NEWS ARCHIVE
September, 2023
30 September 2023
SATURDAY FIXTURES
Saturday 30 September 2023- AFC Fylde 0-2 Woking
- Aldershot Town 3-2 Dagenham & Redbridge
- Bromley 3-1 Gateshead
- Ebbsfleet United 3-1 Boreham Wood
- FC Halifax Town 2-3 Eastleigh
- Hartlepool United 0-2 Dorking Wanderers
- Kidderminster Harriers 1-2 Barnet
- Maidenhead United 1-1 Chesterfield
- Oxford City 1-2 Altrincham (k.o. 5.30pm)
- Rochdale 2-2 Southend United
- Wealdstone 1-1 Oldham Athletic
- York City 2-2 Solihull Moors
TODAY: OXFORD CITY v ALTY
Altrincham are seeking a third win in succession today as they visit Oxford City for the first time since 2014, when the clubs met at National North level.Whilst James Jones was fit enough to return to the squad on Tuesday, Joey Jones is a doubt after failing to complete Tuesday's fixture.
Of the longer-term injured, Matty Kosylo is probably the best placed for an early return whilst Regan Linney, Ollie Crankshaw, Liam Brockbank and George Wilson look set for longer on the sidelines.
CCC INTERVIEWED
Altrincham FC tell us that "Alty's Belfast belter Chris Conn-Clarke met with Brian Flynn to chat about his and the Club's start to the 2023/24 Vanarama National League season".The Alty TV video interview is available via the above link.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
FC Halifax Town "are delighted to confirm the signing of Justin Iwobi from Championship side Stoke City.
The 6’4″ striker has so far spent his entire career with Stoke and last season made eight appearances for the under 18s in the Under 18 Premier League as Stoke finished 5th.
The young forward has also made an appearance in the FA Youth Cup for Stoke, coming on against Burton Albion under 18s in the third round.
In a brief statement, Kidderminster Harriers cnfirm that they "have added defender Sammy Robinson to the squad ahead of Saturday’s game.
Sammy, 21, spent several seasons in the Academy ranks at Man City and played regular football for Port Vale in 2022-23.
Boreham Wood "announce the arrival of midfielder Matt Robinson to the Mangata Pay UK Stadium, Meadow Park, on a short-term loan from National League counterparts Woking.
Robinson began his career in the youth ranks at Leicester City before joining Luton in 2012. The 29-year-old made a total of 52 appearances for the Hatters while enjoying various spells on loan at Kidderminster Harriers, Grimsby Town, and Woking.
In 2016, the powerful midfielder joined Dagenham and Redbridge, where he resided up until this season, making a total of 240 appearances for the Daggers and scoring on 22 occasions.
In the summer, Robinson joined Darren Sarll’s side Woking, where he has featured in every game so far this season...
Luke Garrard commented, 'Matt is someone who knows the level... He is a combative midfielder and has an eye for goal with his late runs into the box'”.
Gillingham confirm that "Lewis Walker has joined National League side Woking on a short-term loan deal until January 2024...
Lewis began his career with Ilkeston, before signing for Derby County in 2016.
Following a loan to National League North side Darlington, the forward would go on to sign for Queens Park Rangers in 2019, where he made his professional first-team debut...
A loan spell with Aldershot, and a two-year period in Italy playing for Como and Athletic Carpi respectively followed. Lewis then signed with Gillingham in July 2022 where he has made 27 first-team appearances to date".
29 September 2023
PARKINSON HAILS CONN-CLARKE
In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger press ane media officer John Edwards writes that "Phil Parkinson saluted Chris Conn-Clarke’s match-winning qualities after he made it three goals in two games and helped lift Altrincham into seventh position... on the back of two victories in three days...The attacking midfielder found his scoring touch again with the only goal of the game at Maidenhead United on Tuesday night.
That’s six goals so far this season for Alty’s leading marksman...
He said 'I spoke to the players at half time about the slope on the pitch. I’ve played on pitches like that and seen what it can do to the ball when you strike it from distance. If you get the connection right, it can make the ball dip, and Chris certainly did that. It was moving anyway, but the way it dipped as well actually made me feel sorry for their keeper.
'That’s why I was so desperate to get Chris back to the club after his initial loan spell; he’s a matchwinner. You can point to some things he might not always get right, but if he did, he would be playing in the Championship'...
[He added that] 'The two centre-backs, Jake Cooper (left) and Lewis Baines (right), were absolutely sensational... Their concentration levels had to be on point, and they were. I thought they were real shining lights, and it just shows what competition can do, with James Jones and Sam Roscoe breathing down their necks'".
NEXT: OXFORD CITY
As Altrincham prepare to face Oxford City on live TV on Saturday, the Oxford Mail reports that Oxford City head coach Ross Jenkins "reckons visiting [team] Gateshead were the best team his Oxford City side have faced in the Vanarama National League so far this season. {The Heed won 4-0 at Oxford.]The former Watford midfielder said 'They were brilliant and probably the best team we’ve played so far. Some of the football they played was outstanding. We weren’t good enough and they were very good, very sharp and very good in possession...
'There are some really good teams in the league and we witnessed one tonight... In terms of the opposition we’re facing, it’s a different calibre now. We need to learn quickly...
'I thought tonight we played one of the best footballing teams. I’ve watched everyone and they’re up there... I thought Gateshead were superb...
'I don’t think we retained the ball well enough. There were too many turnovers and sloppy passes... We can play much better than that. To beat Boreham Wood 4-0 at home is a tough thing to do, but we did it.
'Tonight, we were just outclassed by some real quality they’ve got, with some good structure and a good manager'".
Let's hope he has something similarily complimentary to say about Altrincham after Saturday's match!
THROUGH THE YEARS: 1 Octtember
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data show that it is six years since Alty played a game on Saturday's date, 1 Octtember. And that was a dour goalless draw in the EvoStik NPL at Stalybridge Celtic as Alty looked to start their climb back to National League level.
Right: Joel Bembo-Lita in action against his former club at Stalybridge six years ago this Saturday.
At a very wet Bower Fold, Stalybridge had Julien sent off in the 76th minute for a second yellow-card offence but Altrincham could not capitalise on that.
Lacking the guile of the injured John Johnston, Altrincham nevertheless won numerous corners but created few clear openings. Had James Poole done better with a good chance in the match's opening thirty seconds, things might have been different. However, in the latter stages, following the home side's introduction of substitute Theo Bailey-Jones, Altrincham could have lost all three points but for a good block from goalkeeper Thompson.
Alty also finished the game with ten men when substitute Josh Amis had to hobble off after injuring himself making a challenge.
Alty, who remained fifth after the game, had not dropped a single point in six matches against teams in the top half of the table yet had now managed just one win in six attempts against teams in the lower half of the league.
Disney, Miller, Johnston and Taylor were all again missing for Altrincham...
ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 3. Shaun DENSMORE, 4. Tom HANNIGAN, 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. Tom PEERS, 8. Sam SHERIDAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. James POOLE, 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs 12. Simon RICHMAN, 14. Lewis SHORT, 15. Josh AMIS, 16. James JONES, 17 Max HARROP.
ALTY OLD BOYS AND LOANEES
Phil Jordan informs us that last weekend "JOSH GINNELLY had to go off injured just before half time in Swansea City's 3-0 home win over Sheffield Wednesday. He has ruptured his Achilles tendon and is out for the rest of the season".
OLD FOES
Thirteen years ago Scunthorpe United were in the EFL Championship; today they are in a mess, four levels below their 2010-11 status.And that may not be the lowest point of their decline, as now the as The BBC reports that "Owner David Hilton has withdrawn funding for Scunthorpe United, who will play games away from Glanford Park because of a land dispute.
Having already put the club up for sale, a statement said Hilton feels his position is 'untenable', and is 'actively seeking a way out'.
The National League North club say they will leave Glanford Park after hosting Brackley on 7 October.
They said they will play home games 16 miles away at Gainsborough Trinity.
However, Gainsborough have since said Scunthorpe's statement was issued #without the knowledge or consent# of the club.
'Whilst the club has always been clear that any requests from Scunthorpe United to play fixtures at the KAL Group Stadium would be considered, this would always have to be done by due process which would involve both clubs and the ground owner,' they said.
Glanford Park remains the property of former owner Peter Swann through land owners Coolsilk, while a trial is currently scheduled for January which will look at the validity of a sub-tenancy to use the venue.
'No potential purchasers are looking to move forward,' the Scunthorpe statement continued in relation to new ownership...
'The chairman and remaining board members have now set out a plan in order to very quickly make the club sustainable. An outside company will be bought in to work closely with the club's creditors to try and ensure all are paid in a timely and professional manner.'
Hilton, who only took over from Swann in January, has developed a difficult relationship with supporters since taking on the ownership.
He sought to move training to Ilkeston as a cost-cutting measure, only to backtrack after supporter complaints. It was also confirmed earlier this month that a winding-up petition was to be issued by His Majesty's Revenue & Customs".
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Eastleigh "confirm that Richard Hill has been appointed as first-team manager following his interim period in charge.
The club has interviewed numerous candidates following a thorough and extensive recruitment process.
Although this has taken longer than initially expected, due to the volume of interviews and the requirement to make formal approaches for those in employment, the club feels that the appointment of Hill will give us the best chance of success.
Hill has achieved unprecedented success with the club and will be well known to many new and old fans alike.
Having assembled a team that won promotion to the National League he subsequently led Eastleigh to their highest ever league finish...
During Hill’s seven games as interim manager, and despite a hugely depleted squad, he has gathered 11 points in the league and has maintained a 55% win rate throughout his entire managerial career with the Spitfires".
Also, Eastleigh "announce the signing of Bailey Clements on a short-term loan from Chesterfield.
Ipswich born Clements came up through the ranks at his local club spending 14 years there, eventually breaking through into the first team. He made eight appearances for them whilst in League One before moving to Chesterfield on a permanent deal in 2022.
The left-back spent time on loan at Stevenage whilst he was on the books at Ipswich...
Since joining Chesterfield the 22-year-old has made ten appearances in the National League, scoring three times".
According to York Press "York City manager Neal Ardley is working on bringing in a new full-back to the club due to injuries.
Long-term injuries to Michael Duckworth and Levi Andoh, alongside Adam Crookes’s recently sustained knock, sees York looking extremely light in full-back.
Ardley is working to rectify this by potentially bringing in a full-back on loan...
The City boss also confirmed that winger Finlay Barnes is set for a move away from the club, after his loan with Darlington came to an end...
Ardley said, 'I think at the moment Crookesy is injured and out for a couple of weeks. We’ve got Ducky out and Levi out long-term, our full-back areas are limited to two players at the moment.
'Ryan Fallowfield, who's not been well, and Thierry who had stomach cramps in the game on Tuesday night'...
Ardley also expressed his frustration at not having recall clauses in the loan contracts for Cedric Main and Sam Sanders, who have both had positive stints on loan at Blyth Spartans and Truro City...
'We’re monitoring these players and in an ideal world we would like the option to be able to bring them back if we wanted'" said Ardley.
28 September 2023
"A COMPLETE AWAY PERFORMANCE"
Laurence Howarth spoke to Altrincham boss Phil Parkinson after the 1-0 win at Maidenhead United on Tuesday. The interview can be viewed and heard via Alty TV.The manager summed up the evening as "a complete away performance".
MAIDENHEAD'S ANGLE
Maidenhead United report on the game against Altrincham on Tuesday night.
They tell us that "The visitors almost opened the scoring... as Amalazor drove down the right wing before cutting onto his left foot, and dragging a shot wide of Craig Ross’ goal.
The Robins had another great chance to make it 1-0 before halftime, as Craig Ross had to react quickly to prevent a Lewis Banks header from beating him at close range.
Craig Ross was called into action again not long after, as he got down well at his near post to prevent Gerald Sitholes shot from sneaking in...
"The first real chance of the second half fell Maidenhead’s way, as Jayden Mitchell-Lawson's corner almost crept in at the back post, but Ethan Ross did well to tip it over the bar...
Despite the hosts being on top throughout the second half, Altrincham took the lead through a long range strike from Chris Conn-Clarke which found its way into the top left corner".
MAIDENHEAD DEFENDER'S VIEW
Another perspective on Alty's win at Maidenhead comes from United defender Sam Beckwith who told the Maidenhead Advertiser, "that Maidenhead United were punished for a momentary lack of focus...The Magpies were caught slightly unawares just after a break for drinks in the 72nd minute and the Robins took a quick free-kick from which Chris Conn-Clarke blasted home the winner.
Beckwith said it was the one time in the game the team collectively failed to follow their ‘pre-match analysis on Altrincham’.
It was tough to take for a side that defended very well in general, but Beckwith hopes they’ll learn from it...
'It’s always gutting when you give 100 per cent and you come out in the end with a 1-0 loss,' he said... 'The defence was very solid. Their goal was from 30 yards out and he’s (Conn-Clarke) put it in the top corner which you can’t really do anything about, but maybe we could have stood on the ball.
'From our analysis we knew they liked to play a quick free kick, so we’ve got to be alert to that. The one time we didn’t do that they put it in the top corner. 100 per cent we could have switched on better. The front men, midfielders or defenders, someone has got to go all guns blazing to the ball to try and block the shot'.
Tuesday’s loss means the Magpies have scored just once in eight matches... Beckwith added... 'Defensively we’ve been doing alright but just have to keep working on the training ground and we’ll create these chances'".
NEXT: OXFORD CITY
Oxford City entertain Altrincham on Saturday in front of the TNT cameras (5.30pm).
On Tuesday, City suffered a heavy home defeat, losing 0-4 to a rampant Gsteshead side, for whom former Alty man Marcus Dinanga netted twice.
Oxford City reported that "City were well beaten at home against a dominant Gateshead...
Ross Jenkins made four changes to the starting team that lined up away at Oldham. Josh Ashby remained sidelined, and Zac McEachran dropped to the bench.
However, Nya Kirby and Josh Parker both returned to the starting XI for City, and there was a place on the substitutes' bench for new signing Remmy Smith.
Gateshead started well and showed why they’re at the top end of the table, with a number of attacks early on...
[But] the Hoops were inches away from opening the scoring themselves after Andre Burley rose highest and powered a header from a corner well towards goal, but he saw his header expertly cleared off the line and onto the crossbar.
However, Gateshead opened the scoring with twenty-five minutes on the clock with a routine straight from the training ground... and there was Dinanga ready and waiting to stab home from close range; 0-1.
After the break, it was the same story, and Gateshead continued their explosiveness from the re-start... Gateshead doubled their lead just before the hour mark and it was Dinanga again...
If there was one thing Ross Jenkins was to get out of this evening, it was that City never gave in, and they kept on trying to find a way past the brick-wall of the Gateshead defence...
On a more positive note, Austrian international Renny Smith made his debut, coming on for Alfie Potter after 72 minutes...
A costly mistake at the back from City settled the game... and City were punished by a ruthless Gateshead press... 0-3.
To make matters worse, City conceded another in stoppage time...
The scoreline didn’t flatter Gateshead, who were much the better side throughout the 90. Time for City to debrief and regroup before going again Saturday evening when they welcome Altrincham".
The attendance was 787 (51 Gateshead)
Oxford City: Haigh, Burley, Miccio, Kirby, Coyle, Fleet, Parker, Potter (Smith 72'), Fonkeu (Sanderson 69'), Carroll, Moore (Williams-Bushell 60'). Subs not used: Harrison, McEachran
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
FC Halifax Town "were held to a 0-0 draw against Dagenham and Redbridge...
It was the away side starting brightly... Alli had the best chance of the first half, breaking through the Dagenham defence, but ended up caught in his own feet and maybe in two minds...
Dagenham looked to respond in the dying minutes of the first half through Hill but was taken down by a reckless challenge from Galvin who was booked in the 42nd minute...
The first half ended goalless with both sides struggling for quality in the final third.
The second half started with the Shaymen applying relentless pressure but to no avail...
The final whistle blew at The Shay with 0-0 being the final score. It’s now four games without a win for the Shaymen".
Danny Whitehead’s goal from distance sent the Coasters into a 17th-minute lead before Angelo Balanta’s leveller seven minutes later.
Balanta scored his and Boreham Wood’s second of the clash on 72 minutes, but Evans intervened at the death to secure a share of the spoils.
Adam Murray made two changes from Saturday’s win at Southend United, with Connor Barrett and Luke Charman replacing Josh Kay and Nick Haughton...
Fylde were behind with 18 minutes left to play when Femi Ilesanmi fizzed a cross into the box to slam past Richardson.
Boreham Wood threatened to add a third in the final eight minutes, seeing Tom Whelan’s free-kick hitting the crossbar.
Fylde levelled in dramatic circumstances in the closing minute of normal time when Kyron Gordon found himself in the Boreham Wood box. He crossed and Evans bundled an equaliser over the line to earn a point".
It is understood that Hurst has joined Macclesfield for an undisclosed fee, joining the Silkmen on a contract until the end-of-the-season.
Hurst departs York after making 38 appearances last season... along with one start this season.
The 23-year-old sustained a knock in the pre-season friendly against Sheffield Wednesday, and has found his game time limited... Hurst also becomes the second player to join Macclesfield from York this month, joining City loanee Kevin Joshua... Hurst made the switch to York in the Summer of 2022".
In a goalless first half it was Altrincham who had the better of things though they only forced a couple of saves from the home keeper.
Craig Ross's first save was not until the 39th minute when he pushed out a Banks header for a corner. And then debutant Sithole forced a save, low down at the near post.
However, Maidenhead were a threat themselves at times, without ever troubling Ethan Ross before the break.
The second half was largely disappointing in terms of quality. Alty created nothing in the way of a clear chance and Maidenhead's few shots were wayward.
That was until the 73rd minute when Osborne took a quick, short freekick to Conn-Clarke who scored from nearly 30 yards with a superb shot into the upper reaches of the net. Craig Ross got a hand to it but could not stop the ball.
The visitors managed the closing stages well to end the evening in a play-off position of seventh in the National League.
Match report here
"DANNY WHITEHEAD opened the scoring for AFC Fylde tonight, but they eventually had to come from behind to draw 2-2 with visitors Boreham Wood, who had BILLY SASS-DAVIES booked.
With only 14 players available, Southend United still felt they could manage without DAN MOONEY, and left him on the bench as they drew 1-1 at Aldershot.
MARCUS DINANGA took his tally to 11 goals in 12 games with both of Gateshead's opening strikes at Oxford City. He was later substituted as his side cruised home 0-4.
TYRESE SINCLAIR put in a full shift for Rochdale, but visitors Chesterfield kept their grip on the league leadership winning 1-2. RYAN COLCLOUGH was booked, and later replaced by JAMES BERRY.
JAMES HARDY marked his Ashton United debut on loan from Macclesfield by scoring the winner in their 2-1 defeat of Bradford PA.
JOSH HANCOCK scored the final goal of the game as Radcliffe fell to an unexpected 3-2 defeat at Marine.
A JACK REDSHAW penalty sealed a 1-2 win for Hyde United at Stafford Rangers".
Before that match, the Bolton News told us that "Wanderers youngster Gez Sithole is eager to make the most of his loan opportunity at Altrincham after a frustrating spell out of action.
The 20-year-old forward featured for Matt Craddock’s side in the Central League before suffering a knee injury that kept him out for around eight months.
Sithole joined Altrincham on an initial month-long loan and is keen to make his mark in the National League...
'I was doing well but I tore my meniscus and was out for about eight months... I have played a few games now and would say that I am ready...
'There were a few talks with Altrincham last month and now there are quite a few players injured, I think it was the perfect time for me to come here and show what I can do. The lads are all nice and the gaffer is good, he welcomed me. It just feels like normal'"
Gez was "discovered" by Steve Evans who was the Gillingham manager at that time. Of Evans, Sithole said, "He is a very good guy. He treats everyone the same, he is honest with everyone. He is tough, but it builds character at the end of the day".
Above, in April 2014 Alty won 2-1 at Oxford City. Here we see Damian Reeves contesting possession. The pitch then was pretty worn but nowadays it is an artificial surface.
Next Saturday, live on TNT Sport, Altrincham pay their first visit to Oxford City since the clubs met in National League North in April 2014, at the end of which season Altrincham were promoted. By the time Alty returned to the North level, Oxford had been transferred to National South so the clubs have not met again until this season's fixtures as City enjoy their first taste of top-flight non-League football.
The match on 15 April 2014 involved a Tuesday-night trek to Oxford, but Alty emerged with a 2-1 win. Earlier that season, an own goal and a penalty had given Oxford City a 2-2 draw at Altrincham after the Robins had taken a 2-0 lead.
In that final clash at Oxford in 2014, Alty went ahead after 16 minutes when a Clee throw found Reeves and his lay off was converted by Walshaw. But Oxford had more of the first-half attacking play.
After Oxford had again enjoyed more of the forward momentum, Alty raised their game and Jake Moult volleyed home superbly from 30 yards after 83 minutes before substitute Kayden Jackson, who went on to enjoy EFL football, pulled one back in added time.
ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (capt), 3. Adam Griffin, 4. Carl Rodgers, 5. Gianluca Havern, 6. Scott Leather, 7. James Lawrie, 8. Jake Moult, 9. James Walshaw, 10. Damian Reeves, 11. Nicky Clee. Subs 12. Matt Doughty, 14. Greg Wilkinson, 15. Jeff King, 16. Kyle Perry, 18. Russ Saunders
So the overall record in games between the cklubs is:
The 33-year-old, who had been without a club since being released by the U's at the end of last season, has linked up with Daggers until the end of the season...
The experienced striker made nearly 200 appearances in total for the U’s but.. was restricted to 14 league starts for the club last season, with 12 of them coming before November.
Sears will link up with another popular former Colchester player Tom Eastman, at Dagenham".
Pavey, 27, joins the Club as the National League South top scorer for an undisclosed fee from Farnborough. The 6’1 striker has penned a deal... until the end of the 2024/25 season.
Alfie came through the ranks at Maidstone... earning a move to Championship side Millwall.
Pavey made 11 league appearances for Millwall and featured for Barnet, Aldershot Town, Bromley, Hampton & Richmond and Dartford on loan before making a permanent switch to Welling United in 2017. Alfie signed for Dartford soon after...
Spells at Havant & Waterlooville, and Dover Athletic, and returns to Barnet and Maidstone United.... before joining Braintree Town in 2023. Ahead of this season, Pavey joined Farnborough and leaves the Yellows as the National League South top scorer, with eight goals in ten appearances."
East Anglia's Pink 'Un adss that "Young Norwich City forward Thomas Dickson-Peters has joined... Woking on an initial one month's loan.
The Scotland youth international departs Norwich on loan for the third time having previously played in League One for Gillingham and League Two for Grimsby Town in the last two campaigns.
Dickson-Peters, 21, is yet to make his senior debut at Carrow Road".
The Shrimpers were docked points after failing to pay off their HMRC debt before a deadline set by the National League...
A source close to the club confirmed 'The hearing of the club’s application to reinstate the points that were deducted was dismissed and the club is now reviewing its appeal review options'...
The Shrimpers... would be eighth without the points deduction".
26 September 2023
Last Saturday Maidenhead United boss "Alan Devonshire made three changes to the side that narrowly lost to Boreham Wood on [the previous] Saturday with Lewis Kinsella, Casey Pettit and Zico Asare replacing Sam Beckwith, Kevin Lokko and Harry Parsons.
The hosts started the game the better of the two having the majority of the possession... Southend continued to pile on the pressure after Dan Mooney’s speculative cross almost caught out Ross who managed to tip his delivery wide.
The game was temporarily delayed in the first half due to objects being thrown onto the pitch.
The Shrimpers continued to control the game following the restart...
Despite not creating any chances, half-time substitute Tobi Sho-Silva helped the Magpies see more of the ball in the early stages of the second half... The hosts continued to control possession as the second half progressed...
The Shrimpers put the result beyond doubt in stoppage time through Wesley Fonguck, the forward weaved past two defenders before curling the ball into the bottom corner".
At Maidenhead tonight, loanee Gerald Sithole (above, right) from Bolton Wanderers will be hoping to make his debut after spending last Saturday on the bench as Altrincham hammered Ebbsfleet United. Fellow loanee Alex Newby (above, left) did make his debut and, indeed, he scored within five minutes of kick-off.
Rees flew in from Holland to watch the North London derby at the Emirates Stadium. And he used the opportunity to meet with Martin...
Rees... confirmed to Echosport that yesterday’s talks were positive.
Rees and the consortium have already had two bids rejected to buy the Shrimpers but they remain keen to take charge."
Manager Neal Ardley has moved quickly to bring in Smith... after a suspension to Tyler Cordner and a groin injury to Adam Crookes meant that Callum Howe was the only registered centre-back...
Smith began his career in the academy of Burnley... The 24-year-old then made the move to Harrogate after a brief spell with Darlington... Smith made the move to Scunthorpe United in February 2023 on a one-month loan and made 13 appearances for the Iron".
Generating more income means we can invest in our ground and we can invest in our team...
We also want to improve the experience that you have when you come to the ground... But we’ve always known we can’t do it on our own. Which is why we have been working with well known housebuilder, Wates to see what development is possible around the stadium to raise vital funds to make our long-term vision reality...
With their support we’ve been undertaking technical surveys, negotiating with nearby landowners, engaging with stakeholders and getting our long-term plans into good enough shape that we’re able to share them with you...
We’ve also been talking to some of our fans about what you would like to see...
The investment programme that we’re proposing requires over £20m of investment...
The vision that we’ve developed spans the next ten years, with three clear phases to the work...
Replacement of East, West and South Stands and new toilet blocks, Refurbishment of the North Stand and club building, New floodlights, Creation of space for future fan zone around stadium entrance
New hospitality and community building on the High Street, Refurbishment of the Phoenix Lounge. Landscaping and public realm works on the High Street
Full replacement of North Stand, Renovation of ATFC facilities including hospitality, administrative offices and players accommodation, New pitch installation.
25 September 2023
Pictured above are the six first-teamers sidelined by injury, as they chatted at the pitchside before the game against Ebbsfleet United last Saturday. Clockwise from the left they are Matty Kosylo, Regan Linney, Liam Brockbank, James Jones, George Wilson and Ollie Crankshaw.
Passing behind Regan Linney is Alty CEO John Williams.
However, since his recall to start the last three matches, not only has the left-sided central defender helped to record the club's first clean sheet in sixteen league games, but he has scored three goals, having previously only netted once in 43(+1) appearances for the club!
Right, we see him celebrating the first of his brace against Ebbsfleet United, hotly pursued by Justin Amaluzor and Eddy Jones.
On Saturday they lost 3-0 at Gateshead, a defeat that dropped them into the relegation places of the National League.
Maidenhead started the season reasonably well with just one defeat in their opening seven fixtures. However, goal-scoring has been a problem with just one goal netted in their last seven fixtures.
Their squad for last Saturday's game comprised 13. Craig Ross, 2. Zico Asare, 3. Sam Beckwith, 12. Bradley Keetch, 10. Kane Ferdinand, 4. Will De Havilland, 11. Jayden Mitchell-Lawson, 14. Tobi Sho-Silva, 16. Casey Pettit, 19. David Omilabu, 20. Remy Clerima. Subs: 1. Daniel Jinadu, 7. Harry Parsons, 21. Chanka Zimba, 24. Alan Massey, 26. Lewis Kinsella.
"It was disappointing afternoon for Boreham Wood as they succumb[ed] to a 2-1 defeat against a very good Aldershot Town side. Luke Garrard made one change from Tuesday night’s draw against Rochdale with Jack Payne making his first start of the season in place of the injured Liam O’Neil in midfield.
On thirty-nine minutes, Aldershot took a deserved lead when a lovely through ball from Cian Harries picked out Josh Stokes who finished very well past Ashmore...
Boreham Wood started the second half on the front foot... On fifty-four minutes, the mood changed for the hosts as Aldershot broke away and added a second goal...
On fifty-nine minutes Boreham Wood pulled one back when Balanta finished well at the far post.
The impetus was with Boreham Wood for the next period of the match as they pushed for an equaliser... The visitors were able to weather the storm and held out comfortably for a well-deserved three points".
24 September 2023
"Our front four were all on it today and looked really dynamic on the counter.
"We should've scored more than we have in previous games but we've not been clinical enough so it's good to see all our lads get the goals they deserve".
Fleet boss Dennis Kutrieb opined, "It's embarrassing to go home with a 6-1 defeat. It's not good enough.
"We were 3-0 down before we woke up and started playing. We dominated the second half but, if we don't take our chances, we'll not do well".
Above: Justin Donawa is congratulated on his goal by Justin Amaluzor, Elliot Osborne, Dior Angus and Isaac Marriott.
Above: Lewis Baines (no.4, far right) nets Altrincham's second goal with a fine glancing header which found the far corner of the net.
Less than a fortnight earlier, Alty had hit nine past Merthyr Tydfil at Moss Lane in a 9-2 win.
Ross's save (above) allowed Alty to go on to a 6-1 win.
Ethan has also saved penalties this season in two away games, at Barnet and at AFC Fylde.
The video interview is available via Alty TV.
Dinanga made it nine goals in 11 National League games this term with his match-winning brace as Gateshead climbed up to fourth spot.
Maidenhead, who have now lost four on the trot, almost took an early lead through Tobi Sho-Silva... but it was Gateshead who took control after that...
As the hosts searched for the opener... [it] finally arrived in the 68th minute when Dinanga got on the end of Wearne's cross to head home via the crossbar.
Dinanga then ensured the points would be staying up north with 10 minutes remaining when he slotted home from inside the box...
Gateshead did manage to add a third as Ed Francis pounced on a rebound".
Championship: DUNCAN WATMORE was substituted after 66 minutes as Millwall forced a goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion.
League One : OWEN DALE was credited with the assist for Blackpool's second goal in their 4-1 home win over Reading., before being substituted after 70 minutes.
JUNIOR QUITIRNA scored Fleetwood's equaliser as they drew 1-1 at Burton Albion.
CARL PIERGIANNI played the whole game as Stevenage won 0-3 at struggling Cheltenham Town.
League 2: TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game, while LUKE WATERFALL stayed on the bench as Grimsby Town were beaten 2-3 at home by Crawley Town.
JOEL SENIOR was one of five players substituted in the 77th minute by Morecambe as they trailed 1-2 at home to Swindon Town. The block change worked, as they came back to force a 2-2 draw.
CONNOR JENNINGS played the full game for Tranmere Rovers in their 2-0 home win over Accrington Stanley. CHRIS MERRIE was a 61st minute substitute.
National League : JAMES BERRY opened his Chesterfield account with the equaliser after they had trailed at home to Wealdstone at the break. After 70 minutes he was replaced by RYAN COLCLOUGH as the Spireites won 3-2.
TYRESE SINCLAIR put in a full shift for Rochdale at Dorking. Trailing until the 89th minute, they fought to win 1-2.
MARCUS DINANGA struck twice to take his tally to 9 goals in 11 games as Gateshead comfortably beat Maidenhead 3-0 and moved up to 4th in the league.
DAN MOONEY played the whole game for Southend United, as they lost at home 1-2 against AFC FYLDE.
National North : Both LEWIS SALMON and KENNEDY DIGIE were on target for Alfreton Town as they won 1-3 at Blyth Spartans.
An early CRAIG MAHON penalty set Curzon Ashton on the way to a 0-2 win at Brackley.
YUSIFU CEESAY scored the only goal as Hereford beat visitors Bishops Stortford.
NPL : TOM PEERS opened the scoring as Macclesfield won 2-0 against visitors Stafford Rangers.
JONNY MARGETTS reduced the arrears after Matlock Town had fallen two goals behind against Warrington Rylands, but the visitors went on to win 2-4.
A goal at the death by BRAD JACKSON earned Radcliffe a 4-3 home win over Worksop Town
And, finally, it appears that MILES WELCH-HAYES played for Livingston's U21 team at Stirling University on August 2nd, but went off injured after only 10 minutes. It would seem to be serious as there's no sign of him being involved again over 7 weeks later."
Terry Rowley informs us that "Going back to 1966/67 and again in 1967/68 we had twins, Peter and David Jackson, who played for many clubs at the same time as each other and indeed both played for Altrincham.
Both were full backs and played together only occasionally. David being the more used player, Peter only playing three times. But they were on the field at the same time, three times
Kelvin and Kieran Lugsden played together once, both as used substitutes."
He was also a Barnsley icon in his playing days, making over 300 appearances for the Reds.
Oldham are currently being led on an interim basis by Steve Thompson, Redfearn’s former assistant during his time in the Leeds dugout.
Thompson said 'I’m really pleased to have Neil on board, he’s an exceptional coach and is someone I’ve known and trusted throughout my career...
'We were manager and assistant at Leeds and we’ve always kept in touch. He knows how to get the best out of players'".
On Saturday Oldham Athletic "stormed to a four nil win against Oxford City at Boundary Park...
Oldham opened the scoring early when Gardner split open the defence with a stunning pass, which was slid home by Green.
Brennan Dickenson got his first of the game with a stunning strike...
Norwood fired home a third near the end of the second-half, and to top it off, Dickenson fired home a super free-kick in stoppage time, completing the humbling of Oxford." In a crowd of 6,400, just 22 were from Oxford.
And also from Oldham Athletic we learn that "Benny Couto has joined Ashton United on a one-month loan.
Benny made his Latics debut in the EFL Trophy against Salford City back in August 2021, before playing 45 minutes in the League Cup defeat to Brentford.
The 19-year-old then made his league debut away at Spotland, playing 86 minutes as Latics beat local side Rochdale, 1-0.
Since then, the youngster has made a total of 36 appearances in all competitions".
On a rare sunny afternoon, Alty took a fifth-minute lead when debutant loanee Alex Newby headed in at the back post from a Conn-Clarke cross.
It was 2-0 after 16 minutes when centre-back Lewis Baines netted a superb glancing header as he ran to the near post to meet a corner by Eddy Jones.
Justin Donawa made it 3-0 with a fine low finish into the bottom corner in the 32nd minute.
Ebbsfleet pulled a goal back in the 41st minute when a chipped ball forward was nodded in past a wrong-footed Ross by Odokonyero.
But Conn-Clarke's cool finish in the 45th minute made the half time score 4-1.
The second half was largely an anti-climax in which the visitors had the lion's share of the ball and territory but they spurned a great chance in the 81st minute when Ross saved a penalty awarded against substitute Lewis Banks for a foul.
Alty's on-loan keeper from Stockport County has saved three penalties since joing the club this season.
However, in the seven minutes decreed for added time, Altrincham scored twice more.
The fifth goal was a thing of beauty as Alty broke forward and Marriott's clever back heel allowed Eddy Jones to advance up the left. His cross, via Angus, came to Conn-Clarke who netted his second goal of the afternoon (90+2 mins).
And the icing on the cake was a sixth goal for the Robins in the 95th minute when another excellent header from Baines flew past Cousins in the Fleet's net.
Report to follow
Altrincham's guests today (Saturday) are Ebbsfleet United who "are back on the road again as it’s a visit to Altrincham for the first time since 2009...
Altrincham and the Fleet swapped places in 2020 but meet again having both been founder members of the top non-league division back in 1979.
It’s a battle between ninth and 11th with the two sides only separated by a single point. Saturday’s hosts have won just the two matches this season, having not tasted victory in the past five matches, when they grabbed a last-gasp winner against Chesterfield. Altrincham head into this match with consecutive draws to their form table...
Despite two defeats on the bounce for the Fleet, the trip to Woking earned a first draw of the season...
The meetings between both sides tally up to 16, all in non-league’s top division. The last time the two sides went head-to-head was at Stonebridge Road (Altrincham the victors that time around) but in the opening game of that season, the Fleet travelled to Manchester and the points were shared in a 1-1 close affair... The two sides first met in 1979, when Gravesend & Northfleet were well beaten 4-1.
There aren’t too many links between the squads but Fleet’s Joe Martin played alongside Alty’s Elliot Osborne at Stevenage".
And, just as Altrincham FC interviewed their new CEO this week, so have Ebbsfleet United.
"Three years ago this week, in February 2020, the Fleet’s owners began the process to push the club in a new direction off the field with the appointment of Damian Irvine as CEO. Dennis Kutrieb followed later that summer to kick-start the same process on the field".
Speaking to BBC Radio Kent’s Charles Webster. He said "Cast your minds back those 36 months and the club was struggling towards the bottom of the National League, having just been dumped out of the FA Trophy... at home by Royston Town. Successive winding-up petitions had been in the public domain for the previous year or so, culminating in a transfer ban...
Such circumstances as the season ended in lockdown could not have been foreseen by the new administration at the Fleet who, after assurances that our place in the National League was safe, then had to suffer an immediate about-turn as promotion and relegation was once more permitted and the club was demoted by 0.002 of a point.
By then, new manager Dennis Kutrieb had been recruited after an exhaustive search across northern Europe and an almost entirely new squad was rebuilt in a short window...
Nonetheless, over the past three years the club has made huge strides on and off the pitch... Every one of our staff was paid in full through the pandemic, not at the 80% level of furlough but at 100%...
Commercially, our average attendance has increased from around 900 to 1,300+ this season and our targets are beyond that for the remaining matches...
Our recruitment process in terms of players and the essential support staff that keeps them in peak condition has been overhauled and fine-tuned...
The commitment of [the club's] ownership cannot be understated and supporters can be grateful for the continued unwavering support of Dr Abdulla al-Humaidi. With the exciting new stadium development plans in motion as well, both the history and future of this club is of the utmost concern and priority".
Born in Kent, Gez ironically is set to be in the squad to face Kent club Ebbsfleet United today.
Asked to describe himself, he said that he was a "fast, powerful striker" who prefers "to play down the middle but can play wide" too.
He spent eight months sidelined last season by a torn meniscus but is now back to fitness.
Above: Alty clear their lines in the second half against Grantham.
Altrincham, as now, had unavailability problems in 2017 and for this match they were without the suspended Harrop and Jones and the recuperating Disney, Miller and Taylor.
The game was decided when Man of the Match Joel Bembo-Leta won a corner, after which Grantham keeper Preston juggled the ball three times, as he appeared to be jostled in the goalmouth. The ball dropped for Jordan Hulme, who netted from close range.
Having used all their substitutes, Alty defender Ben Harrison suffered an injury and spent the last ten minutes hobbling as, first, a central midfielder and, then, further forward. However, he almost produced a late second goal for Alty when he set up Johnston but his shot crashed against the crossbar.
ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 3. Shaun DENSMORE, 4. Tom HANNIGAN, 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Sam SHERIDAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Tom PEERS, 11. Josh HANCOCK. Subs: 12. James POOLE, 14. Josh AMIS, 15. Simon RICHMAN, 16. Lewis SHORT, 20. Tim DEASY
Tuesday, 19th September 2023 witnessed the funeral of the former Altrincham and England Non-League international winger Barry Howard at Dukinfield Crematorium, followed by a gathering at Ashton United FC's social club.
Alty's press & media officer Brian Flynn kindly offered me a lift to and from the service, which was held on a morning of incessant heavy rain.
I have to say that I was hugely disappointed that there wasn't an official representative from Altrincham FC present at the funeral of a true club legend. I duly exonerate Bill Waterson from this criticism, as he is currently in Italy for his daughter's wedding (and I know that he was distraught at not being able to attend the funeral).
As far as I am aware, both Brian Flynn and I were the only people present who had any current connection to the football club.
It was splendid to chat with Barry's former Alty team-mate John Rogers prior to the service. I know that Graham Heathcote would have been in attendance, but he was reportedly away on holiday.
One other familiar face amongst the mourners was Peter Duff, a classy central defender who had played alongside Barry at Runcorn during his pre-Altrincham days.
The music at the funeral included a song from Les Misérables, which was sung by Barry's brother Chris, who has appeared in several West End musical theatre shows.
We subsequently retired to Ashton United FC, where we were treated to some entertaining anecdotes about Barry's stellar Alty career courtesy of his sister, Jane.
It was a privilege to be able to pay tribute to a player who has given me so many glorious memories".
However he remained on the bench as his team cruised to a 0-3 victory at Longford, who were reduced to 10 men just after the hour".
Reds fans may be familiar with Hobson, 21, following his last two seasons in National League North with Alfreton Town.
Alfreton had snapped him up following his tremendous exploits for Maltby Main...
He joined Chesterfield in the summer but switches to Aggborough for the next month".
Also at Kidderminster Harriers "Two players have agreed new loan moves away from Aggborough Stadium ahead of the weekend.
Goalkeeper Josh Bishop, after an unexpectedly short but impressive loan spell with Hanley Town, has joined Lye Town for the next month.
He’ll link up with Harriers team mate Samson Hewett who is already on duty there.
Ethan Freemantle, following the end to his loan at Gloucester City, has moved to National League North side Hereford on a three-month deal".
City will go into the weekend on the back of an impressive seven-game unbeaten run...
'There’s a lot of talk and noise about budgets in the league and who’s on what [money wise], and yes we’re aware we aren’t the biggest club' Jenkins told www.oxfordcityfc.co.uk. 'We know we have the smallest budget in the league and all the sort of stuff that comes with it but as soon as the whistle goes, it’s eleven vs eleven and that’s the attitude and mentality that we have...
'Yes, we’ve got a little run going but that could end on Saturday if we take our foot off the pedal. We’re trying to be as resilient, dogged, compact and as hard to best as possible. However, there are teams in the league who have sheer quality and it’s going to happen, teams are going to score goals and we’re not the finished product'".
'We’re very happy with the opening stage of the season, I think it’s gone very well,' he said... 'It’s important for us to keep our feet on the ground and remember this is only the start... Let’s be real, there’s no team into his division that you think you can just turn over anymore...
[Next opponents] Wealdstone are a very good side. They play some lovely football and their manager is very good at what he does there, it’s a good set-up for what they do... If we turn up and play how we can, we’ll win the game.'”
After signing a year ago from Dulwich Hamlet, the midfielder made a total of 14 appearances for the Stones, also spending time out on loan last season at Chelmsford City, where he helped them finish in the National League South play-offs".
Prior to former Marketing Director Mike Brown’s departure, George attended the match against Boreham Wood earlier in September with his father Adrian in the South Stand.
