Robins Altrincham FC Archived News

NEWS ARCHIVE
April, 2024

30 April 2024

PP AFTER BROMLEY

Following the disappointment of defeat in the National League promotion semi-final at Bromley, press and media officer Brian Flynn interviewed manager Phil Parkinson for Alty TV.

It was ultimately "A bridge too far", the boss conceded.

SEASON'S REVIEW

 As previously reported here, the 2023-24 season was the sixth most succesful ever in terms of PPG (points per game) earned by Altrincham in a regular season at national level and the best since 1990/91.

Coming just seven seasons after Altrincham had dropped to Step 3 of the non-League pyramid, that achievement underlines the remarkable success of Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel since their appointment in 2017 by the club's Board, under the then chairmanship of Grahame Rowley.

Over the coming days and weeks, this and other information about the 2023-24 season will appear in the annual Alty Files statistical review of the season.

BOB RETIRES AFTER 26 YEARS

Altrincham FC "are saying thanks and farewell to scout Bob McClement, who is retiring after years of putting his talent-spotting skills at the club's disposal.

Phil Parkinson... was full of praise for a man who may keep a low profile but has contributed significantly to the Robins' success story in recent seasons...

Said Phil, 'He’s been an integral part of my scouting team and key to the successful recruitment we’ve seen here over the past seven seasons...

'A prime example of that would have to be Regan Linney. We looked at him for a couple of seasons, but it was Bob's judgement and keen eye that let me know when the right time was to sign him.

'Ones that slipped through the net that Bob picked out were Olly Crankshaw (right), when he was at Colne, and Paddy Lane, who was at Hyde and is currently at Portsmouth. I still kick myself that I didn’t move quickly enough to secure them when he recommended'...

Alty TV caught up with Bob at The J.Davidson Stadium, and you can watch the interview here.

Footnote: In his interview Bob explains that his involvement with Alty started with Bernard Taylor, the ALty boss at the turn of the Millennium, with whom he used to play junior football, both men hailing from Wythenshawe.

Asked to identify which managers he most enjoyed working with, Bob named Phil Parkinson and Lee Sinnott who, coincidentally, were the last two managers to get Alty promoted to national level.

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLANS NEW CUP COMPETITION

The Daily Mail reports that "The Premier League and National League are reportedly in talks about setting up a new cup competition..

According to The Athletic, discussions have been held for the top 16 teams from the fifth tier to play 16 Under 21 sides from the Premier League.

It is understood that the proposed competition would have four groups of eight teams, four from each division, and the National League teams would play the Premier League Under 21 outfits at home.

The National League clubs would not play each other, and would receive all of the gate receipts and half of the prize money, with the other half being put aside to be split between the 56 teams not participating in the competition from the National League, National League North and National League South.

The competition is set to be heavily subsidised by the Premier League if it is given the green light".

29 April 2024

BROMLEY 3-1 ALTRINCHAM

Despite leading this National League play-off semi-final at half-time, Altrincham will be back on National League duty next season after shipping three goals in nine minutes soon after the interval.

In the first half, Alty had the first corner but neither side troubled their opponents' keeper unduly before Altrincham took the lead in the 31st minute.

Conn-Clarke made space and shot from 18 yards but his off-target effort from the left was smartly diverted into the net by a shot from an alert Regan Linney (right) from 12 yards.

Alty then had the better of the game up to the interval.

But Bromley started the second half on the front foot. From their second corner of the half, from the Bromley left, Weston headed into the net to equalise (51 mins).

Just five minutes later Alty again failed to defend an aerial ball, this time a long throw also from the Bromley left, which was allowed to bounce in the goalmouth where the incoming Arthurs had a simple header into the net.

And a third goal soon followed, a superb curling shot from right of goal by Weston (61 mins).

After that Bromley largely sat back and repelled what Alty threw at them. The Robins' best chance came in the closing stages when goalkeeper Smith handled a back pass. with all 11 opponents guarding the goal, Conn-Clarke clipped the bar from the resulting freekick taken from inside the box.

Match report here

RAVENS' REPORT

Bromley report that "Despite going a goal down, the Ravens sealed a 3-1 victory over Altrincham to book their place in the 2023/24 National League Promotion Final, taking place at Wembley Stadium next weekend...

The Ravens were forced into an early change when Ben Krauhaus’s final Hayes Lane appearance was cruelly ended on 24 minutes after picking up an injury; he was replaced by Louis Dennis.

Altrincham continued to attack just past the quarter-of-an-hour mark when Justin Amaluzor slipped through a pass to Chris Conn-Clarke, but the latter saw his shot saved from a tight angle.

The visitors did take the lead on 30 minutes when Conn-Clarke’s effort was turned in from close range by Linney...

Five minutes into the second half and the Ravens grabbed an equaliser when a Jude Arthurs corner was met by the thumping header of Myles Weston.

The game was completely turned on its head moments later when a long Idris Odutayo throw-in was nodded in by Jude Arthurs.

However, the goal of the game was scored by the man who bagged our equaliser. Weston, first time, curled a delightful effort into the top left corner...

The Ravens held on... to book their place at Wembley!

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF FIXTURES

National League Promotion Semi-Finals

Sunday, 28 April 2024

National League Promotion Final

Sunday, 5 May 2024

National League North Promotion Semi-Finals

Sunday, 28 April 2024

National League North Promotion Final

Saturday, 4 May 2024

National League South Promotion Semi-Finals

Sunday, 28 April 2024

National League South Promotion Final

Monday, 6 May 2024

DE GEA AT ALTY

The Manchester Evening News reports that "David de Gea left Man Utd upon the expiry of his contract last summer and the 'keeper has gone the season without a club.

De Gea remains a free agent and has shared footage of himself training at non-league Altrincham's stadium, Moss Lane...

