culverhouse said 'We’ve been dragging people off the streets to come to play for nothing. I’ve no doubt they will be better players for the experience once the season has finished but, at the moment, I hope the season finished quite quickly.

'You are asking players to play a certain style that they are probably not used to and they want a chance to show what they can do. But we can’t have a team of individuals as individuals don’t win you anything. It’s about being a collective unit and you just need them to play in a team structure. We want to be competitive and at the moment we are doing that in certain spells of games.

'I thought we were magnificent at Aldershot, against Dagenham I thought we never turned up and laid a glove on them and in the second half against Stockport.'

Added to the players currently on furlough and Lynn’s long-term injury list, Culverhouse will also be without defender Elkan Baggott and midfielder Cameron King for the visit of The Magpies...

'Maidenhead always find a way to stay in this league and that is a blueprint that we should be looking at,' he said. 'They are about the same size as us as a club but every season they still stay in the league. They’ve got a very good manager who is very clued up'...

The Magpies have had a rather mixed season with good and poor runs of results".

In the Leader Live, "Dean Keates admits the Bank Holiday double-header could 'make or break' some teams' promotion challenge.

Wrexham, down to ninth in the National League following Tuesday night's results but only two points adrift of the play-offs with a game in hand, have got seven matches remaining... with the Reds facing Solihull Moors at The Racecourse tomorrow before heading to Maidenhead on Monday...

'The Bank Holiday period can make or break seasons so we are going into a massive three days,' said Keates... 'It won't be the be-all-and-end-all, it will just make things a lot more different if we don't get maximum points'...

Keates insists results are all that count in the run-in and consistency is key as Wrexham, unbeaten in three games, try and finish the job off.

Said Keates... 'We are in decent form, we have found a little bit of a rhythm again and we be fully focussed on getting maximum points at the weekend'".

As the Derbyusire Times reports, "The Spireites take on the third-placed Pools at Victoria Park on Saturday in front of the BT Sport cameras.

Pools are unbeaten in 15 games and have won 11 of their last 12 on home soil.

'It means they are closer to a defeat if they are 15 unbeaten so let’s be clear about that,' Rowe said. 'But let’s not underestimate them, they are a good team and they are in the shake-up for the title for a reason. I really like the way they play and they set-up but we like to play too so let’s see how it unfolds.

'The best team that comes out on top will be the best team out of possession because both teams have got technical players... I think this game is a good benchmark for us.'

At one point it looked like Town might have been able to gatecrash the top three but Rowe has acknowledged...'We have missed that boat now, it was too much of an ask to get in the shake-up for the title. The play-offs are our focus, we know what tally we need...

'(Challinor) is an experienced manager who has been in the play-offs himself...' Rowe added... 'They like to dominate the ball too so I am sure it will be a good spectacle... I am really looking forward to seeing how we can match-up against a team that has had a pre-season together, got an experienced manager and got some experienced players and like to play through the thirds.'”

At Barnet "The Club have completed the emergency loan signing of Watford FC goalkeeper Adam Parkes until the end of the season.

The 21 year-old goalkeeper has been a regular in the Hornets under-23s team since joining the Hertfordshire Club in January 2019... The 'keeper spent 10 years at Southampton, joining the Saints aged nine.

The goalkeeper is no stranger to non-league football having spent time on loan at Havant and Waterlooville in the 2019/20 campaign. The 'keeper joins the Bees following the serious injury sustained to Aymen Azaze in Tuesday's night match with Sutton and provides Simon Bassey with additional cover alongside young academy graduate, James Callan."