George saw the staff pass of Mike Brown’s and wanted one of his own. Speaking with father Adrian, Mike agreed to give up his and create a personalised one for George, which he collected with mum Gemma at the Southend game.
Last week George came up with a lots of fantastic ideas which the football club could implement, which we have taken a list of, which would help us further engage with our younger supporters and wider Minstermen community.
Along with York City Foundation’s Paula Stainton, everybody is eager to help develop George’s initiatives and use George’s five-year-old insights.".
Also leaving, accordingto Barnet is "Sam Beard [who] has extended his loan with National League South side Eastbourne Borough until October 21st 2023".
22 September 2023
In addition to announcing two new loan signings in the shape of Gerald Sithole and Alex Newby, the latter's arrival signalled the arrival of a twin brother of a former Alty loanee.
So, when Alex Newby turns out for Altrincham he and his brother Elliot will become the first twins to feature for the Altrincham first team since the Lugsden brothers, Kieran and Kelvin, almost twenty years ago.
Alex's twin, Elliot Newby, had two loan spells at Altrincham. In 2016/17 season he played 14(+2) games and netted five times. He returned in 2022-23, on loan from Stockport County, when he made seven starts and scored four times. So, in all he made 21(+2) appearances and netted nine goals.
There will be no complaints if Alex can emulate that sort of scoring rate during his stay at the J.Davidson Stadium.
Alex has faced Alty during his career, notably for Chorley in 2018/19.
Above: In the National League North promotion play-off match in 2019, it looked very promising for Alty when Tony Thompson saved the first Chorley spot-kick, taken by Alex Newby, in front of more than 1,500 Altrincham fans in the crowd of 3,446. But the Magpies went on to win the shoot-out.
The Colchester Gazette gives the background to Alex's loan to Altrincham, stating "Colchester United midfielder Alex Newby has joined National League side Altrincham on loan until January.
The 27-year-old has departed the JobServe Community Stadium this afternoon, having found his first-team opportunities limited this season under Ben Garner.
Newby, who played in Colchester's 5-0 defeat to Spurs under-21s in the EFL Trophy on Tuesday night, has made three appearances for the club this season.
But the former Rochdale midfielder has been left out of the U's matchday 18 in each of their last two League Two games and was taken off in the first half of their 1-0 defeat at Walsall, earlier this month.
That was Newby's only league start, in the current campaign.
Newby joined Colchester from Rochdale on a two-year deal, in the summer of 2022.
The former Barrow youngster has made 34 league appearances in total for the U's, scoring three times but half of those have been as a substitute.
Newby has played 39 times for Colchester, in total".
He confirmed that there would be a Q&A session at the J. Davidson Stadium with John and manager Phil Parkinson, compered by Brian Flynn on Thursday 26 October.
This Saturday's fixture is the first home Saturday game for three weeks (since 2 September) and also the last home league fixture for a further four weeks when Dorking Wanderers visit on 21 October. And after Dorking's visit there is another three-week gap till the next Saturday home game, against Southend United.
At a Board meeting held this week, a recruitment process was agreed upon and will be followed over the coming weeks...
In the meantime, Steve Thompson will continue to take charge of first team matters on an interim basis. The Board would like to thank Steve for his work in doing so.
The club aims to make an appointment as quickly as possible once the identified process is complete".
The 20-year-old striker will link up with Neil Ardley...
Marsh, who had a temporary spell with Scunthorpe United last season before a broken foot disrupted his campaign, has scored two goals in five appearances for the Reds this term".
Meanwhile, York City add that "The youngster has made a promising start to the 2023/24 season, scoring 7 times in 6 games for Barnsley’s U23 side in the Professional Development League.. Marsh has also made three appearances so far this season for The Tykes in League One...
The 20-year old forward first joined the South Yorkshire club in October 2014 from Sheffield United... He made his professional debut for the club in the 2021/22 campaign... before making his first start for the club in April 2022, where he netted the opener against Preston North End.
Highly regarded by the South Yorkshire based club, Marsh has worked his way through the club’s academy.. The young forward earned a call-up to an England U17 training camp, which was held in November 2019.
A short loan spell in the National League followed last season, featuring on three occasions for Scunthorpe United".
The 25-year-old hasn’t played since Wanderers’ 5-0 home defeat to Wrexham on September 3, 2022 when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his knee.
With a spell on the sidelines already guaranteed, Rutherford decided to also have open heart surgery to relieve symptoms of the aortic stenosis he’d been diagnosed with as a teenager.
Two surgeries later, and Rutherford... was expected to join Isthmian League Premier Division side Bognor at the start of the season.
This has been put back, but the striker, who is based in Waterlooville, is expected to return to Nyewood Lane imminently...
White confirmed Jimmy Muitt is expected to have a loan spell so he can regain his fitness... 'when he’s completed a few weeks of training because he hasn’t done a pre-season'...
White added, 'We have been very light in the wing department; Niall has been playing out of position. Seb [Bowerman] has had to play every single game. Briggs and Jimmy have been missing'.. Hedded 'arry Fuller [hamstring] and Mooro [Luke Moore, knee injury] are probably four weeks away from training'...
[Also] Joe Cook is set to leave Dorking Wanderers on loan... Whits revealed the defender has been carrying a knee injury and is expected to leave Meadowbank on loan to gain fitness".
Southend United was hauled back to court on Tuesday (September 19) in a dispute with the club’s energy supplier. A civil hearing was listed at Basildon Magistrates’ Court in a bid to gain access to the stadium, clubhouse and kitchen at Roots Hall.
Southend United chairman Ron Martin attended court for the brief hearing where an 'application for warrant of entry' was due to be heard. However, the hearing never started...
A spokesman for npower Business Solutions, part of E.ON Group, said: 'We can confirm we are taking action against Southend United Football Club for unpaid energy debts but we cannot comment further while legal proceedings are under way'...
Blues fans will be holding a protest march against the club's chairman on Saturday. A number of supporters will be walking from Pier Hill at 1.30pm on Saturday before making their way to Roots Hall for the match with AFC Fylde".
John Edwards writes on the Altrincham FC website that "Newby arrives with an impressive pedigree at Football League level after taking the eye for Rochdale and Colchester as a free-scoring winger who can also play in central midfield.
After starting out in Bolton's youth set-up, Alex had spells with Barrow, Kendal Town and Clitheroe before signing for Chorley in February 2018... He won goal of the year in each of his three seasons at Victory Park, where he scored 24 times in 94 appearances...
His prolific form earned him a move to Rochdale, in League One at the time, and he fully justified his two-year deal with a return of 13 goals in 82 outings before joining Colchester in July last year...
He was a regular for Colchester last season, scoring three goals in 34 appearances, and has played in two of the 18th-placed side's games in League Two so far this season.
Now Alty have snapped him up on a deal that will run until January 2nd".
Footnote: Alex Newby was born in Barrow-in-Furness on 21 November, 1995.
He writes that "Phil Parkinson has added pace and versatility to Altrincham's injury-depleted frontline by signing 20 year old forward Gerald Sithole on loan from Bolton Wanderers.
The lightning-quick frontrunner trained with his new team-mates at Egerton today and is available for Alty's Vanarama National League fixture with Ebbsfleet United at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday afternoon after joining the Robins for the next month...
Born in Ashford in Kent, the 5ft 11in attacker can operate on either flank or through the middle as the main striker and earned his move to Bolton last year after clocking up 16 League One appearances for Gillingham.
Gillingham manager Steve Evans said of Sithole, 'He is a tremendous young talent... He conducts himself properly... I really like the kid. His smile, energy and willingness to work hard are infectious. He will play a lot more, and, with his ability and frightening pace, he has a bright future if he stays focused'".
Sithole, who is 5ft 11 inches tall, was born on 28 December 2002 and made 16 first-team appearances for Gillingham before moving to Bolton where he features in their "B" team. He is right-footed.
He arrives at Altrincham with the club having six of its first-team squad sidelined by injury. Alty's forward options are particularly affected as those injured include striker Regan Linney and forward Matty Kosylo, as well as creative midfielder Olly Crankshaw.
Bolton Wanderers add that "the 20-year-old joined Wanderers in June, 2022 ... Sithole has since been a regular for the Whites’ B Team and trained with Wanderers’ senior squad.
He will now get the opportunity to further his experience with Altrincham...
Sithole becomes the second of Wanderers’ young players to join a National League side on loan this season, with wing-back Max Conway currently at Rochdale".
The scoring was opened [as] Burton played a pinpoint ball for Finney to run onto, and the midfielder chipped Altrincham keeper Ethan Ross at his front post...
Askey’s outfit were only ahead for eight minutes. Conn-Clark tricked his way through and, despite Manny Onariase defending off the line, the ball sat up for Isaac Marriott to stab home for the Robins...
The last chance of the first half fell Altrincham’s way... Lewis Baines picked up possession on the edge of the area and blasted past Pete Jameson to put the hosts in front.
The second period was largely dominated by Pools and [a] leveller came... Dieseruvwe provided fresh substitute Grey who beat Ross and made it 2-2".
Young Tom Jones must have thought that he was about to make his National League debut when he was told to prepare to come on with four minutes plus added time to be played against Hartlepool United on Tuesday night. But having put on his no.20 shirt manager Parkinson opted not to use him and he ended the game sitting on the bench with his bib over his team shirt.
Hopefully this will not be the nearest the Academy graduate gets to a first-team league debut in the coming weeks as Alty cope with a major injury crisis which particularly affects their offensive players.
Ebbsfleet drew 1-1 at Woking on Tuesday. Kent Online reports that "Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb hopes top scorer Dominic Poleon came off due to fatigue rather than injury... The livewire striker was substituted at half-time...
'We will see,' said Kutrieb. 'I can’t tell you exactly if he is injured or just a bit fatigued... He had jetlag on Saturday and went off with fatigue today, hopefully not more'...
Kutrieb was proud of his players for their much-improved second-half performance at Woking. The Fleet levelled through Ouss Cisse and had a glorious chance in stoppage time but Shaq Coulthirst’s strike was saved...
Said the Fleet boss, 'In the second half, we were on top of them but we were disappointed at the end, one-on-one with the keeper (not to win)... We were on top of them and if we go home with a 2-1 win everyone may say it was a fair result...
'There were many positives to build on, it was a great performance. We know it’s a tough place to come, they press high and try to win their 50/50 matches but we matched it... It was proper National League football. I was proud '".
As Ebbsfleet prepare to face ddraw speacialists Altrincham, Kent Online adds that on Tuesday their draw at Woking, "It was a first draw in 19 games for Ebbsfleet...
Fleet boss Dennis Kutrieb, who made seven changes at the weekend, this time had six new faces from the team beaten at home by Chesterfield on Saturday.
Luke O’Neill, who came off injured three days earlier, missed out, as did Joe Martin and David Amoo. Omari Sterling-James, Haydn Hollis and Craig Tanner all dropped to the bench...
For the third straight game, the Fleet’s opponents were quickest to settle".
Ebbsfleet: Cousins, White, Solly, Cisse, McQueen (Sterling-James 86mins), Wright, Domi, Clifford (Tanner 58mins), Chapman, Odokonyero, Poleon (Coulthirst 46mins). Subs not used: Edser, Hollis.".
The Shrimpers have been in a transfer embargo since last September due to money owed to HMRC. But Maher was granted permission to add to his squad on a temporary basis to ensure Tuesday night’s game with Maidenhead United could go ahead.
And the Blues chief was pleased to be able to bring in goalkeeper David Martin and midfielder Mauro Vilhete.
'I can’t tell you what a good person David Martin is and what a really goalkeeper coach he’s been for us since he’s come in and done that role,' said Maher. 'He’s still good enough to play... I think it definitely helps the lads at the back.'
Martin started Tuesday night’s match while Mauro Vilhete came off the bench to replace Dan Mooney late on.
And Maher is happy to have the midfielder on board. 'He's someone who is known to us at the football club and we always felt that was important if we were going to bring someone in', said Maher".
Meanwhile, off the pitch the Southend Echo informs us of a "stetement from Justin Rees on behalf of a consortium bidding to buy Southend United.
'We confirm that a consortium has been formed to purchase Ron Martin's SUFC shareholding. Most of the consortium members have a long association with the Southend area, and all are football fans.
'Our first objective is to save the Club and then work hard to transform it into a sustainable operating model... Discussions with Mr. Martin have been in progress for more than 10 weeks.
'Any deal is particularly complicated due to the state of the Club's finances, the condition of Roots Hall, the non-viability of a new stadium at Fossetts Farm, as well as the ownership of the training ground and Roots Hall properties remaining outside of the Club.
'Despite this, the consortium has submitted two bids over the past week, neither of which has been accepted. We remain open to continued negotiations with Mr. Martin however it now seems unlikely that any deal can be agreed prior to the 4th of October court appearance date.
'It is our understanding that Mr. Martin will ensure the Club avoids liquidation on the 4th of October, however, the threat of administration remains. Administration impacts the Club significantly, on and off the pitch, as well as its numerous creditors who have supported the Club financially for many years.
'As such, it has been our strong preference to avoid Administration, however this is of course not within our control. We do not intend to make the full details of our bid public at this time except to note that it is centred around retaining and upgrading Roots Hall as the Club’s stadium, while taking ownership of that property plus the training ground back into the Club.
'We believe this would release Mr. Martin to develop Fossetts Farm without a new stadium requirement, and as a result, are looking to him to contribute funds back towards the redevelopment of Roots Hall... We appreciate updates such as this can answer some questions but raise new ones'".
The Shrimpers took to the field with only two substitutes and the club was in court only hours before kick-off due to a dispute with their energy supplier.
However, the hosts...still had more than enough quality to overcome an out-of-sorts and goal-shy Magpies.
The home side were better from the opening minute and should really have scored before Jack Bridge found the net from the penalty spot in the 73rd minute. The points were sealed in stoppage-time when striker Wes Fonguck managed to nutmeg two Maidenhead players in a single movement before bursting into the penalty area and whipping a shot beyond Craig Ross.
As assistant manager Ryan Peters reflected in his post-match interview, they’re ‘just not playing very well at the moment’...
The game was halted for four minutes in the 25th minute as Southend’s supporters protested [against] the club’s controversial chairman Ron Martin. Angry fans threw plastic rats and tennis balls onto the field while chanting for their chairman to leave the club...
Woking were given a penalty on 41 minutes after superb work from Ricky Korboa saw him draw a challenge from McQueen. Jim Kellermann stepped up and smashed the ball home past Cousins’ right-hand side to give the Cards the lead.
Half time followed shortly after, with Woking fully deserving of their lead, and playing with the confidence of a side five unbeaten.
However, Ebbsfleet threw a spanner in the works on 59 minutes, when Craig Tanner’s in swinging corner was turned in by Ouss Cisse. Yet another golden Woking chance was spurned on 65 minutes, as Bradshaw was found unmarked by Kellermann inside the box, but he fired wide...
In the 96th minute, Ebbsfleet had a massive chance to steal all three points against the run of play, but a huge double save from Jaaskelainen to deny Coulthirst meant the points were shared".
Backing up the manager's words is the fact that a year ago today Altrincham sat bottom of the National League without a single win from their opening nine fixtures. This season started much better with two wins, one against league favourites Chesterfield, and four draws in an unbeaten start to the campaign.
But that promise has been dampened, not least by a string of injuries, so that the Robins face Ebbsfleet United on Saturday without a win now in five outings and a record of just two victories in ten games.
Alty TV has video highlights of the match.
Manager Phil Parkinson opted to start the match with forwards Justin Amaluzor and Justin Donawa on the bench as he fielded a more defensive minded eleven than usual. Nevertheless, they fell behind against the run of play when Finney was played in behind the Altrincham defence and, as Ross raced out to meet him, he looped an excellent finish over the keeper and into the net (15 mins).
In swirling rain Alty levelled after 23 minutes. The goal arrived after Conn-Clarke, for the second time in the game, found himself behind the Pools' defence. He played the ball inside and it ricocheted into the path of Marriott who stabbed the ball home.
Right: Lewis Baines (facing camera, right) is congratulated on his goal.
Alty took the lead in the fourth added minute of the first half. A freekick from the left arrived in the path of Baines, to the right of centre, who hooked the ball home at the second attempt. Amaluzor and Donawa were introduced in the final quarter of the game with the former's electric pace causing the Pools' defence problems.
But Hartlepool netted an equaliser after 77 minutes when Grey was played in and he finished coolly past the advancing Ross.
Match report here.
Right: Chris Senior receives the congratulations of Matty Crowell after scoring against Ebbsfleet.
Altrincham had the better of the first half but, despite numerous corners, they only scored once. However, the goal itself was a gem. Johnson rode one of many foul challenges made on him during this game and fed Senior who made space superbly before curling a great shot into the corner of the net from the edge of the box (39 mins). But Altrincham also wasted numerous half-chances with wayward shooting and they paid the price in the second half.
A much improved Ebbsfleet had most of the second-half chances and equalised just before the hour mark when substitute Lindie netted from a right wing cross within a minute of joining the game. The Fleet also had a goal disallowed and saw a cracking shot from West come back off the post so, ultimately, the Robins could have no complaints at the outcome.
Just 914 supporters (away end 91) witnessed the match.
The two managers for this game were the two who had been longer in post with their current clubs in the Conference than any other current BSP managers; Alty's Graham Heathcote's unbroken Conference run with Alty goes back to August 2005 whilst the Fleet's Liam Daish had been in charge of his club in this division since February 2005.
Ebbsfleet had been left with just three contracted players after their finances were rocked over the summer by lower than expected renewals from MyFC members. Manager Liam Daish had therefore signed a large cohort of players just before the season started.
ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 6.Shaun DENSMORE, 2. James SMITH, 5. Greg YOUNG (capt), 3. Matt DOUGHTY; 8. Matty CROWELL, 4. Tom KEARNEY, 16. Anthony DANYLYK, 10. Chris DENHAM, 14. Dale JOHNSON, 19. Chris SENIOR. Subs: 9. Colin LITTLE, 13. Russell SAUNDERS, 12. Robbie WILLIAMS, 11. Nicky CLEE, 20. Danny HEFFERNAN.
Last season's finalists... 1874 Northwich [are] visiting The J.Davidson Stadium for an opening-round tie on Tuesday October 10th (kick-off 7.45pm)... Tickets are now available and can be purchased, priced £7 for adults and £2 for under-16s, by clicking here.
"JAMES BERRY was a 70th minute substitute for Chesterfield, while RYAN COLCLOUGH played the whole match at home to Halifax, and was booked. Both sides were reduced to 10 men, and Chesterfield snatched a 3-2 win in added time.
MARCUS DINANGA opened the scoring for Gateshead, and was substituted after 85 minutes as his team comfortably beat Kidderminster Harriers 3-0 at the International Stadium. ASHLEY HEMMINGS played the full match for the visitors.
DANNY WHITEHEAD was booked as AFC Fylde went down 2-1 at Solihull Moors.
DAN MOONEY was substituted after 88 minutes as Southend United made light of only having two substitutes available, winning 2-0 against visitors Maidenhead.
In the FA Cup, RYAN BROOKE was booked for Runcorn Linnets in their 3-1 defeat at Chorley.
Mossley's EDEN BAILEY was fouled in the box against Emley. He took the penalty himself but it was saved. NICKY CLEE, who had an excellent game, was substituted after 81 minutes. With the score 1-1 after the regulation 90+ minutes, extra time was needed. Emley took control late on, and the clinching goal in their 1-3 victory was headed home by substitute JAMES WALSHAW.
The 21-year-old defender links up with Macclesfield FC having yet to feature for the Minstermen, with some vital minutes now laying ahead for the six foot six inches central defender...
Joshua was the Minstermen’s sixth signing of the summer so far".
Joshua joined York on a free transfer from Scottish club Peterhead.
Tonight's visitors, Hartlepool United announced recently "the signing of young goalkeeper Josh Mazfari on a deal until the end of the season.
Nineteen-year-old Mazfari has signed for the Club having trained with John Askey’s side over the last few weeks, as well as appearing for the Pools academy side.
A former England Schoolboy, Mazfari turned professional with Huddersfield Town and became a regular for their U19s. The shot-stopper has also gained senior experience with Thornaby and Tadcaster Albion...
Hartlepool United assistant manager, Mark Goodlad, commented 'Josh has been with us for a few weeks and done really well. He’s fitted straight in with our group of keepers, and we’ve been able to assess what level he’s currently at and where he needs to improve. He’s a good, young goalkeeper with plenty of potential.'”
Gateshead were playing their first game of the season.
[In] the first 10 minute... it was the home side who enjoyed most of the possession. [But] the first blow was struck by Jack Chandler, capitalising on a poor ball from a Gateshead defender, running through on goal and finishing hard and low into the bottom corner from just inside the box to give Altrincham the lead.
Chandler struck again minutes later, as Kayden Powell, Lucas Edwards and Sam Chambers combined nicely on the left-hand side. Chambers played the ball through to Chandler, who danced his way elegantly through the heart of the Tynesiders’ defence and finished past a helpless keeper to double the lead...
After the break, Heed again controlled the possession, but the Alty back four, led by captain Joel Bailey, defended well... Midway through the second half, the visitors struck again, and it was Chandler on the mark to make it 3-0 and complete an impressive hat-trick...
Inside the final 15 minutes, the home side clawed one back...
Altrincham restored their three-goal advantage when substitute Alfie Curwen found Kyran Webster, who spread the play with a beautiful cross-field ball, picking out Edson Cata, a substitute for the first team in the pre-season game at FC United of Manchester in July.
Cata cut inside to finish emphatically from the edge of the box to seal the points in a game played in the shadow of Gateshead’s International Stadium...
Paul Fay’s side head to Northumberland to take on last season’s champions Blyth Spartans on Monday September 25th, kick-off 1pm.
Matchday Squad: Dane Bryon, Sammy Bonny-Phillips, Joel Bailey, Ajani Oshodin, Kayden Powell, Lucas Edwards, Sekouba Camera, Harry Douglas, Edson Cata, Sam Chambers, Jack Chandler, Alfred Igbinake, Charley Jarrald, Alfie Curwen, Kyran Webster.
He began by expressing his delight at signing a new contract with the club, saying 'I’m absolutely buzzing to sign a new deal; I love it here.
'It’s a fantastic place to play your football and I’m honestly really enjoying it. I was so disappointed that we didn’t get promoted last season but there’s no secret we want that automatic spot this season.
'I want to help get this club promoted, I love playing football in front of our fans and the stadium is rocking each week. I’m so happy to stay here and secure my future years...
'We’ve got to win our home games,' he said...
'We have two home games now so we have to try our best to make them count... Watch the full interview here.
Phil Jordan adds that "In Monday's FA Cup replay at the Horsfall Stadium saw LUCA HAVERN play the whole game as his Bradford PA side were taken to extra time by Blyth Spartans after the game was tied at 1-1 at the end of 90 minutes. Spartans got on top late on to progress to the next round with a 1-3 win".
And the Echo understands it is down to a disputed power bill.
Blues are currently fighting to survive on and off the pitch and sit bottom of the National League table after being deducted 10 points for financial irregularities.
The club are also back in the High Court on October 4 and have been warned they will be wound up if they do not pay off their debt to HMRC.
The Shrimpers are due to host Maidenhead United at Roots Hall on Tuesday night but currently have just 12 players available".
At home, however, they were unbeaten before last Saturday's visit by Chesterfield and the attendance was "the fifth time in a row this season that the Fleet have enjoyed a best gate of some form against each opposition.
The 1,360 against Solihull Moors on the opening day bettered the previous best of 1,325 against that opposition while last Saturday’s 1,724 against York City was some 200 more than the previous highest gate against the Minstermen.
The 1,561 achieved versus Aldershot was also the best league gate against them (beaten only by the crowd who turned up for the FA Trophy semi-final in 2008) while although previous attendances against Kidderminster in our Southern League heyday in the 1950s reached 2,700, the 1,356 this season was our best-ever National League/Conference gate against the Harriers.
Chesterfield’s first game in the National League came at the Kuflink Stadium in 2018 in front of a crowd of 2,041". This time it was 2,063
The London-born 22-year-old left FC Halifax Town during the summer but the non-league outfit are entitled to a compensation fee, which will be decided by a tribunal after the two clubs were unable to agree a deal.
Debrah spent pre-season with Barnsley but a move to Oakwell fell through and he has since been training with Vale.
The centre-back was on Charlton's youth books and later joined Millwall.
After leaving the Lions in 2020, he joined Dulwich Hamlet before a two-year spell at Halifax, where he rejected a contract offer after the end of last season...
Vale boss Andy Crosby told the club website 'e has been in and around the team for a few weeks now and he has already cemented himself as a positive person around the changing room with an infectious personality'".
18 September 2023
The sides last met in 2020-21 season when both fixtures ended one apiece. As both fixtures were played behind closed doors that season and United were promoted at the end of that campaign, spectators have not seen Pools at Moss Lane since the FA Cup giantkilling in 1973 when Alty knocked out Hartlepool 2-0.
Two minutes later Cass's high tackle on Kosylo earned the Pools defender a straight red card. Against ten men, Alty then enjoyed a better spell but fell behind when Hartlepool's star man, Molyneux made progress up the right. His low cross was bundled in from close range by Oates (34 mins).
The visitors then looked fairly comfortable in defending their lead until the second of four added minutes before the interval. At that point, Colclough fired in a decent shot from the left which Killip should have stopped but the keeper fumbled the ball into his own net at the near post to level the score (45+2 mins).
Despite dominating the early part of the second half Altrincham were unable to convert several half-chances and, in the closing stages, seemed to run out of invention against the ten men, who defended resolutely and did, themselves, force a good save from Tony Thompson in the closing stages. Alty remain eleventh.
For this game, Tom Hannigan was suspended following a sending off, whilst Andy White (ankle) and Shaun Densmore (fractured wrist) remained sidelined by injuries. Alty had also been without the attacking threat of Hancock and Mooney in recent games but Mooney returned on the bench where Sean Williams was also a welcome sight after his long lay-off.
Toby Mullarkey stepped in to replace Hannigan in an otherwise unchanged starting line-up for Altrincham. So the hosts again had a very young back four of Senior, Zouma, Mullarkey and Ogle, two of whom had only joined the club in the previous week.
ALTRINCHAM (Red shirts with white chest panel, black shorts, white socks): 1. Tony THOMPSON, 24. Joel SENIOR, 35. Yoan ZOUMA, 25. Toby MULLARKEY, 19. Reagan OGLE, 29. Alistair SMITH, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 15. Matty KOSYLO, 11. Yusifu CEESAY, 34. Ryan COLCLOUGH, 33. Montel GIBSON. Subs: 3. Connor HAMPSON, 23. Tom PEERS, 32. James HARDY, 7. Dan MOONEY, 8. Sean WILLIAMS.
He was proud of how his team recorded its first away clean sheet in the National League for more than a year.
The Alty TV video interview is available via the Altrincham FC website.
Altrincham, with five players out injured or suspended, dominated from start to finish. The visitors were fortunate to escape with a six-goal defeat and, equally so, to finish the game with all eleven men on the pitch after a series of agricultural challenges earned them six yellow cards.
Hancock's stooping header opened the scoring when he converted a Johnston freekick from the right edge of the box. The second goal also came from a freekick, which was quickly taken, before the ball found Peers. He drifted to the left and drew the keeper before converting the chance
Johnston ran Farsley ragged and he deservedly scored the third, three minutes after half time, converting Hulme's low cross from the right. Hulme added the fourth in the 55th minute after some poor defending before Hannigan poked home the fifth from Amis's excellent header.
Number six was scored by Hancock from a low Johnston cross, four minutes from the end.
ALTRINCHAM (Red & white striped shirts, black shorts, red socks) 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Joel BEMBO-LETA, 3. Lewis SHORT, 4. Tom HANNIGAN, 5. Ben HARRISON, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Sam SHERIDAN, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Tom PEERS, 11. Josh HANCOCK Subs: 12. James JONES, 14. Rhain DAVIS, 15. Josh AMIS, 16. Simon RICHMAN, 17. Shaun DENSMORE
After a strong finish to the 2022/2023 season, a sizeable investment in the playing budget and some highly promising signings during the summer, the start of the current campaign has unfortunately not met the expectations of the club.
Following the takeover of Oldham Athletic by the Rothwell family in July 2022, it has been one of their main principles to stay out of the day-to-day running of football activities within the business and provide stability for the long-term survival of the club.
David signed for three seasons, to bring stability on the playing front, but despite the hard work and dedication of David and his coaching team, results have not worked out on the pitch.
The board wishes David and his assistant, John Ebbrell, all the best for the future as they pursue their careers in club management. Unfortunately, on this occasion, it has not worked out as well as we all expected".
Footnote: Oldham have won just one of their nine matches this season. Their other eight games have produced four draws and four defeats. The Latics lie third from bottom in the National League.
"If we had taken them, they couldn't sit in that low block and the game opens up.
"Once they sat that deep, we gave the lads the overloads, but anytione we needed some care or quality, we couldn't show it.
"It's frustrating but it shows how far we've come that we're disappointed with a point against Altrincham"
Despite the goalless scoreline, Altrincham had six shots on target to the Stones' seven and won the corner count 4-2.
NLP reporter Nicole Cho-Yee made Chris Conn-Clarke Altrincham's man of the match with an 8 out of 10 score.
Altrincham secured their first away clean sheet in the league since August 2022 in this goalless draw.
The first half ended goalless with both sides having a couple of half-chances and Altrincham adopting a more circumspect attitude than in earlier games this season. The best opportunities for Alty in the first period were an Amaluzor shot which narrowly missed the top corner and an opening for Conn-Clarke which he did not convert.
In the second half the hosts had the better of things but a depleted Altrincham side had the odd half-chance too.
Injury ravaged Altrincham brought in Academy product Tom Jones (right) in to the squad for his first appearance in a league matchday squad. Into the starting eleven came Baines, Cooper and Donawa as Crankshaw and James Jones were injured and Roscoe moved to the bench.
In addition to the six men listed by the club as injured in midweek (Ollie Crankshaw, Regan Linney, George Wilson, James Jones, Liam Brockbank, Amaar Hussain), Matty Kosylo was also absent from the squad today and is apparently sidelined for several weeks.
Match report here.
End-to-end action continued as both sides looked to seize the initiative in this well-balanced encounter.
With ten minutes of the first half remaining, the Stones nearly broke the deadlock as a pinpoint ball from skipper Jack Cook found Tahvon Campbell, but Robins’ shot-stopper Ethan Ross was quick off of his line to thwart the danger...
Wealdstone started the second half on the front-foot as they looked to build on their momentum and open the scoring....
The Stones continued to play with attacking intent, with the dynamic Abdulmalik nearly opening his goal scoring account, driving a shot just wide of the near post.
In the 75th minute, Wealdstone looked like they had finally end the stalemate as Smith deftly controlled the ball at the far post and clinically fired on target, but Ross reacted with an excellent save.
With five minutes remaining, Altrincham looked to steal a goal at the death, however Conn-Clarke’s low cross was intercepted just before Angus could strike at goal".
Pools reported on Saturday that they "tasted defeat at home for the first time this season as Woking ran out 2-0 winners... Ricky Korboa’s brace gave the Cards the victory.
A clash of heads between Wallace and Lacey saw the latter’s afternoon end prematurely, with Brady Paterson brought on to replace him...
In the 33rd minute, Pools should have been ahead. When Dieseruvwe’s shot came back off the post, the ball fell to Grey who managed to scoop a shot over the bar... Pools continued to apply the pressure...
After the break, Woking took the lead after slack defending. Korboa got the wrong side of Ferguson and his deflected strike skewed beyond Jameson...
But, a minute later Korboa and Woking had two. A low shot from the edge of the box looked tame, but it wrong footed Jameson and trickled over the line...
Dieseruvwe and Finney both had shouts for penalties waved away by the referee, with Pools applying pressure to Woking’s goal in the final 20 minutes...
Osazee Aghatise came on for his debut with a few minutes to go, but he had little chance to make a meaningful impact. Pools now turn their attention to Tuesday night’s trip to Altrincham, looking to get their season back on track.
Pools XI: Jameson; Seaman, Hendrie, Onariase, Lacey (Paterson 20), Ferguson; Wallace, Crawford, Finney (Aghatise 89); Grey (Umerah 57), Dieseruvwe. Subs: Dixon, Wreh".
League One: JUNIOR QUITIRNA was a 78th minute substitute for Fleetwood, but by that time visitors Oxford United had already wrapped up a 0-3 win.
League Two: Although CONNOR JENNINGS put in a full shift for Tranmere Rovers, they lost 3-2 at Crawley to sink into the relegation places.
JOEL SENIOR was substituted after 66 minutes at Gillingham as Morecambe lost 2-1.
LUKE WATERFALL was substituted at half time, while TOBY MULLARKEY lasted until the 84th minute in Grimsby Town's 3-0 defeat at Wrexham.NPL : ZAK GOODSON scored the only goal as Ilkeston Town won at Basford.
National League : MARCUS DINANGA was substituted after 80 minutes with his Gateshead side trailing at Aldershot, but they fought back to draw 1-1.
JAMES BERRY replaced RYAN COLCLOUGH for Chesterfield at Ebbsfleet after 76 minutes, but they scored the only goal of the match 6 minutes later to go to the top of the league.
The overnight leaders Barnet fell to a 4-2 defeat at Rochdale, for whom TYRESE SINCLAIR scored the first two goals.
Southend United were only able to name 3 substitutes at York City, and by the time DAN MOONEY was introduced in the 76th minute they were trailing 2-0 and down to 10 men. A third York goal followed almost immediately, and another red card may render things difficult for the Shrimpers in selecting enough players for the visit of Maidenhead United on Tuesday.
ASHLEY HEMMINGS was a 61st minute substitute for Kidderminster Harriers in their 0-1 home defeat by Solihull Moors.
After going behind early at Cleethorpes Town, Alfreton Town progressed 2-4. LEWIS SALMON struck twice, and KENNEDY DIGIE was also on target.
YUSIFU CEESAY marked his debut for Hereford by scoring after only 6 minutes, and, after he was substituted in the 64th minute, they went on to beat Anstey Nomads 2-0.
JACK REDSHAW, having provided the cross for the opener, scored the second himself as Hyde United beat Albion Sports 2-1 at Ewen Fields.
Two goals from ANDY DALES helped Mickleover to a 3-1 home win over Spalding United.
EDEN BAILEY and NICKY CLEE were in the Mossley side held 1-1 by visitors Emley, whose line-up included the evergreen JAMES WALSHAW.
BYRON HARRISON was on target for Nantwich Town, as they won 2-1 to see off a Banbury side 45 places above them in the pyramid.
Despite having ANDY WHITE, TOM HANNIGAN, SEAN WILLIAMS, and DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY in their starting lineup, and AARON BENNETT on the bench, Warrington Town were knocked out 2-3 by visitors Curzon Ashton. Although MOTTLEY-HENRY equalised midway through the first half, and they led briefly, he was later sent off. WILLIAMS was booked, along with Curzon player-coach CRAIG MAHON.
Blues had two players sent off during a depressing afternoon which again showed the seriousness of the club’s situation...
'I’m proud of the players, the staff and I’m proud of the fans,' said Maher... 'But it’s so much out of our control and we need help. Something has to change'...
The Shrimpers now have a maximum 12 players available for Tuesday night’s match with Maidenhead United.
But Maher was keen to stay away from talking the red cards referee Paul Cooper showed to Harry Taylor and Gus Scott-Morris...
'I don’t want to make it about him [the ref] because I think he likes that and the stats before the game tell you everything about him'...
However, Maher will now be holding more talks with the league to see if he can bolster his squad."
Up the other end and the visitors posed an attacking threat, but it would be the hosts who had the ball in the net first. However, they were denied by the linesman’s flag...
The scoring was eventually opened moments before the half-hour mark when a ball across goal was flicked on by Ben Krauhaus before landing to Josh Passley who fired home at the back-post...
It was [also] Bromley who struck next. A corner fell to Louis Dennis who struck at goal before seeing his effort blocked and Sam Woods was there to smash home his second in as many games...
Bromley were awarded a penalty for a handball. Michael Cheek stepped up, but saw his effort well saved by the Oldham ‘keeper.
However, it wasn’t long before it was 3-0. Jude Arthurs did really well to win the ball before playing Whitely through who calmly slotted home, finding the bottom left corner".
Maidenhead have been a tough nut to crack this season, especially at home, and they had the better of the early stages...
The visitors only really roused themselves for the final five minutes of the half when Tom Whealan’s strike from the edge of the area clipped the Magpies’ upright and went behind.
The pattern of play continued in the second half, with the hosts pressing, but lacking the guile to create anything meaningful. But a lifeless spectacle was jolted into life in the 53rd minute when Marsh got the better of Sam Beckwith...
Beckwith clumsily caught the striker from behind and the referee pointed to the penalty spot.
Marsh’s first spot-kick was ordered to be retaken, but the striker kept his cool to beat Craig Ross for a second time, low to the keeper’s right. Ross guessed right but the penalty had too much power and placement to keep it out..
Coxe slid in to bring down the impressive Mitchell-Lawson in the box deep into injury time. Ashmore, a one-time loan player for the Magpies, had the last laugh, however, dropping down to claim Adams’ weak spot-kick to earn his side a much-needed three points.
Afterwards, Devonshire said 'It was always going to be that kind of game against Boreham Wood. They make it that way. Two penalties..
'A draw would have been fair, but it hasn’t happened, and we move on.'"
16 September 2023
Seven home teams failed to score in Saturday's maches and only three of the hosts won their games.
On the eve of today's game against Altrincham, Wealdstone reported that they "have added Millwall defender Kyle Smith to the squad, with the full-back joining the Stones on a short-term loan deal.
He joins Lions teammate and fellow loanee Abdul Abdulmalik, who joined the Stones last week and like Abdulmalik, Smith was an intrinsic part of Millwall's U21s squad that won the Professional Development League Southern Division last season.
We're delighted to welcome another member of the EFL Championship side's talented young squad to Grosvenor Vale. Kyle will wear the number 18 shirt and subject to all necessary approvals, goes straight into tomorrow's squad to face Altrincham".
Colclough, who joined the Spireites from Altrincham in January, has agreed a new deal which takes him to the summer of 2025.
The Derbyshire Times adds that "The winger has been in great form this season and is the club’s top scorer with five goals as well as grabbing two assists.
Since joining from Altrincham in January, the 28-year-old has made 33 appearances, scoring an impressive 12 goals and getting seven assists.
He played a big part in helping Chesterfield finish third last season and reaching the play-off final and all signs point towards him having another successful campaign".
Tom has featured for the Coasters on three occasions this season...
The 27-year-old initially joined the Coasters in 2020 from Salford City before departing for Harrogate Town that summer. Loan spells at Notts County and Stockport County led to Walker signing for the Hatters, where Fylde later pounced to secure his signature once again, this time on loan.
It was the summer of 2022 when the Coasters made the move permanent, once again, with Walker now aiming for regular game time at the Tarmac Silverlands Stadium...
Director of Football Chris Beech said 'Tom finds himself outside Adam’s attacking options at present. Going to Buxton on loan until January gives him a great opportunity to play, whilst freeing up finance to strengthen the squad in other areas of the pitch.
'We have placed a seven-day call back in the deal, which can be activated after 28 days if required'".
Footnote: Tom made 2(+1) appearances for Altrincham in 2021-22 season.
Hereford FC "announce the signing of YUSIFU CEESAY (pictured, left)...
The pacey winger joins the Bulls having previously had spells at Blackpool and Kidderminster, as well as two successful stints at Alfreton Town...
Bulls’ boss, Paul Caddis, said... 'Yusifu will offer us a different threat in wide areas with his pace and direct, positive approach... Yusifu has slotted in nicely at training in the last few days and, having been unfortunate with injuries at the top end of the field so far, we are excited to add more attacking threat to our squad'".
Phil Jordan reports that "Although their lower division visitors from Wexford scored past OLLIE BYRNE on the stroke of half time, Cork City mounted a late fightback to win 2-1 and book their place in the semifinals of the Irish FA Cup".
The Coasters are third-bottom on their return to non-league’s top flight, having lost five of their eight games so far.
They welcome an Eastleigh team...
Both sides have points to prove with Fylde having taken one point from 15, conceding 14 goals along the way, while Eastleigh lost 6-0 to Gateshead last time out...
Murray maintains... 'The big thing for me is data and statistics because of the clubs I’ve worked at before. I see the benefits of it and, if we get certain things in place, then, eventually, it will turn.
'If you look at our expected goals conceded, it should be nine or 10 but we’ve conceded 21. We don’t concede high quality chances. Some of the efforts shouldn’t be going in, so we have to look at certain bits and bobs.
'With our expected points total, we should be seventh, so it’s frustrating... We know what we need to do but it’s going to be a bit of a process.'”
Meanwhile AFC Fylde "announce the arrival of defender Kyron Gordon to Mill Farm on a free transfer.
Kyron joins Adam Murray’s side on a short-term deal after departing Premier League side Sheffield United in the summer and impressing in training at Kellamergh Park over the last few weeks.
Sheffield-born, Gordon joined the Blades as a teenager and graduated from their academy in 2021 before making a brief loan move to Boston United... with Paul Heckingbottom recalling and throwing him straight into FA Cup Third Round Action against Wolves...
Kyron spent a month on loan at Boreham Wood last season before returning to his hometown club in the New Year, a place where he made 10 first-team appearances overall.
Director of Football Chris Beech... said... 'I’m confident of him growing his opportunity here into a longer deal... He can play many defensive positions and made his professional debut against Carlisle United... when I was managing Carlisle in August 2021...
Kyron added... '[At Fylde] I felt wanted, and that was big for me. I’ve played in this league before, and...the good football suits me.'"
John Askey saw midfielder Wallace forced off in the first half of Hartlepool's 5-2 defeat to Oxford City due to illness while defender Onariase had been struggling for fitness heading into the game.
Wallace's withdrawal impacted the game for Pools with Onariase later costing his team a goal when an untimely slip allowed Pierre Fonkeu through on goal to extend Oxford’s lead.
Askey suggested in the aftermath of the defeat at Marsh Lane that Wallace was unable to continue any further while Onariase would not have featured at all had he felt there were other options available to him.
But ahead of the visit of Woking, Askey is hopeful that both Wallace and Onariase will be in contention with both having trained this week...
'We’re going to have a full bill of health... With Mani it was his knees and blisters, but he’s fine. Mani came in and was able to train, which was important because he really struggled in the second half as everybody could see... "But he’s fine and Kieran is fine.'
Askey is also set to have Alex Lacey fully fit".
And Hartlepol United also "announce the signing of attacking midfielder Osazee Aghatise.
The 20-year-old joins after playing for Derby County over the last three seasons, where he made five first-team appearances.
Aghatise also spent time at Manchester United and City as a youngster, as well as Stoke City. He puts pen to paper for Pools after impressing in training over the last fortnight...
First-team manager John Askey stated 'Osazee is a good, young talent with a good pedigree... He’s got ability but it’s about bringing that out'".
15 September 2023
The last time an opponent failed to score against Altrincham was in game 39 of last season when Southend United were beaten 1-0 at the J. Davidson Stadium.
Before that, their last shut-out was in October 2022 in game 15 of the 2022-23 season at home to Oldham Athletic, so only two clean sheets have occurred in the last 39 Altrincham matches.
As for preventing their hosts from scoring in an away game, the last such occasion was more than a year ago, on 13 August 2022, when Altrincham secured a goalless draw at Bromley.
Dyer's Montserrat side began the week well, with a 99th minute winner earning them a 3-2 victory away in Barbados... before ending the tour with a 3-0 defeat away to Dominican Republic.
Dyer played the full game in both fixtures, taken by new Montserrat manager Lee Bowyer, taking his cap total to 25... and giving Dyer the honour of being the most-capped Montserratian.
Charles also played in both of Grenada's games last week... The Spice Boys drew 1-1 with Suriname at the Kirani James Stadium before travelling to Honduras where his side were beaten 4-0...
Both players are scheduled to return to training this week and will be available for selection as the Stones host Altrincham this Saturday at Grosvenor Vale.
'Everyone can see the giant strides the club have taken and the investment made in players, but this was a bit of a reality check... I have said all along there is a huge gulf in this division...
'Everyone was getting excited about the play-offs before these two defeats, but, for me, the objective was always can we improve on where we have been, can we break into the top 12? We are massively improved on last season'".
[It is on] Tuesday 19th September, 11:30am | Dukinfield Crematorium, Hall Green Rd, Dukinfield, SK16 4EP
Following the service at the Crematorium, everyone is welcome to celebrate with Barry's family and friends at Ashton United Football Club".
Altrincham were louder than the Lilywhites...
The away side took the lead after a well-worked counterattack saw them get the goal... It stayed 0-1 at half-time....
After a half-time talk from management, it was a completely different team that walked out despite no changes at half-time.
Madison Hadley stepped up to take a corner which found Caitlin Wolfenden's head with momentum and it flyed [sic] into the net for the equaliser they needed.
Not long after, Ball did get her goal after an almost identical goal to the first one, as Hadley played the ball in from a corner to Ball's head this time.
Now in front, PNE started playing with confidence...
Another player who made her mark was Emma Dodsworth, who made her second appearance for the first team and assisted Hadley's first goal of the game and the third overall".
The Hartlepool Mail reports that "Hartlepool United have circulated the names of some of their players to other clubs but are yet to receive offers according to manager John Askey...
Askey may have to consider moving one or two players on from the Suit Direct Stadium to free up both wages and places within the squad.
Askey recently suggested the club would need to find replacements to cover the long-term injuries to both Anthony Mancini and Dan Dodds and that was on top of... the need for one or two more additions to complete his squad...
Pools moved to bring in Luke Hendrie on a season-long loan deal from Bradford City but have yet to find a midfield alternative for Mancini...
Said Askey, 'We’ve sent circles [cicrulars] out to move players on and get players in but nothing has happened. We know where we need to strengthen. But it’s not through a lack of trying. You can only move them on if people want them'...
So far this season there are five players named within the squad who have yet to feature for at least as many as 180 minutes".
They are 2. Lewis BANKS, 3. Eddy JONES, 4. Lewis BAINES, 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 7. Matty KOSYLO, 8. Isaac MARRIOTT, 10. Chris CONN-CLARKE, 11. Justin AMALUZOR, 14. Dior ANGUS, 15. Jake COOPER, 16. Sam ROSCOE, 17. Justin DONAWA, 21. Matthew GOULD, 22. Joey JONES, 29. Ethan ROSS, 32. George BURROUGHS.
In fact, with Matty Kosylo having returned to action this season after missing the whole of last season with an ACL injury, no fewer than four players with first-team squad numbers have suffered that injury over little more than a year (Kosylo, Hussain, Brockbank and Crankshaw).
The 23-year-old arrived in the summer and made three appearances for the Blues, scoring on one occasion.
Manager Calum McIntyre said 'Zak has indicated that he feels he needs guaranteed first team football at present and this was something I would not commit to at this moment in time.
'Zak and I have had several discussions during the last seven days and as last week progressed, this opportunity developed that Zak felt he wanted to pursue and could not turn down..
'We obviously brought him to the football club during the summer and a combination of factors means that things haven’t played out how we all might have wanted'".
Ilkeston Town added, "Popular forward, Zak Goodson, has returned to the Microlise New Manor Ground.
Zak joined us in the summer of 2020 at 20-years-old, going on to make 48 appearances for the Robins, finding the back of the net on 34 occasions.
Goodson departed the Robins in August 2022, joining Altrincham FC of the National League for an undisclosed fee. Since then, Zak has had loan spells at Boston United and Spennymoor Town before joining Chester FC at the start of the 2023/24 season where he made 3 appearances for the Seals this season, scoring on his debut.
After signing, Zak spoke to our media team, saying... 'I’m home'.
Manager Ian Deakin [said]... 'Zak will need no introduction to the Ilkeston fans, he is a quality player, a winger, somebody who is very much a goal scorer and has been prolific at every club he’s been to... Zak is very dynamic, can play on the right or the left, a potent finisher and if he gets the chances, will probably put them away'"
Footnote: Zak was signed for Altrincham from Ilkeston Town in August 2022 and went on to score three times for the club in just two starts plus five appearances from the bench. .
Uggla has been incredibly supportive of the Shrimpers during their ongoing struggles and donated £10,000 to the Shrimpers Trust’s hardship fund back in July.
But Uggla has now confirmed how he had initially been interested in playing far more of a part at Roots Hall after failing to complete a takeover of Yeovil Town.
'It’s a massive club but we did a bit of due diligence on it and the situation is just a headache there. After being burnt at Yeovil we just thought do we really want to go down that road again?
'But with York it was quite a simple transaction'...
'The players have been phenomenal and so has Kev (Maher), to have reacted the way they have is top class... I do feel like a weird special bond with them even though I have nothing to do with it,' said Uggla...
'I’m sure someone will come along and hopefully rescue the situation... I was a bit naïve,' said Uggla.
'From the outside looking in I thought everyone working in football would be great and would want what’s best for the fans.
But you soon realise there’s a sinister side to it and one person has the fate of a club so many people love in their hands.
'I saw it at Yeovil and it made me feel a bit sick to the bottom of my stomach that people could behave like that. It’s on a much bigger scale at Southend'".
Summerfield was sent-off following a bizarre incident involving referee Paul Marsden in last Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Southend, which then went viral on social media, being viewed millions of times.
Halifax boss Chris Millington confirmed to the Courier earlier this week that The Shaymen had appealed the decision, and it has now been overturned."
White, 49, is known for being the founder, owner, chairman and manager of National League side Dorking. He formed the club in 1999 with a group of friends... But White has since guided his club all the way to the fifth tier of English football after an incredible 12 promotions in 24 years...
Yet the larger-than-life White still has his eyes on another promotion, this time to the Football League for the very first time, which would see Dorking play at Wembley Stadium in a promotion final....
Speaking on the Under The Cosh podcast, White said... 'I’d love to f***ing get sent off at Wembley,' to laughter from the podcasters. 'That’s the goal. Straight red. But maximise on the occasion, so like [in the] 89th minute. I would dress the same way I always have - no suits. I’m a bit of an icon for s*** clobber...
The FA now will probably write to me with various charges they’ve created at Scotland Yard. They send us emails after every interview...
'I do feel like I’ve become the f***ing Charles Bronson. The bloke that just gets done for f*** all and then for 40 years, locked up and he can’t help himself.'"
Today, Altrincham FC has revealed "a shattering blow after new signing Olly Crankshaw was ruled out for the rest of the season with an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
Below: James Jones, Liam Brockbank, Amaar Hussain
The talented winger... hobbled off shortly before half-time in only his second Alty appearance, away to Barnet on Saturday...
It's a second regrettable injury blow to a key forward in quick succession after Regan Linney's eye-catching start to the season was abruptly halted by a knee ligament problem.
Alty's in-form striker expressed his relief at learning he will not need surgery, but he still faces several weeks out.
In addition, midfielder George Wilson's ankle injury is being monitored and skipper James Jones has a groin problem that will keep him out for another couple of weeks or so, while full-back Liam Brockbank and promising youngster Amaar Hussain are continuing their rehabilitation from ACL injuries".
As well as the names mentioned above, summer signing Justin Donawa has only just returned to fitness and has yet to start a game this season.
On the eve of last weekend's win over Ebbsfleet Unites, Wealdstone confirmed "the signing of forward Abdulsadur Abdulmalik on a youth loan from EFL Championship side Millwall.
The 20-year old had recently signed a new contract at The New Den and has been capped three times for England at U17 level.
He was a big part of the Millwall U21 squad that won the Professional Development League Southern Division last season, finishing as the Lions top scorer.
Abdul will wear squad number 20 and goes straight into tomorrow's squad to face Ebbsfleet United, where he will be hoping to make his senior debut".
In fact, the young forward started the game and played for sixty-four minutes. Despite being subbed he was awarded 8/10, the second highest mark for his team in the Non-League Paper's report on the game.
First Round
The Round dates are:
Southern League Central: ANDY DALES put Mickleover ahead at AFC Telford and, although the hosts equalised, the Derbyshire side went on to retain their 100% record from 8 games with a 1-2 victory. They sit 8 points clear at the top of the division.
"Altrincham Football Club are an ambitious and forward-thinking football club and are looking to recruit a Marketing & Communications Specialist to drive our marketing and commercial activities.
The successful candidate will be a creative and engaging story-teller who can capture the essence of our football club and community in all communications.
Liaising with internal and external stakeholders, you will curate and develop marketing campaigns, to help support and deliver existing and new projects at the club.
You will be able to take a concept such as Football for a Fiver, Non-League Day, Football versus Homophobia, and successfully execute an engaging campaign that the football club and our community can be proud of.
In addition to ownership of ongoing campaigns, you will develop new ideas for promoting the club and support all commercial activities at the club.
This is a permanent position, reporting directly to the Board of Directors and CEO, and based at The J.Davidson Stadium".
Roofer Alfie Rutherford... is nearing a comeback just 10 months after open heart surgery to replace a worn valve.
He's already back up the ladder, fixing chimney pots, gables and tiles five days a week...
'I was probably born with a condition called aortic stenosis, but growing up I was asymptomatic and I lived my day-to-day life like anyone else,' he said. 'Then I was offered a scholarship by Portsmouth at 16 and my heart issue was flagged up at the medical screening.
'Pompey said I would not be able to sign for them or play football again, but the FA doctors were fantastic and told me nobody can stop you from playing... But about 12 months ago, a scan showed the aortic valve that pumps blood around the body was shrinking and was near the minimum limit.
'Then I tore my anterior cruciate ligament against Wrexham so, knowing I was facing a long lay-off, I decided to kill two birds with one stone by getting both my knee and heart sorted...
Last November, Rutherford underwent open heart surgery in Southampton General Hospital's cardiac unit... But he had to spend the next three months in bed, unable to pick up anything weighing more than a box of matches, because the surgeons had to saw through his sternum (chest bone) to replace his valve with pig tissue...
The knee ligament surgery seven months ago was piecemeal by comparison, and now he is only around three weeks from making a comeback...
'Implanting a tissue valve, has a 95 per cent success rate but it only lasts for about 15 years, so I'll have to go through it again by the time I'm 40... I could have had a mechanical valve fitted, which lasts longer, but you have to take warfarin (blood-thinning medication) for the rest of your life with that and it gets complicated if you suffer any cuts or gashes'".
Barring the 5-1 thrashing of Aldershot in the first home game of 2023/24 Latics have struggled... But Ward feels that a three-week run of Saturday-Tuesday fixtures will provide the perfect opportunity for them to pick up momentum...
'There's not going to be much time to do stuff on the training pitch but you're just bouncing from game to game and it's a great chance, if you win a couple, confidence is high and you're rolling from game to game and that's when things start to take care of themselves so hopefully that's what we can do,"' said the midfielder... 'It's got to be close to clicking. We're eight games in so it's got to be'...
Ward has had a frustrating start to Latics life personally, having had his pre-season disrupted by a calf strain, going on to suffer a hamstring tear in the opening day defeat at Southend United. The 25-year-old recovered well enough... and make his home debut at home to Dorking... as they were held to a goalless draw by Marc White's part-timers...
The former Gateshead midfielder explained, 'The heat killed the game a little bit... We did have a lot of possession. We probably didn't create as much as we would like but we still had opportunities...
'Since I've come here I've never been up to speed in terms of full fitness, which has been the most frustrating thing for me in terms of coming to a new club'".
12 September 2023
From that match Wealdstone's Will Beaman reports that "Wealdstone took all three points at home against 10-man Ebbsfleet United thanks to a brace from Tahvon Campbell...
The largely dominant Stones side opened the scoring in the 63rd minute after a tidy solo effort from Campbell beat Mark Cousins, who was outstanding in goal for Ebbsfleet all afternoon.
The visitors hit back with an instant equaliser from a corner when Josh Wright headed past Jed Ward from a set-piece.
But the scores didn’t stay level for long when Campbell bagged his second goal of the afternoon from the spot in the 74th minute, which came after the striker was taken down by Ebbsfleet captain Chris Solly, earning him a red card in the process.
A late red card for the Stones came when Micah Obiero stopped an Ebbsfleet break with a sliding challenge, earning him a second yellow card and an early bath in a staggering seventeenth minute of second half stoppage time.
Stuart Maynard made two changes to the side that lost at Hartlepool with Ashley Charles and Alex Dyer both away on international duty with Grenada and Montserrat respectively. Tarryn Allarakhia came into the side off the back of his goal-scoring cameo last week as well as new signing Abdul Abdulmalik, making his professional men’s debut."
The Wealdstone matchday squad comprised 13. Jed Ward, 2. Jack Cook (c), 3. Charlie Barker, 23. Jaydn Mundle-Smith, 19. Charles Clayden, 8. Nathan Ferguson, 22. Sam Bowen, 7. Tarryn Allarakhia, 14. Micah Obiero, 20. Abdulsadur Abdulmalik, 29. Tahvon Campbell. Subs: 12. Giovanni McGregor, 27. Sean Adarkwa, 6. Mason Barrett, 11. Corie Andrews, 9. Olufela Olomola.
Thompson, who played in every game but one during last season’s play-off winning campaign, was handed the number one shirt for the 2023/24 season in National League North, starting the first six games of the season.
But after being left out of the starting team for the trip to Brackley Town recently, he expressed his unhappiness at the decision and wanted to be in a position where he was playing every week.
Both parties have therefore agreed to a termination to enable Thompson to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Thompson departs the UNIS Compliance Stadium having made 56 appearances for the Yellows".
At the weekend a number of former Altrincham players were involved in the:
FA TROPHY: Rising club Avro, managed by former Alty Youth captain and reserve, ALEX FROST, won their First Round Qualifier against Winterton.
At Liversedge, Nantwich Town progressed with a 3-0 win after A-JAY LEITCH-SMITH had bagged the opening goal.
The decisive penalty in an FA Trophy shoot-out was scored by ELLIOT ROKKA following a goalless draw for Witton Albion at Runcorn Linnets. Also playing for Witton was JAMES LAWRIE whilst the Linnets included JAMES SHORT who put his penalty wide in the shoot-out.
National League: MARCUS DINANGA (above, left) has now netted six goals already this season, following his brace on Saturday at Eastleigh.
It was substitute JAMES BERRY who won an added time penalty for Chesterfield which allowed them to go on and convert a 1-1 draw into a win against Dagenham & Redbridge.
National League North: KENNEDY DIGIE was in the Alfreton Town side which beat Boston United 4-1 with, as reported yesterday, LEWIS SALMON netting twice for The Reds.
NWCFL: As Wythenshawe Town beat Chadderton 4-0, KHIUS METZ scored one of the winners' goal.
Called Footy or a Fiver, the scheme will be implemented for the visit of Kidderminster Harriers next month...
An ambitious, forward-thinking board have put the club on a sound financial footing by securing substantial investment and also enhanced the matchday experience for supporters with the launch of a well-equipped fan zone and a Junior Robins club, among many other initiatives and improvements in and around the ground.
Now, the aim is to reach out to the community and draw as many people as possible to the club's iconic Moss Lane stadium to experience first-hand all that's on offer against Kidderminster on Tuesday October 24th (kick-off 7.45pm), with adults paying just £5 each, children aged 5-11 £2.50 and under-5s £1".
The 20 year-old has played over 20 times for Northampton in League One and League Two and has also spent time on loan with Kettering Town and Brackley Town.
Dyche is the son of Everton Manager Sean Dyche and like his father, is a defender.
Tommy Widdrington said 'Max is a lad we were aware of since the summer... He’s a defender who loves defending and that’s what I like to see in my defence'".
Northampton Town add that "The 20 year old defender and academy product signed a new contract with the Cobblers in the summer, and manager Jon Brady says the move will benefit his development... He said... 'He did well for us and helped us get over the line last season and now it is about playing regular first team football and building his experience to aid his development'".
The bizarre incident, involving Summerfield and referee Paul Marsden, went viral over the weekend, being viewed millions of times on social media...
Town boss Chris Millington told the Courier after the game on Saturday that Marsden had made a big mistake in dismissing Summerfield and his instinct was that the club would appeal the decision".
The Hoops were 2-1 down against a Pools side playing in Sky Bet League Two last season, but an inspired double change from Jenkins shortly before the hour mark turned the game around.
Aaron Williams-Bushell and Pierre Fonkeu replaced Lewis Coyle and Alfie Potter to provide fresh legs going forward, while the alterations also saw City change formation too.
Jenkins boldly moved from the three at the back which has served the Hoops so well during his tenure, to a 4-3-3 system with Williams-Bushell and Fonkeu in support of Olly Sanderson in attack.
Just four minutes after the changes, City grabbed themselves an equaliser through Canice Carroll, while Josh Ashby and Fonkeu would put the Hoops 4-2 in front within six minutes of Carroll’s leveller...
'We just needed some fresh legs, there wasn’t anything wrong, but we needed to go and get a goal'" said Jenkins".
11 September 2023
Having beaten Wealdstone twice in away matches in the first two seasons of the Alliance (1979-81), since the clubs were reunited in the same division in 20202, Alty have failed to score at Grosvenor Vale in three attempts.
On 7 November, 2020, Alty lost 0-1 behind closed doors
On 11.September 2021, the same score resulted in front of 1,013 spectators.
And most recently, on 4 March 2023 Alty were humiliated 4-0, as 1,411 fans watched the game.
The last such game was a 1-0 reverse in the FA Cup in County Durham at Shildon in 2017.
Above: A prostrate Tony Thompson saves the penalty from Greulich-Smith but Fenton was to steal in and head the rebound into the net for the winning goal at Shildon.
This ninetieth-minute penalty settled this match and its award arose after James Jones had haandled the ball and been sent off.<
Greg Olley opened the scoring with a clever finish and then Marcus Dinanga added a second. An outstanding team move ended with Jordan Hunter making it three, before Dinanga added a fourth just prior to the interval.
The impressive Stephen Wearne then curled home in the 66th minute and substitute Billy Chadwick cooly added a sixth, on a tough afternoon for interim boss Richard Hill.
Eastleigh made two changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Dorking Wanderers as Charlie Carter and Paul McCallum came into the team - Aidan Barlow and Lee Hodson made way".
The Daily Echo adds that "Interim boss Richard Hill refused to comment on the club's management situation after the humbling 6-0 defeat at home to Gateshead...
Since the pair have taken the reigns, the Spitfires have shown improvement as they picked up a 3-0 win against Aldershot before drawing 0-0 with Dorking Wanderers...
Rather than give supporters an answer on the club's immediate future, when asked by the Daily Echo, Hill responded 'How can you ask me that question after that?'...
Hill did, however, shoulder full responsibility for the damaging result... He added 'They could have scored at will. We probably need to thank Gateshead for playing within themselves a little bit... I got my tactics wrong so it’s on me.
We didn’t keep the ball well enough and we didn’t play well enough with or without the ball..
'Were there any positives? No, not really. Nothing at all. We’ve had a punch on the nose and we have to accept that'".
Gateshead had 16 shots and eight of those were on target while they also struck the post twice in the first half.
There were boos at half-time and the mood within the ground did not change after the break...
'I could go in there and take the paint off the wall,' Hill said. 'What good’s that going to do? Would it make me feel better? No. That is what I just said to the lads, do you want me to shout at you? Would it make it better if I shouted at you?@">
The HArtlepool Mail tells sus that manager "John Askey admits he was left ‘seething’ by Hartlepool United’s defensive display...
Hartlepool’s defensive woes continued at Marsh Lane after conceding three goals in seven second half minutes on their way to a 5-2 defeat.
It’s an issue which is now of extreme concern to Askey, who has yet to see his side keep a clean sheet in 21 games in charge, with Pools having not shut out the opposition since early February.
Pools were in control of the game at Oxford, having taken the lead through Joe Grey, before Olly Sanderson levelled the scores against the run of play.
But it was the nature of Hartlepool’s second half collapse which will both anger and worry Askey with his side, yet again, unable to deal with set pieces and crosses into the box...
It takes Hartlepool’s tally against to 17 conceded in just eight games, only worsened by Aldershot Town (18) and AFC Fylde (21) in the National League...
'I just can’t get my head around it. We’ve worked on that more than we’ve worked on anything else and it’s letting us down, and it’s letting us down badly... If you can get a solid foundation and start scoring goals then you win games, but to go seven months without a clean sheet, then there’s obviously something wrong'".
Dan Gallagher returned to the starting line up in place of the injured Luke Moore... however, Niall McManus was forced into withdrawal from the starting line up after picking up a slight injury during the warm-up. Bobby-Joe Taylor came in as his replacement in the XI with Slav Huk taking the vacated seat on the bench. ..
Barry Fuller had to be withdrawn after pulling up following a challenge for the ball, the captain substituted for Ryan Seager... {Manager] Marc White was given a straight red card by referee Richard Aspinall after booting the ball away when it flew towards him in the away dug-out...
A second consecutive goalless draw for Wanderers, Marc White can reflect on a resolute display from his side on an afternoon of added challenges, with the manager's dismissal following on from early injuries suffered to Niall McManus and Barry Fuller and a subsequent re-shaping of the side".
Playing a team like Barnet that are top of the table is a bit of a reality check for us.
Parkinson's full post-match interview with Laurence Howarth is available via Alty TV.
It emerged from the interview that, as well as Regan Linney and Oliver Crankshaw (above, right), George Wilson is also injured.
James Jones dropped out of the starting eleven and was replaced by Cooper. Isaac Marriott took over as captain. On the bench Donawa returned from injury.
After playing nine added minutes in searing heat Alty trailed 1-0 at The Hive at half time.
Without Regan Linney who is seemingly out long-term, Alty were outplayed in the opening stages and went behind in the tenth minute, yet again to a header from a corner. The scorer was Collinge.
Alty did improve for a while but could have fallen further behind when Amaluzor was penalised for supposed handball in the box. However, Ross made a good save from Pritchard. The same player also put the resulting loose ball over the bar (32 mins).
It got worse as Crankshaw was injured and it looked fairly serious as he hobbled off to be replaced by Donawa (37 mins).
So, it was 1-0 to the Bees at the break. And the hosts dominated the second half before a superbly worked second goal was scored by Brunt (67 mins).
Altrincham were no threat at all as Barnet dominated and the Bees picked up a third goal in added time as a short corner led to a low ball being diverted by an Alty defender for Kabamba to tap in at the far post.
Match report here.
In League One : CARL PIERGIANNI was credited with the opening assist for Stevenage, who led twice but had to settle for a 2-2 draw with visitors Carlisle United.
League Two : Another ex-Alty defender credited with an assist was TOBY MULLARKEY for Grimsby Town in their 1-1 draw at Bradford City.
CONNOR JENNINGS was one of 5 Tranmere Rovers players booked in their 2-0 defeat at Colchester United.
National League : Halifax were down to 10 men by the time visitors Southend United introduced DAN MOONEY, but the score remained 1-1.
Chesterfield had been trailing at home to Dagenham & Redbridge until the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Within a minute RYAN COLCLOUGH equalised and his side went on to win 3-1.
MARCUS DINANGA scored twice in the first half before being substituted in the 72nd minute at Eastleigh. His Gateshead team finally thrashed the Hampshire side 0-6.
TYRESE SINCLAIR played the whole game for Rochdale in a 1-1 draw at Kidderminster Harriers, who substituted ASHLEY HEMMINGS after 79 minutes.
BILLY SASS-DAVIES was booked in the first half for Boreham Wood in their 2-2 draw at York City.
National North : LEWIS SALMON scored the final two goals in Alfreton Town's 4-0 home win over Boston United.
NPL : After Radcliffe had led 0-1 at the interval, 3 former Robins in the shape of JOSH HANCOCK (penalty), JORDAN HULME, and JUDE OYIBO made the final score 0-4 at Atherton.
JONNY MARGETTS had two penalties among his four goal haul as Matlock Town hammered visitors Marske 5-0.
Southern League Central : MONTEL GIBSON scored the decisive goal as AFC Telford won 2-3 at St.Ives Town.
9 September 2023
Recently father and son drove a van via the Hull to Rotterdam ferry to deliver the Altrincham kit to Nijmegen for the pre-season game against NEC Nijmegen.
Ardley... boasts previous experience with the assistant, after working together at both AFC Wimbledon and Notts County.
Cox also has managerial experience himself, having previously worked as first-team manager for both Leek Town and Scunthorpe United, when the Iron were in Sky Bet League Two.
Ardley also confirmed this afternoon that Tony McMahon would be staying with the club, with the York coach impressing Ardley in training...
'Neil lives local and is an hour away, it’s a very easy decision for me to work with someone I’ve had lots of success with and I’ve been friends with for 30 years. He’s also friends with Tony Mac, they know each other really well...
'I’m the sort of guy where if someone is good, then I’ll work with them all day and I’ll treat them how they want to be treated'" said ardley.
Cox also spoke on the move, saying... 'We’ve worked together and had success at other clubs where we’ve been to, I can’t wait to get started...
'I’ve been out the game a long time now, but I’ve been to more games now than I ever have been... You learn a lot when you’re out of work because you see things more, everything’s a little bit clearer.'”
The Hartlepool Mail reminds us that "Hartlepool United will experience life on plastic tomorrow – but John Askey does not think their opponents, Oxford City, should be allowed to play in the National League on an artificial pitch.//
While EFL rules forbid teams from playing on a plastic pitch, no such rules apply in the National League... with the Pools boss citing the potential for injuries as his biggest concern...
'I don’t agree with playing at this standard on 3G pitches,' said Askey... 'The players know it’s only for one game, and they just have to give it everything they’ve got'...
Pools have suffered two major injury blows in the last few weeks, with Dan Dodds expected to be sidelined for around a year after suffering cruciate ligament damage and Anthony Mancini unlikely to play for at least six months because of a hamstring issue.
Mani Dieseruvwe scored his sixth goal of the season in the Wealdstone win...
'He’s probably the in-form striker in the league and that’s why he’s got the reward of Player of the Month, which he deserves,. said Askey".
8 September 2023
The move comes as a bit of a shock to some Barnet fans, given that the club already had six centre-backs on the books, although two are currently out on loan.
Despite being 25 years old, Stevens hasn’t played a vast amount of senior football in his career so far... He departed Watford in the summer of 2018 and linked up with the now Barnet boss Dean Brennan at Wealdstone...
Stevens was then signed by Boreham Wood... A ruptured achilles tendon at the start of the 22/23 season restricted Stevens to just two appearances last year and 12 in total for the Wood before his contract was mutually ended".
The Robins’ unbeaten start to the campaign came to an end on Saturday, as a late winner gave Bromley the points, but Parkinson remained upbeat about his side’s prospects, following the prize capture of Crankshaw.
“This is a big marquee signing for us, one I am extremely excited about,' he said...
'I would go so far as to say it’s a bit of a game-changer for us, he is that good... When we lost Ryan Colclough, it was such a huge void to fill, one I didn’t think we would be able to. But with Olly coming in, it can’t get any better for us'...
Parkinson added... 'Barnet is a great game for us to go into. They are attack-minded, like us, so it will be a bit more open'" than agaist Bronmley.
Ardley is no stranger to the league, having had fair-to-good spells at Notts County and Solihull Moors... [where] he took his team to the brink of the Football League...
Matt Uggla posted on X 'First manager I’ve appointed. After getting to know the man I know the club is in very safe hands and he fits the vision and culture we are trying to build! Very exciting times'".
7 September 2023
Potters Bar Times reports that "Despite a late winner at fierce rivals Boreham Wood on Saturday, Barnet boss Dean Brennan had some reservations about how sustainable his side’s performances have become in recent weeks, writes Tom Norton.
Adebola Oluwu’s 77th-minute winner snatched all three points at Meadow Park after a derby match the away side largely dominated...
'Yeah look. I’m delighted with the result first and foremost'.... but I fear for our dominance,' Brennan told the club website.
'We’ve been like that in six of our seven games, and we scored from a corner to win the game but we’ve dominated possession... I think we’ve got six out of seven games right tactically, but we need to create more chances...
We should have won today by definitely two clear goals, if not three so we need to get to that point... I think we’re only plus six. We should be in my opinion plus 13 or 14,' he added...
'The Bees now face struggling [!] Altrincham at the Hive on Saturday, in what looks to be another great opportunity to showcase their dominance against a side who have failed to convince so far this campaign."
The 51-year-old left Solihull Moors by mutual consent in the summer, after guiding them to third place in the National League in 2022 before losing in the play-off final.
He replaces Michael Morton who was sacked by the Minstermen last month after a winless start to the season.
He entered management with Cardiff's academy in 2007 before being appointed by former club Wimbledon in October 2012 where he spent over 300 games in charge between 2012 to 2018.!
We learn from the Blackpool Gazette that "AFC Fylde boss... Adam Murray is anxious to add steel to an AFC Fylde defence he describes as 'a ball of fluff.
The Coasters have leaked more goals, 19, than any other side in the National League. They conceded three for the fourth match running in last weekend’s 3-1 defeat at Dagenham & Redbridge...
'I’m boring myself saying the same things but we’re allowing too many shots and we don’t know how to defend our box,' he told the club’s media team...
'We aren’t showing enough fighting spirit or doing the basics well enough. We’ve spent weeks and weeks on it and we’re still not hitting the mark'...
'At the minute, it doesn’t matter if we score two, three or four because we aren’t keeping the other end closed,/ he said, “It’s tin hats on and get to work.”
Only two of the Altrincham first-team squad, apart from the four young Academy graduates, have yet to make an appearance this season in the Vanarama National League.
One is goalkeeper Ollie Byrne who has gone out on loan to Cork City till the Irish season ends in November.
Right: Liam Brockbank
The other is defender Liam Brockbank who, nevertheless, has been in attendance at matches this season. He is presumably injured.
Now aged 22, Liam's arrival at Alty was announced on 7 June 2022, with him having spent the previous season at Lancaster City. His season at The Giant Axe, followed two years with Workington.
As an eight year-old he had joined Carlisle United and played for their Academy before being released after nine years with the Cumbrians. He joined Lancaster City at that point (2019) and was also called up to the England Futsal team in 2019.
In mid-October 2022, it was announced that Liam had gone on loan to Gloucester City for the rest of the season. He did not figure in Alty's 2023-24 pre-season and his total appearances for the club comprise four starts and two appearances from the bench.
Hopefully, Liam will soon be back in action.
Cashman had a stint at Worthing during pre-season before joining the Sky Blues in 2021.
Worthing boss Adam Hinshelwood said 'We obviously saw a glimpse of what he could bring to us in pre-season a couple of years ago but I’m delighted he’s here for the longer term this time...
'It wasn’t something we were planning for but when the opportunity arose we had to look at it.'
Cashman, 22, had spells on loan at Walsall, Rochdale and Altrincham while with Coventry".
And Cashman was soon in action as Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's games...
"In National South DANNY CASHMAN's debut for Worthing in their 2-0 home win over Welling United ended when he was substituted after 79 minutes.
In National North, a goal from CRAIG MAHON earned Curzon Ashton a 1-1 draw at Peterborough Sports. The hosts had taken the lead despite having been down to 10 men after only 2 minutes, and eventually finished with 9 men.
Meanwhile a goal from DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY saved Warrington Town from defeat in the 90th minute as they drew 3-3 with visitors Spennymoor".
20 year-old Kirk is labelled ‘an imposing and technically-gifted centre-back’ by his parent club and was part of the first team squad that travelled to Dubai in January 2022 before being named on the bench in the Gunners’ Premier League victory over West Ham in May later that year.
Kirk has been at the North London side since the age of eight and has also spent time on loan at Scottish Championship outfit Ayr United...
Kido Taylor-Hart... also has experience of training and being around the first team at Arsenal...
In January of this year, 20-year-old Taylor-Hart joined Derby County’s U2s' side on loan for the remainder of the season after impressing for Arsenal’s youngsters.
On the international stage, our new signing has one England U17 cap under his belt."
A notification on the government website states that Phil Kirk is no longer a ‘person of significant control’ at the club.
This relates to a redistribution of shares from Phil to his brother Ashley but we understand that Phil is still fully committed to Chesterfield.
The brothers, who are from the town and are lifelong Spireites supporters, have a 25% stake in the club, with the community trust the majority shareholder".
5 September 2023
This time Barnet start the game in tiop position in the National League, whereas last season they lay fifth when Alty visited.
When Altrincham levelled, after twenty-two minutes, the hosts had grounds for complaint that offside was not decreed. A long ball upfield found Hulme in acres of space and seemingly offside. As he advanced the keeper came out and clipped him, with Hulme losing his footing. But the Alty captain got up and steered the ball into the empty net as a retreating defender closed down on him.
Referee Dale consulted his linesman but the goal stood.
However, Barnet soon restored their lead when a corner from the right was nodded on by Pritchard. Alty failed to clear De Havilland's corner at the near post and Kabamba bundled it into the net (26 mins). So it was 2-1 at the break.
But Alty stunned the Bees with three second-half goals. First Oyedele levelled, shortly after a Linney shot had been headed off the line (54 mins). A defensive mix up then saw Hulme steal the ball and feed Linney who drove home a shot from right of goal (68 mins).
And, from a Linney pass from the right, substitute Sinclair made it 2-4 with a well-taken goal in the 77th minute.
Alty withstood plenty of late Barnet probing but emerged with a fine three points.
Five loanees in all were named in the Altrincham squad, which comprised 1. Oliver Byrne, 34. Miles Welch-Hayes, 26. James Jones, 6. Lewis Baines, 2. Eddy Jones, 4. Isaac Marriott, 8. Josh Lundstram, 9. Jordan Hulme (c), 10. Elliot Osborne, 28. Maxi Oyedele, 29. Regan Linney. Subs: 11. Danny Cashman, 16. Armando Junior Quitirna, 21. Matt Gould, 33. Egli Kaja, 35. Tyrese Sinclair
Compared with last Saturday, only James and Eddy Jones, Marriott and Osborne started on the last visit to The Hive.
As for Barnet, likewise just four players started against Alty in February and also started last Saturday; they were Laurie Walker, Daniele Collinge, Dale Gorman and Okimo Kabamba
An underwhelming performance from York means that City are the only side in the Vanarama National League yet to pick up a win...
'They are a little bit in trouble, changing their manager and coming a long way down from York, so we needed to show our intensity.' Kutrieb told BBC Radio Kent... 'I can’t ask for anything more, we would’ve liked to have a clean sheet but they have good players in their squad... 4-1 is a great result.
'At the end of the day it’s not always about finances, you need to have a plan and do the right things on the pitch. That’s what we try to do, we play against some big clubs with big history, like you could see with York today...
'It’s a tough time for York at the moment, but we needed to be at the top of our game'".
The... centre-back went down injured in the fourth minute at Barnet... and was stretchered off in considerable pain.
'He has a really bad injury, it’s ACL, PCL and LCL,' explained Kutrieb. “I feel really sorry for him as he had a great start to the season for us...
Wakely made a big impression during the first few weeks of his loan spell at Stonebridge Road... Said Kutrieb 'He wasn’t really playing the seasons before... I think he felt very valued here...
'You don’t want to lose a player anyway but especially at the beginning of the season when he is a new player.'”
"The Magpies were pressing hard to break the deadlock in the final stages of contest they'd shaded throughout when Harry Parsons's close range header appeared to be kept out on the line by defender Josh Casey's arm.
The Magpies players and coaching team were incensed by referee Stuart Morland's decision to play on...
'The last 15 minutes we’ve been camped inside their box and we were trying to win the game and then we get a decision like that.. On the positive side we’ve got another point, but it should have been three.
'People will be looking at it and saying we haven't scored in three games, but you've seen for yourself, we're creating chances and then we've got the referee missing blatant penalties. What can you do about it? I'm sure if it was at the other end he'd have given it. I feel for the players, they've worked their nuts off in hard conditions and they should have won the game.'”
His opposite number, Cards’ boss Darren Sarll added 'It’s a very hard-fought point. These games are really tough. I’m a humble person and I never discount any opponent. The game could have swung either way'".
Amongst the ties are the following matches involving NW clubs:
4 September 2023
Above: Justin Amaluzor and Dior Angus celebrate Altrincham's goal on Saturday.
The Man of the Match on for the games against Chesterfield and Bromley was winger Justin Amaluzor, who joined Altrincham from Aldershot Town over the summer. Playing on the right-wing his trademark is to cut inside and fire at goal with his left foot.
However, his goal against the Ravens came from a well-worked corner routine in which Eddy Jones fed Dior Angus on the byline and his lay off allowed Justin to strike the ball into the top of the net.
However, thwy have played four or more games than the remainder of the top six clubs.
Right: Jake Moult outjumps Kyle Perry at Barwell. Ironically, Kyle had scored for Alty against Barwell in the clubs' only previous meeting, in the FA Cup in 2014.
At Nantwich Town, BYRON HARRISON's penalty hit the upright and the Dabbers will now have to replay the tie at Shifnal Town following a 1-1 draw.
LOUIS POTTS was on the mark as Ashton United won 3-1 against Dunston UTS.
Mossley recorded a fine 4-0 away win at Bamber Bridge with captain ANDY KEOGH scoring the first goal and EDEN BAILEY netting the third.
In the NPL West at Shawe View, Trafford lost 0-1 at home to Bootle. MASON FAWNS's shot which hit the post was the home side's nearest effort to a goal.
West Didsbury & Chorlton lost 4-3 at Bury, but LEWIS BILLINGSLEY and DONTAI GABIDON both scored for West.
And, as Phil Jordan reports, "In the only Sunday FA Cup game in the northern section of the draw, Macclesfield won 1-4 at Northern League Wickham. SAM GRIMSHAW and SAM HEATHCOTE played the whole game, while TOM PEERS, HAYDEN CAMPBELL, and JAMES HARDY were all unused substitutes".
The second half continued in the same vein as the first with the visitors well on top but not creating anything clearcut... On seventy-eight minutes Barnet got a deserved goal with Adebola Oluwo heading past Ashmore following a corner, sending the away supporters into raptures".
3 September 2023
Match report here
Right: Ollie Crankshaw greets his new team-mate Chris Conn-Clarke before the game against Bromley.
Assistant boss Neil Sorvel told the NL Paper, "We were sloppy in front of goal. I don't know how we haven't taken more of our chances.
"We know they're a great team but I don't think we were great to be honest. They're the type of side that will sit back and counter and they've done a good job on us today".
Bromley boss Andy Woodman said, "I thought we were excellent and we've got to take that as a great away win against a previously unbeaten Altrincham side.
We scored a great goal but got done by their set piece routine, which we knew they were going to do, so that's a bit frustrating.
"And that goalkeeping performance from Grant Smith was amazing. Not just good saves, match-winning saves. I think we've got the best goalkeeper in the league".
Championship: While Millwall left DUNCAN WATMORE on the bench at St.Andrews as they earned a 1-1 draw with Birmingham City, Swansea City, leading 1-0 at half time at home to Bristol City, introduced JOSH GINNELLY for the second period. This could not be counted as an inspired substitution, as he was booked and the visitor fought back to win 1-2.
League One : Blackpool brought on OWEN DALE in the 82nd. minute of their home game against Wigan Athletic, which they won 2-1.
ALISTAIR SMITH played the whole game, but was booked as Lincoln City drew 1-1 at Bristol Rovers.
With the score level 1-1 at The Valley, Fleetwood Town withdrew JUNIOR QUITIRNA from the action after 64 minutes. Hosts Charlton Athletic won 2-1.
CARL PIERGIANNI played the whole game for Stevenage as they eased home 0-3 at Leyton Orient.
League Two : CONNOR JENNINGS and CHRIS MERRIE (who was booked) both played the whole match at Prenton Park as Tranmere Rovers were beaten 0-1 by Wrexham.
At Blundell Park, Grimsby Town beat Gillingham 2-0. TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game, while LUKE WATERFALL was left on the bench.
ELLIOT NEWBY was a 68th minute substitute for Barrow, who won 0-1 at Harrogate Town.
JOEL SENIOR put in a full shift as Morecambe beat visitors Salford City 1-0.
National League : RYAN COLCLOUGH equalised for Chesterfield after they had gone behind at Aldershot. JEFF KING was substituted after 70 minutes, while JAMES BERRY was left on the bench. In an eventful game, Chesterfield eventually won 3-4.
Boreham Wood introduced BILLY SASS-DAVIES at the start of the second half, but visitors Barnet win 0-1.
TYRESE SINCLAIR was booked in added time, after playing the whole of Rochdale's 0-1 home defeat by Halifax.
While ASHLEY HEMMINGS played the full game for visitors Kidderminster Harriers, Southend United only brought on DAN MOONEY after 68 minutes as they won 2-1.
MARCUS DINANGA was booked as Gateshead were held at home 2-2 by Oldham Athletic.
National North : MICHAEL GYASI scored Boston United's second goal in a 3-1 home win over Blyth Spartans.
The Barnet & Potters Bar Times reports that "Barnet claimed the bragging rights at Boreham Wood to take over at the top of the National League table.
Ade Oluwo's header proved the difference between the sides at Meadow Park, as Dean Brennan's men bagged the points to move into pole position...
Barnet: Walker, Coker, Collinge, Pritchard, Gorman (Kanu 76), Okimo, Kabamba (Stead 66), Hartigan, Wynter, Oluwo, Brunt (Armstrong 86). Unused subs: Gillmore, Potter".
2 September 2023
The first half was blessed with two fine goals amongst what was otherwise a match of only moderate quality.
The first of those goals was a superb curling shot from outside the box by Whiteley to give the Ravens a 14th minute lead.
Altrincham responded with a finely worked corner routine, initiated by Eddy Jones on the right and finished with a shot into the top corner by man of the match Amaluzor (25 mins).
Above: Justin Amaluzor (no.11) nets Alty's goal.
Sadly the second half was poor with neither side showing much quality.
Alty threw the game way in the 87th minute when Marriott lost the ball on the Bromley left and substitute Miller advanced to beat Ross with a low shot into the far corner.
Apart from Amaluzor, Altrincham lacked urgency and the guile to break down an organised Bromley defence. Despite the referee, who made some baffling decisions, playing eleven added minutes, an equalizer was not forthcoming.
Match report here
And on the eve of today's match against Bromley comes news that the opposition, Bromley have added to the potential confusion for the Radio Robins commentators by signing "21-year-old midfielder Ryan Jones on loan from Sky Bet League One side Bristol Rovers until January...
Our latest arrival, who spent last season on loan at Hungerford Town, began his career at Weston-super-Mare before making the move to Bristol Rovers in 2020.
He would go on to return to the Seagulls before another loan spell followed, this time at Bath City.
Whilst at Hungerford last season, he came away with five goals in 34 league appearances which saw him awarded Young Player of the Season.
Ryan will wear the number 12 shirt".
Whilst young Academy product Tom Jones is unlikely to be in the Alty squad today, the other three Joneses at Altrincham have all been named in every matchday squad so far this season, so there could well be four Joneses on view this afternoon.
The Ravens have won three and drawn one of the previous encounters.
This time, however, Altrincham are the higher placed and more in-form team.
Although CONNOR HAMPSON equalised in the second half after Oakleigh Cannons had trailed early in their NPL Victoria promotion play-off semifinal at South Melbourne, the hosts progressed to the final with a 92nd minute winner".
The defender is no stranger to Pools, having already enjoyed two spells at the Suit Direct Stadium during his career.
Hendrie made his senior debut with Hartlepool in 2015, on loan from Burnley. Following spells with Shrewsbury and Grimsby Town, he returned to Pools for the first half of the 2021/22 season before joining Bradford in the January transfer window...
Manager John Askey adde, 'We've brought Luke in with Dan Dodds getting injured. He's a good defender with plenty of experience and a winning mentality. I've worked with him previously at Shrewsbury so I know all about him and his character - he should fit into the group well'".
The homegrown duo have agreed to join the National League side on deals that run to January 31.
Central defender Sass-Davies has made 48 appearances for The Railwaymen since making his debut in 2017.
The 23-year-old, a former Wales Under-21 international, has enjoyed previous loan spells at the likes of Yeovil Town and Woking, [as well as Altrincham].
Midfielder Griffiths has made 52 outings for the club since his first-team bow in 2020. The 23-year-old spent time on loan at Notts County in 2021."
The goalkeeper, 33, had joined the Club on a season-long loan deal from Newport County on 28th July.
Day featured twice for the Cardinals, in the 2-0 defeat at Barnet and 3-2 win at home against Rochdale."
His wife's extended eulogy was both impressive and very moving.
What a man.
Amongst the Alty-connected faces there were Bill Waterson, Neil Faulkner, Mark Harris, Andrew Shaw, Graham Heathcote. Grahame Rowley, Brian Flynn, Neil Brown, Gary Talbot, Steve Aspinall, Rod Thornley, Gary Scott, Danny Adams, Chris Adams, Kevin Ellison, Stuart Coburn and Eddie Hussin.
It was a really nice service, which captured the spirit of the man.
His entry music was Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill" and his wicker coffin was carried out to a backdrop of Bob Dylan's "Positively 4th Street".
The game should give spectators their fist view of Ollie Crankshaw in an Altrincham shirt, following his arrival from Stockport County.
The Ravens include a nmber of familiar faces who have faced Alty previously, whether for Bromley or other clubs.
Compared with their line-up when they visited in January, six players started then and also last Monday for the Ravens. They were Reice Charles-Cook, Omar Sowunmi, Michael Cheek, Byron Webster, Corey Whitely and Kellen Fisher.
The 32-year-old signed for the club in September 2022, making 32 league appearances, scoring two goals".
The Oldham Times elaborates saying, "John Rooney has joined Macclesfield after leaving Oldham Athletic by mutual consent.
The former midfielder, who is the brother of former Manchester United and England striker Wayne... fell out of favour under manager David Unsworth."
'The offer wasn’t anywhere near even worth talking about,' said Maher. 'He’s started the season ever so well and he’s way too important for us lose.
'We’re not inviting any offers for any players.
'Clubs will maybe look at our situation and look to take advantage, which is fair enough.
'It’s going to happen and we accept that but we’re not interested in anyone leaving the building.'”
Edwards’s previous club Barnet will receive 50 per cent of any sale. Peterborough values the youngster at £10 million, meaning the Bees could receive up to £5 million if the Hammers agree to this fee.
The Evening Standard reported (30 August) that West Ham had tabled an offer to the Posh regarding Edwards and are in talks over a final price tag, but his current club will only get half the fee...
Manager Darren Ferguson said, 'We fully expect Ronnie Edwards to go'... However, Peterborough may be reluctant to let him go so soon so they can wait to increase his value and maximise any profit made from his sale".
Bycroft has also spent time on loan at Weymouth and Dorchester and has represented England at under-19 level...
Head of Recruitment Jamie Hedges said 'Once it was apparent that Jordi was to be banned, we as staff created a shortlist. Jack was top of that list and so we are pleased to get our top target! Jack was one we looked at in the summer, he is off the back of a really good season in the level below'".
1 August 2023
Other visual changes to the appearance of the JDS involve the upgrading of the Fanzone, which is located in the corner of the ground between the Golf Road End and the Popular side as shown below, as Justin Amalozur celebrates his goal last Sunday. Also, the cosmetic appearance of the electronic scoreboard has been improved by the erection of two new boards advertising stadium sponsors J. Davidson, scrap metal processors, either side of the screen.
Above, Justin Amalozur celebrates his goal last Sunday in front of the Fanzone, which regulations insist cannot allow its customers a view of the pitch.
John explains why he applied for the post and outlines his past experience and future plans. His previous role was at FC Halifax Town as Commercial Director but he was also with Huddersfield Town when they were at Premier League level. In his early career, John worked for Vodafone and his involvement with their sponsorship of Manchester United was his introduction to the football world.
The brief to him from the Altrincham FC Board was summarised by John in one word, "progression", with his short-term objective being "to stand and watch" how the club operates currently before attempting to improve procedures and processes.
He told the club website that "It’s been nine long and hard months. It’s such a relief to be back on the pitch after such a long time out... You can’t do much after the surgery and then from there it’s just ups and downs. Some days you feel motivated and get after it, but other days are hard when everyone’s training and your just in the physio room...
"Gaffer [Ben Strevens] and Youngy [Lewis Young] have done such a good job on recruitment and just creating a good atmosphere... I think the plan is to get some more minutes against Northwood and then that will put me in a really good place going into Altrincham next weekend...
Alty last came across Tavares when he was at Wealdstone and he was an unused substitute in the game in London in September 2021.
He is Loui Williams who has been given number 23 for his shirt in 2023-24. A forward, he was brought up in the Oldham area.
It was in early July 2023 that it was announced that Loui would be assigned a squad number at Altrincham, after two years of playing for the club's Academy team. His route to Altrincham was unusual as it stemmed from Alty player Matty Kosylo putting a leaflet through his door advertising his own coaching business!
Prior to that Loui had not been attached to a club but he soon made an impression in the Altrincham FC Academy set-up.
The Club and Darren have been in conversation about this for some time and have mutually agreed due to Darren’s personal circumstances and his need to spend more time with family at this point. Darren has been completing an extended handover into the start of 2023/24 campaign working closely with both the Board and the Manager.
The former Oldham Manager and Newport Director of Football has played a key role in 1st team player signings as well as working with wider football operations including the Academy.
Club Chairman, Raj Singh stated... 'It was clear from the start that Darren would provide great support to the Manager to help build a squad that was ready to compete in whichever league we were in... The search for a new Sporting Director is underway. The Sporting Director role is something that we will ideally look to retain'...
Darren Kelly commented 'I'm very proud of the work that we have done this summer in preparation of trying to get the Club back to where it truly belongs in the football league'".
Demetriou, who has previously experienced the coaching side of things at Blues in preparation for life after his playing career, will add his knowledge to Maher’s football department alongside first team coaches Darren Currie and Mark Bentley...
Said Demetriou 'I’ve always thought I wanted to go into coaching, and I can’t wait to get going. The gaffer has been great with me since he’s come in... Anything they need me to do I’m happy with, whether that’s with the first team or working with Danny Heath and the youth team. I’ll help out wherever I’m needed, and I feel lucky to come on board'.
The former Cyprus international captain has not retired from playing completely and hopes to continue that when he can be registered... 'Obviously with the embargo we have at the moment we’re only allowed a certain number of players, but hopefully that can get sorted'", he concluded.
From AFC Fylde we learn that "Owen Evans’s late equaliser earned AFC Fylde a point in a 2-2 draw against Boreham Wood at Mill Farm.
According to York Press "York City winger Alex Hurst has departed the club, joining Macclesfield FC on a permanent basis.
27 September 2023
MAIDENHEAD UNITED 0-1 ALTRINCHAM
A narrow, but deserved, win for Alty was achieved through a quality goal by Conn-Clarke (pictured, right).
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan rounds up the activities of Alty old boys and former loanees on Tuesday night...
GEZ'S BACKGROUND
Gerald (Gez) Sithole made his debut on Tuesday, on loan to Altrincham from Bolton Wanderers.
Sithole (right) joined the Whites’ B Team squad last summer after progressing through the youth ranks at Gillingham, going on to make a number of appearances at first-team level.
NEXT: OXFORD CITY
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Daily Gazette reports that "Former Colchester United striker Freddie Sears has signed for National League side Dagenham and Redbridge.
Woking "announce the signing of Alfie Pavey.
The Southend Echo tells us that "Southend United are assessing their review options after seeing their initial plans to wipe out their 10 point deduction fail.
MIDWEEK GAMES
Tuesday, 26 September 2023
TONIGHT: MAIDENHEAD UNITED
Altrincham visit Maidenhead United tonight, a match which will be covered by Radio Robins on Radio Alty and by the National League streaming service. Icons linking to both these services are displayed above.
Southend were awarded a penalty after Jack Wood was fouled in the box by De Havilland. Jack Bridge converted to give the hosts a deserved lead.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that "OLLIE BYRNE was on the wrong end of a 5-0 defeat for Cork City at Dundalk this evening".
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Stockport Echo tells us that "Justin Rees met with Southend United chairman Ron Martin for a further round of talks yesterday (Sunday).
According to York Press "York City have completed the signing of Harrogate Town defender Will Smith on a one-month loan deal.
Aldershot Town has created a "new redevelopment hub, where you can stay up to date with the latest progress as we look to deliver significant improvements to our club... We want to secure the club’s long-term future.
EBBSFLEET MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Alty TV has produced extended video highlights of Altrincham's 6-1 win over Ebbsfleet United.
POST-MATCH INTERVIEW
Press and media officer Brian Flynn interviewed manager Phil Parkinson after the victory over Ebbsfleet United. The interview can be seen and heard on Alty TV.
SIX ON AND OFF THE PITCH
Altrincham's first six-goal haul in the top-flight of non-League for more than thirty years was all the more remarkable for being achieved by a team shorn of six of its first-team squad by injuries, causing absences which vary from the medium- to the long-term.
BAINES'S HOT STREAK
It has been a mixed season for Lewis Baines so far. Last season he started 27 of the last 29 league fixtures but in this campaign he has already not made it onto the pitch four times in eleven matches.
NEXT: MAIDENHEAD UNITED
Altrincham travel to Maidenhead on Tuesday where the home side is currently bottom of the National League form guide, having lost its last four games.
THROUGH THE YEARS: 26 September
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years files record Altrincham's previous games on next Tuesday's date, 26 September, when Altrincham visit Maidenhead United
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
It has been an uncharacteristically poor start to the season by previous play-off contestants, Boreham Wood.
AFTER THE MATCH
Following the 6-1 win over Ebbsfleet United, Altrincham's assistant manager Neil Sorvel told the NL Paper, "We were outstanding today, the best game we've played this season.
ALTRINCHAM 6-1 EBBSFLEET UNITED
For the first time in more than thirty years, Altrincham hit six goals in the top-flight of non-League, as they overpowered Ebbsfleet United, with most of the damage done in the first half.
SIX OF THE BEST
Apparently the six goals scored by Altrincham yesterday signified the first time that the club had scored as many goals in a top-flight non-League game since a 6-2 victory at Boston United on Wednesday, 27th February 1991. Barry Pikesley reminds us that Ken McKenna and John Brady both scored hat-tricks in that game.
ROSS SAVES THIRD PEN IN SIX GAMES
On-loan Alty keeper Ethan Ross saved his third penalty in six games on Saturday. With the score 4-1 to Altrincham the Fleet were awarded an 81st minute spot kick.
NEW BOY NEWBY
In advance of Saturday's game, in which he made his debut and scored, Alex Newby spoke to press and media officer Brian Flynn.
NEXT: MAIDENHEAD UNITED
Altrincham travel to play Maidenhead United on Tuesday night.
The BBC reports that "Marcus Dinanga continued his prolific start to the season with two goals as high-flying Gateshead defeated Maidenhead 3-0.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that the following former Altrincham players or loanees were in action on Saturday.
ALTY'S TWINS
As recorded last week, the arrival of Alex Newby at Moss Lane means that both he and his twin brother Elliot have been loanees at Altrincham.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Yorkshire Post reports that "Former Leeds United boss Neil Redfearn has made a return to coaching with National League outfit Oldham Athletic.
The 58 year-old is a well-known figure in Yorkshire, having led the likes of Leeds, Rotherham United and Sheffield United Women as a manager.
23 September 2023
ALTRINCHAM 6-1 EBBSFLEET UNITED
Ebbsfleet, without their leading scorer Poleon, had no answer to a scintillating first-half display from an Altrincham side lacking half a dozen injured players.
SATURDAY FIXTURES
Saturday 23 September 2023
TODAY: EBBSFLEET UNITED
SITHOLE INTRODUCES HIMSELF
Alty's new loan signing, forward Gerald (Gez) Sithole, who has arrived on loan from Bolton Wanderers, has introduced himself to the Robins' supporters via an Alty TV interview with press and media officer Brian Flynn.
THROUGH THE YEARS
As Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's records reveal, Alty have not lost any of their last five matches on today's date, securing four wins and a draw. The most recent game on 23 September was in 2017 when Altrincham defeated Grantham Town 1-0 at Moss Lane. The win, secured by a Jordan Hulme goal, left them eighth in the league table.
BARRY HOWARD FUNERAL
Altrincham supporter Barry Pikesley has submitted the following report on the funeral of former player Barry Howard, along with an image of the Order of Service (pictured, right).
ALTY OLD BOYS & LOANEES
"In Ireland on Friday night, OLLIE BYRNE was in goal for Cork City, who, despite having more shots on goal and on target than hosts Shelbourne, lost 2-1", reports Phil Jordan, who adds that "In the lower division BARRY BAGGLEY returned to the Waterford squad after missing the last six games through injury.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Kidderminster Harriers "confirm the arrival on loan at the club of Chesterfield’s attacking midfielder Bailey Hobson.
Meanwhile at Oxford City "Ross Jenkins has said that his Oxford City side can’t take their foot off the pedal ahead of the Hoops’ trip to an invigorated Oldham Athletic on Saturday.
At league-leaders Chesterfield, "Assistant manager Danny Webb [reflected]...on our dramatic win over FC Halifax Town earlier in the week, saying 'We found a way to win again and that’s what good teams do...
Opponents Wealdstone "confirm the departure of midfielder Giovanni McGregor's following the termination of his contract.
York City "is delighted to welcome young five-year-old supporter George as the club’s new Head of Fun!
Two departures on loan are briefly record at The Hive London as Barnet "confirm that Connor Stevens has joined Isthmian League South Central Division side Hayes & Yeading United on a one-month loan.
TWIN SIGNINGS
As reported yesterday (see below), Alty made a twin signing on Thursday... in more ways than one.
BACKGROUND TO ALEX'S LOAN
Alex Newby arrives with a wealth of higher level experience, after making 108 EFL appearances. For Rochdale he made 54(+20) appearances and scored 12 goals. At Colchester United he played 17(+17) matches and scored three times. So,overall he has 71(+37) EFL appearances to his credit and has scored 15 goals in those matches.
CEO INTERVIEW
Altrincham FC CEO John Williams has been interviewed by press and media officer Brian Flynn to discuss his first few weeks in post at the club.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reminds us that on Tuesday, "JOSH GINNELLY opened his goalscoring account for Swansea City to put them ahead after only 7 minutes at QPR. They were still leading when he was substituted in the 73rd minute, but QPR scored in the 92nd minute to force a 1-1 draw".
SATURDAY OASIS
On Saturday Altrincham host Ebbsfleet United which will be the club's only home league match on a Saturday in a seven week period!
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Board of Oldham Athletic "confirm that a number of applications have been received for the vacant position of first team manager.
Barnsley tell us that "Aiden Marsh has joined York City on a one-month youth loan deal.
Get Surrey reports that "Alfie Rutherford has hit a set-back in his return from injury but Dorking Wanderers boss Marc White still expects the striker to join Bognor Regis Town on loan next week.
Although Southend United found resources to take on two new players last weekend, they have not paid their energy bills, it seems. As the SouthendEcho tells us that "An energy company has issued a statement today confirming it is taking action against Southend Uniter over 'unpaid energy debts'.
21 September 2023
SECOND SIGNING OF THE DAY FOR ALTY
Following the arrival of Gerald Sithole on loan from Bolton Wanderers, reported below, the club has subsequently also signed another loanee today in the shape of Alex Newby from Colchester United. Alex's twin brother Elliot has previously been an Altrincham loanee.
ALTY SIGN BOLTON LOANEE FORWARD
Press and media officer John Edwards reports that Altrincham FC have signed their second loanee of the season.
POOLS' PERSPECTIVE
In their report on their side's 2-2 draw at Altrincham, Hartlepool United reports that "Despite an early goal from Oliver Finney, Altrincham went into half-time ahead. Joe Grey's impact off the bench ensured Pools had something to show for their efforts in midweek...
Kieran Burton making his first start in the blue and white [was]... a standout performer for the visitors...
TOM JONES WAITS
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan tells us that on Wednesday, "Shortly after DUNCAN WATMORE came off the bench in the 56th minute, his Millwall side went two up against visitors Rotherham United, and went on to win 3-0."
NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Southend Echo tells us that "Southend United boss Kevin Maher has added to his squad for the first time in 12 months.
Sadly a much better run club was ion the wrong end of Southend's ytwo new signings as the Midenhead Advertiser reports that "For the fifth time in six matches Maidenhead United failed to find the back of the net as they fell to a disappointing 2-0 defeat at Southend United.
Woking "welcomed Ebbsfleet United to Kingfield under the Tuesday night lights after Saturday’s successful outing at Hartlepool. Darren Sarll made two changes, both in central defence, as Luke Wilkinson dropped to the bench; Scott Cuthbert wasn’t included in the squad. New signing Timi Odusina made his first start alongside the returning Greg Taylor...
20 September 2023
"WE'RE MASSIVELY IMPROVED" SAYS PARKINSON
Following the 2-2 draw on Tuesday against Hartlepool United, manager Phil Parkinson told Brian Flynn on Alty TV that "We are massively improved from last season".
ALTRINCHAM 2-2 HARTLEPOOL UNITED
A sixth draw in ten outings was the least an injury-ravaged Altrincham side deserved against their visitors from the North-East.
MIDWEEK RESULTS
Tuesday, 19 September
NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED
Next Saturday brings Ebbsfleet United to the JDS for the first time since the opening day of the 2009-10 season when the Kent side secured a draw in a season which was to end in relegation for the visitors.
CSC MATCH ARRANGEMENTS
Altrincham FC "hit the Cheshire Senior Cup trail early next month when they take on 1874 Northwich in a first-round tie at The J.Davidson Stadium...
ALTY OLD BOYS
From Phil Jordan comes news of Altrincham "old boys" in action on Tuesday night...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
York City "defender Kevin Joshua has joined Northern Premier League Premier Division side Macclesfield FC on a three-month loan.
19 September 2023
NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED
Hartlepool United arrive for tonight's game at the J. Davidson Stadium having won just one of their first four away fixtures this season, whilst Alty have won just one of their four home games!
ACADEMY WIN
Altrincham FC report on a 4-1 away win for their Academy at Gateshead in the UCFB National League U19 Alliance-North Division.
Alty player Lucas Edwards writes that "Off the back of an opening day 4-1 win at FC Halifax Town, the young Robins were keen to make it six points from the first two games of the campaign.
ALTY OLD BOYS
At Chesterfield "RYAN COLCLOUGH spoke with Spireites+ ahead of the home clash with FC Halifax Town...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Southend Echo reported that "The Shrimpers will be appearing in Basildon Magistrates' Court on Tuesday afternoon [yesterday].
Next Saturday's opponents for Altrincham at the J. Davidson Stadium are Ebbsfleet United who have adapted well to promotion back to the National League. Away from home, however, they have won just one of their four matches so far.
The BBC reports that "Port Vale have signed defender Jesse Debrah on a two-year contract.
NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED
Hartlepool United vist Altrincham on Tuesday night. They lie four points ahead of their hosts after five wins and four defeats.
In the league match in March 2021, an eventful first half at the J. Davidson Stadium ended all square at 1-1. The visitors had the better of the opening stages before Alty lost striker Montel Gibson to injury on 22 minutes, with Tom Peers replacing him.
PARKINSON ON DRAW AT WEALDSTONE
In his interview with Laurence Howarth after the goalless draw at Wealdstone, Alty boss Phil Parkinson volunteered that he is aiming "to bring in some new players" in the light of the loss of half a dozen of his squad to injuries of varying duration.
THROUGH THE YEARS: 19 September
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years files record Altrincham's previous games on next Tuesday's date, 19 September, when Hartlepool United visit the J. Davidson Stadium.
The last Alty game on that date was in 2017 when the Robins thrashed Farsley Celtic 6-0 in the Northern Premier League.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that on Suday "Millwall were already a goal down by the time DUNCAN WATMORE came on as a substitute, and visitors Leeds United went on to win 0-3".
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Oldham Athletic report that "Following 12 months in his position as first-team manager, Oldham Athletic can confirm it has parted company with David Unsworth.
FA CUP RESULTS
In the weekend's FA Cup Second Qualifying Round, results affecting NW sides included...
17 September 2023
ALTY FRUSTRATE WEALDSTONE
Following Altrincham's goalless draw at Wealdstone, the home side's assistant manager, Matt Saunders, told the NL Paper, "Sometimes you have to respect the point. It's frustrating as we had a few chances first half that we didn't take.
WEALDSTONE 0-0 ALTRINCHAM
OPPOSITION VIEW
ALtrincham's opponets, Wealdstone reported that "The mid-table clash between Wealdstone and Altrincham saw spoils shared in a tight, goalless draw at the Vale.
Phil Parkinson’s side, without five key players, including talisman Regan Linney defended resolutely to secure a hard-fought point on the road...
HARTLEPOOL UNITED
Altrincham entertain Hartlepool United on Tuesday night.
Woking started the game on the front foot, with a spate of [Hartlepool] fouls putting pressure on Jameson’s goal...
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan provides a round-up of the activities of former Altrincham players and loanees on Saturday...
Lincoln City substituted ALISTAIR SMITH (left) at half time when they were trailing, and eventually salvaged a 1-1 draw against visitors Carlisle United. Another former Robin substituted was Blackpool's OWEN DALE in his side's 2-0 defeat at Wycombe.
FA Cup : LUCA HAVERN (right) was substituted by Bradford PA after 80 minutes at Blyth Spartans where they were a goal down. They fought back to draw 1-1.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
In the Southend Echo, "A clearly hurting Kevin Maher spoke of his pride for Southend United’s players and fans following his side’s 3-0 defeat at York City.
At Bromley "The Ravens got off to the better of starts...
From the Maidenhead advertiser we learn that "Boreham Wood’s narrow win over Maidenhead United at York Road came down to a tale of two penalties, one taken by Wood’s Tyrone Marsh and the other missed by Maidenhead’s Charlee Adams right at the death.
SATURDAY FIXTURES
Saturday, 16 September
TODAY: WEALDSTONE
ALTY OLD BOYS
From Chesterfield we learn that "RYAN COLCLOUGH has committed his future to the club by signing a contract extension.
News of a former Alty loanee from Stockport County comes from AFC Fylde where "Coasters midfielder TOM WALKER has joined National League North side Buxton FC on a four-month loan deal until January 2024.
KEVIN BERKOE whose brief stay at Alty in January 2022 on loan from Salford City was ended prematurely by a red card in only his second start for the club, also saw red last night as the Ammies lost 0-2 at home to Notts County. He was shown a second yellow card, just six-minutes after his first cauution, in the third added minute at the end of the game.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
We learn from the Blackpool Gazette that "AFC Fylde seek a second win of the National League season tomorrow [Saturday] with head coach Adam Murray believing the league table doesn’t reflect their match data.
The next visitors to Moss Lane, next Tuesday, are Hartlepool United. The Hartlepool Mail advises us that today (Saturday), "Emmanuel Onariase and Kieran Wallace are both likely to feature for Hartlepool United in their National League fixture with Woking.
IN SEARCH OF A CLEAN SHEET
When Altrincham turn up at Wealdstone on Saturday, their injury-depleted squad will be seeking not only its first clean sheet in the ninth fixture of this season but its first shut-out in sixteen matches and only its second clean-sheet in 40 games, straddling last season and this.
WEALDSTONE v ALTRINCHAM
On Saturday Altrincham will be seeing to score their first goal at Wealdstone since 1980-81 season; having said that the clubs were subsequently in separate divisions for forty years but the Robins have failed to score in all three of their visits to Grosvenor Vale since 2021.
This week Wealstone told us that their "midfield duo Ashley Charles and Alex Dyer completed their international duty this week in the CONCACAF Nations League, with Dyer becoming Montserrat's record appearance holder after earning two more caps for the Emerald Boys, whilst Charles earned his fourth and fifth cap for Grenada.
ALTY "MUCH IMPROVED" SAYS MANAGER
In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger John Edwards writes , after Alty's defeat at Barnet last Saturday, that "Alty boss Parkinson pulled no punches as he said... 'We didn’t deserve anything and were beaten by the better team in every department.
BARRY HOWARD FUNERAL
Altrincham FC report that "The family of Altrincham legend, Barry Howard, have confirmed details for his funeral.
THROUGH THE YEARS: 16 September
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records tell us about Altrincham's previous games on Saturday's date, 16 September, when they travel to play at Wealdstone.
ALTY WOMEN LOSE FA CUP TIE
Preston North End tell us that "Preston North End Women secured a 3-1 victory over Altrincham FC Women in the first qualifying round of the Women's FA Cup...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Altrincham's next opponents at the J Davidson Stadium, next Tuesday, are Hartlepool United.
14 September 2023
ALTY INJURIES
With Altrincham announcing yesterday that six of its squad are now out injured, three of them with ACL injuries, and with goalkeeper Ollie BYRNE also unavailable, as he is out on loan at Cork City, the Robins' squad (excluding Academy graduates) is reduced to 16 players.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Chester FC "can confirm that Zak Goodson has joined Ilkeston Town on a permanent basis.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Southend Echo reports that "York City owner Matt Uggla... has revealed he looked at buying Southend United before taking control of York City.
According to the Halifax Courier "Luke Summerfield’s three game suspension has been overturned following a successful appeal by FC Halifax Town.
The Daily Star informs its readers that "Dorking Wanderers' charismatic renaissance man Marc White has announced his goal of being sent off in a Wembley play-off final, before proclaiming himself 'football's Charles Bronson'...
13 September 2023
ALTY HIT FOR SIX
After starting the season with six games unbeaten, just two fixtures later Altrincham FC finds that its toll of long-term injuries has also risen to six as it reveals not only the extent of a recent injury but confirms that five other players are at various atges of significant lay-offs.
Above: Ollie Crankshaw, Regan Linney, George Wilson
NEXT: WEALDSTONE
As they prepare for the visit of Altrincham on Saturday, Wealdstone's most recent signing is a loanee from Millwall, the club that nowadays employs Altrincham graduate Duncan Watmore.
CHESHIRE SENIOR CUP
The Cheshire FA Senior Cup pits Altrincham against 1874 Northwich.
ALTY OLD BOY
From Phil Jordan comes news of an "old boy" in action on Tuesday night...
NEW ROLE AT ALTRINCHAM FC
Altrincham FC has advertised for a new role...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Daily Mirror reports that "Alfie Rutherford, the prolific National League striker, 25, has an aortic valve grafted from pig tissue and is now hoping his return can fire Dorking up the table...
According to the Oldham Times, new signing "Dan Ward believes Oldham Athletic are entering a crucial period...
NEXT: WEALDSTONE
Part-time Wealdstone continue to punch above their weight, a 2-1 win on Saturday at home to Ebbsfleet United ensuring their 11th place in the National League, one place and one point ahead of Altrincham.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Warrington Town report that they "have agreed to mutually terminate the contract of goalkeeper TONY THOMPSON.
Substitute SEFTON GONZALES netted the only goal, in the closing minutes, to secure a 1-0 away win for Clitheroe at Widnes.
"FOOTY FOR A FIVER" AT ALTY
Altrincham FC has announced that it is "slashing admission prices to just £5 for adults for a forthcoming fixture in an attempt to further boost their growing fanbase and attract people along to The J.Davidson Stadium in even greater numbers.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Aldershot Town "confirm the signing of Max Dyche on a month's loan from Northampton Town!
In the Halifax Courier we learn that "FC Halifax Town midfielder Luke Summerfield is listed as being suspended for the next three games on the FA website after his controversial red card against Southend United on Saturday.
In the Oxford Mail we learn that manager "Ross Jenkins was delighted with the impact his substitutes made as Oxford City came from behind to beat Hartlepool United at a roasting Court Place Farm.
NEXT: WEALDSTONE
Wealdstone have become a bogey club for Altrincham, who visit the north London club next Saturday.
RESERVES CRASH OUT
On Saturday Altrincham Reserves lost a county cup match 4-0 to Mallaby First team in a match played on the Vauxhall Motors S & SC 4G pitch.
THROUGH THE YEARS
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years files record Altrincham's previous games on next Saturday's date, 16 September.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Hampshire's Daily Echo reports that "Eastleigh suffered a humiliating defeat, as they were hammered 6-0 at home to Gateshead...
The next visitors to the J. Davidson Stadium, on 19 September, are Hartlepool United who lost 5-2 against Oxford City last Saturday.
A team who have now kept two successive cleansheets are Dorking Wanderers 2ho "picked up a first point and clean sheet away from home this season after contesting a goalless draw with Oldham at Boundary Park.
10 September 2023
"A CHALLENGE TOO FAR"
Following the 3-0 defeat at Barnet, the NL Paper quoted Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson as saying, "Barnet are flying at the moment. It was always going to be tough ask for us and today was a challenge too far.
This time last year we were bottom of the table. We are looking to break into the top half of the table and there are clearly areas we need to improve on".
BARNET 3-0 ALTRINCHAM
Altrincham faced Barnet on Saturday at The Hive London.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that on Saturday...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday, 9 September 2023
VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Altrincham FC repor that "Altrincham's Volunteer of the Month scheme, sponsored by Blanchflower, is up and running again after a summer break... It's a family affair to launch proceedings for the new season, with Peter and Steve Foster our first joint-winners.... with Steve seeing to the players' sartorial needs as kit man and dad Peter giving the club sterling service over a number of years and rightly receiving appreciative applause from Alty fans round the ground when it was announced over the public address system that he was retiring from his role as a trustee of AFC Community Sports Ltd."
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
York Press announces that "York City have appointed Neil Cox to become assistant manager to recently-appointed Neal Ardley.
NEXT: BARNET
According to The Real EFL "Barnet FC have announced the signing of 25-year-old centre-back Connor Stevens after his contract was mutually terminated by local rivals Boreham Wood earlier this summer.
CRANKSHAW A "GAME CHANGER"
In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger John Edwrads tells us that "Phil Parkinson described the signing of Olly Crankshaw as ‘a game-changer’ for Altrincham...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The The Real EFL reports that "Neal Ardley is now the man in charge at York City and ... It didn’t take long for York to get their act together and appoint a new man and just over a week since they parted ways with Mikey Morton, who had been in the job since February, they got their man on a three-year deal.
NEXT: BARNET
Table-topping Barnet host Altrincham on Saturday.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Confirmation comes from the Yorkshire Post that "Former AFC Wimbledon and Notts County boss Neal Ardley has signed a three-year deal with National League side York City.
6 September 2023
THEY ALSO SERVE...
ALTY OLD BOYS
DANNY CASHMAN (below, left), who spent time on loan at Altrincham fcom Coventry City has now joined Worthins in the National League South after being released by the Sky Blues. He made eight appearances for Alty but failed to score.
The Argus confirms that "Former [Brighton & Hove] Albion youngster Danny Cashman is back in Sussex, with Worthing...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Bromley "announce the signing of both defender Alex Kirk and forward Kido Taylor-Hart on loan from Premier League side Arsenal until the end of the season.
The Derbyshire Times reports that "Spireites fans should not be concerned about an update on Companies House.
NEXT: BARNET
When Altrincham travel to Barnet this weekend, they will hope to emulate last season's result, a 4-2 win on a Tuesday night in February.
But the evening did not start well for the Robins as, after a fairly uneventful opening, Barnet took a fourteenth minute lead when Alty were again undone by an aerial ball. It came from Okimo's cross from the left which Harry Smith headed home comfortably...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
According to York Press, "Ebbsfleet United manager Dennis Kutrieb believes that York City ‘are a little bit in trouble’ after a thumping 4-1 defeat to his side.
Kent Online reports that "Ebbsfleet United’s on-loan Wycombe Wanderers defender Jack Wakely faces a long spell on sidelines with a knee injury sustained at Barnet...
"Alan Devonshire felt Maidenhead United were denied a blatant late penalty against Woking" according to the Maidenhead Advertiser,
EMIRATES FA CUP
The draw for the Fourth Qualifying Round of the FA Cup has been made, with ties to be played on 16 September. Winners receive £3,375, losers receive £1,125.
ALTY v BROMLEY HIGHLIGHTS
Alty TV has extended highlights of Saturday's match against Bromley.
JUSTIN, MAN OF THE MATCH AGAIN
RESERVES STAY TOP
A 3-3 draw at Whaley Bridge Athletic left Altrincham Reserves still top of the Premier Division of the Cheshire League.
THROUGH THE YEARS
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years files record Altrincham's previous games on next Saturday's date. And just six years ago, in 2017, Altrincham were in the Northern Premier League recording a 3-1 away win at Barwell.
ALTY OLD BOYS
In the FA Cup First Qualifying Round on Saturday, Radcliffe FC suffered their first loss of the season, going down 3-2 at Morpeth Town. However, JORDAN HULME netted a 97th minute equaliser for the Boro before the Northumberland side clinched the tie in the eleventh added minute. JOSH HANCOCK hit the post for the visitors earlier in the game.
NEXT: BARNET
Altrincham face league leaders Barnet next Saturday at The Hive London. The Bees went top after a 1-0 win at Boreham Wood who reported that "In a bright opening, the visitors controlled a lot of early possession... The game quietened down for a time. Barnet still dominated possession and played some good football but were denied any real goalscoring opportunities by a resilient Boreham Wood defence...
ALTRINCHAM 1-2 BROMLEY: MANAGEMENT VIEWS
AFTER THE GAME
Altrincham boss Phil Parkinson spoke to Brian Flynn after the defeat by Bromley. The Alty TV video interview is on the Altrincham FC website.
ALTY OLD BOYS
From Phil Jordan we learn that on Saturday...
NEXT: BARNET
Next Saturday, 9 Sepember, Altrincham travel to The Hive London to play Barnet.
Yesterday they went into an away game at Boreham Wood, lying in second place in the National League and emerged with a 1-0 win which took them to the top of the National League.
ALTRINCHAM 1-2 BROMLEY
Without Regan Linney and giving a debut to Ollie Crankshaw, Altrincham surrendered their unbeaten start to the season in disappointing fashion, as Bromley extended their fine record at Moss Lane to four wins and a draw in five visits.
SATURDAY FIXTURES
Saturday, 2 September
KEEPING UP WITH THE JONESES
As has been widely noted already, Altrincham have four Joneses in their first-team squad; James, Eddy, Joey and Tom.
PRE-MATCH PARKINSON
Manager Phil Parkinson spoke to press and media offixer Brian Flynn as the Alty boss prepared his team to face Bromley today (Saturday). Alty TV carries the interview.
ALTRINCHAM v BROMLEY
Bromley visit Altrincham today for their fifth league encounter at the J. Davidson Stadium.
ALTY OLD BOYS
From Phil Jordan, we learn that "There was a clean sheet for OLLIE BYRNE at Turner's Cross this evening as Cork City took a big step towards avoiding relegation, beating visitors Sligo Rovers 3-0. With seven games of the Irish season remaining, Cork are now only three points behind Sligo, who, despite having 16 shots to Cork's 9, managed only 3 on target to the hosts tally of 6.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Hartlepool United "announce the signing of Luke Hendrie on a season-long loan from Bradford City.
News of an ex-Alty loanee comes from Crewe Alexandra as BILLY SASS-DAVIES and Regan Griffiths have signed for Boreham Wood on loan.
At Woking "Joe Day's loan spell at Woking Football Club has been terminated with immediate effect.
1 September 2023
MARK MADDOX'S FUNERAL
Barry Pikesley reports that "There was a splendid turnout for Mark Maddox's funeral in Liverpool this morning (Thursday).
OLLIE CRANKSHAW INTRODUCES HIMSELF
Alty TV has Brian Flynn's interview with new signing Ollie Crankshaw.
ALTRINCHAM v BROMLEY
Bromley arrive at Moss Lane on Saturday uncharacteristically lying seventeenth in the National League. Nevertheless thet are unbeaten in four games but three of those results have been draws.
THROUGH THE YEARS: 2 September
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records tell us about Altrincham's previous games on Saturday's date, 2 September, when they face Bromley at the J. Davidson Stadium.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Oldham Athletic "confirm that John Rooney has left the club by mutual consent.
In the SOuthend Echo "Southend United boss Kevin Maher insists the Shrimpers have no desire to sell any of their players.
According to the West HAm Zone, "West Ham United could send close to £5million to Barnet if they sign Peterborough defender Ronnie Edwards, according to the Peterborough Telegraph...
Aldershot Town "announce the signing of promising goalkeeper Jack Bycroft on a short-term loan from Southampton!
The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Taunton Town in the National League South, where he made 48 appearances [and] kept 19 clean sheets...
CHANGING FACE OF THE JDS
As the club announced a few days ago, the main stand at the J. Davidson Stadium (JDS) has now been rebranded in the name of new sponsors, Atlantic Timber, who are based in Broadheath, the area of Altrincham in which the club was founded more than 130 years ago.
ALTY'S NEW CEO
Altrincham FC has released a video interview, conducted by Brian Flynn, with the club's new CEO, John Williams, who is seen (right) at Sunday's match against a Manchester United XI.
VERDICT ON UNITED GAME
Jonny Crowther interviewed manager Phil Parkinson after Sunday's win over a Manchester United XI. The conversation can be heard, courtesy of AltyTV, here.
NEXT OPPONENTS: DAGENHAM & REDBRIDGE
Altrincham open their league season next Saturday against Dagenham & Redbridge who report that "Nikola Tavares made his first appearance for nearly a year in the closing stages of the Daggers pre-season defeat to League Two Gillingham on Saturday afternoon. The midfielder came on to complete the final fifteen minutes and described it as ‘feeling normal’ when he stepped back onto the pitch".
GETTING TO KNOW YOU 12: LOUI WILLIAMS
The concluding part of our series onthe new members of the Altrincham first-team squad cconcerns one of the four academy graduates who have been assigned squad numbers for the forthcoming season.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Almost on the eve of the new season, Hartlepool United announce "hat Darren Kelly will step down as Sporting Director in September, once the majority of the Club’s summer business is complete.
Unfazed by their chaotic summer off the pitch, Southend United announce that "Jason Demetriou will be joining Kevin Maher’s coaching staff at the start of the 2023/24 season.