The circumstances around his departure were contentious. Some United fans wanted De Gea to sign another deal, while others believed the club needed to move on due to concerns over his distribution and ability to play out from the back with the ball at his feet".

UPS AND DOWNS

The play-off semi-final games have clarified a few issue in the National League. All three of the National League runners-up and teams finishing fourth in the regular season have been knocked out of the play-offs

It is now known that, in the...

National League

28 April 2024

THE BIG DAY ARRIVES

The Big Day has arrived for Altrincham as they prepare to face Bromley at Hayes Lane at 4pm in the semi-final of the promotion play-off matches. Whilst at this stage Altrincham'sstarting eleven is unknown, one certainty is that midfielder George Wilson (right) remains suspended.

The other certainty is that the winners of today's clash will face Solihull Moors following their impressive 4-0 win at The Hive London yesterday. Coincidentally, Solihull Moors were one of the three teams over whom Altrincham did "the double" in 2023-24 season, winning 6-1 at Moss Lane and 1-0 in the Midlands.

The play-off final is at Wembley on Sunday, 5 May at 3pm and will be broadcast live by TNT Sports.

With just one defeat in their final nine league fixtures, seven of which were victories, Altrincham are in fine form.

As for The Ravens, they started the season badly, not winning any of their opening five fixtures. But, in the next 22 league matches to the end of 2023, they won no fewer than 15 times, drew on four more occasions and lost just three times.

However, that form was not sustained as Bromley ended their regular league season with 19 fixtures in calendar year 2024, of which they won only six, drew eight times and lost the other five games.

NEIL SORVEL INTERVIEWED

Brian Flynn has interviewed assistant manager Neil Sorvel for Alty TV.

Unlike Bromley, for which club this is the third appearance in the National League play-offs, Altrincham only have one staff member with experience of a semi-final at this level.

That is because Sunday is not the first time that assistant manager Neil Sorvel has been involved in such a game when he was involved in the Macclesfield Town v York City play off in 2007.

He has "Mixed feelings" after "the shambles" last week when Gateshead were ejected and it took two atempts for the NAtional League to sort out who would play whom in the play-offs. In the end, Neil feelt that "the right decision has been made".

Brian and Neil also discuss previous clashes with Bromley. The Alty assistant boss says that Alty are used to artificial surfacesin training and, indeed, have used one more than usual this season owing to the peristent wet weather.

Bromley were always "strong, physical and very direct", said Neil, but now he thinks that they play a better style of football.

UPS AND DOWNS

Saturday's play-off semi-final games have clarified a few issue in the National League.

It is now known that, as of midnight on 27 April, in the...

National League

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF FIXTURES.

National League Promotion Semi-Finals

Saturday, 27 April 2024

Sunday, 28 April 2024

National League Promotion Final

Sunday, 5 May 2024

National League North Promotion Semi-Finals

Saturday, 27 April 2024

Sunday, 28 April 2024

National League South Promotion Semi-Finals

Saturday, 27 April 2024

Sunday, 28 April 2024

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Taylor's review of Saturday's action reveals the following...

In the Championship : With the game goalless, Millwall withdrew DUNCAN WATMORE after 68 minutes, and went on to beat Plymouth Argyle by the only goal of the game. The visitors escaped relegation by the skin of their teeth as Birmingham City lost the lead in their match at Huddersfield Town, ensuring that both clubs will be in League One next season.

League One : With his Oxford United team already ahead 1-2 (the final score as it turned out) OWEN DALE was substituted after 71 minutes at Exeter City. Oxford will now travel to Peterborough United in the playoffs semi finals.

Burton Albion were already 2-0 down at Fleetwood when they brought JOE HUGILL on after 51 minutes, and after the hosts had rounded off a 3-0 win, they introduced CALLUM DOLAN after 83 minutes, and JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 9 minutes of added time.

CARL PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage to a 2-1 home win that confirmed the relegation of visitors Cheltenham Town.

League Two : Tranmere Rovers scored after just 2 minutes at Accrington Stanley, but it was all downhill from there, as the hosts took just 2 minutes to level, and, helped by two second half penalties, went on to win 4-1. Skipper CONNOR JENNINGS played the whole game, but CHRIS MERRIE was substituted after 85 minutes.

Although ELLIOT NEWBY played the full match for Barrow, visitors Mansfield Town forced a 1-1 draw and missed out on the playoffs. They were leapfrogged by Crawley Town who won 2-0 at home to Grimsby Town, for whom TOBY MULLARKEY played throughout.

Colchester United were again without ALISTAIR SMITH, but earned a 1-1 home draw against Crewe Alexandra. The result assured their League status for next season, Sutton United's brave 4-4 draw at MK Dons proving insufficient to prevent them dropping back into the National League alongside Forest Green Rovers.

Morecambe's Player of the Season, JOEL SENIOR, was left on the bench as they drew 3-3 at Swindon Town.

NPL : Although Lancaster City's 43 year old striker David Norris scored a hat trick, the task of playing over an hour at FC United with 10 men proved too much and they lost 4-3. DONTAI GABIDON scored the second goal for the home team.

JORDAN HULME put champions Radcliffe ahead after 7 minutes at Gainsborough Trinity, but they lost 3-2.

A penalty rounded off a JOHN JOHNSTON hat trick in Matlock Town's 5-2 home win over relegated Bradford PA.

Southern Central : MONTEL GIBSON opened the scoring for AFC Telford as they won 1-4 at Coalville Town. They will be at home to Mickleover in the playoffs after the Derbyshire club beat visitors Stamford 3-0 with ANDY DALES an unused substitute.

Scottish Championship : MILES WELCH-HAYES was a 78th minute substitute for Dunfermline in their 1-1 home draw against Inverness.

27 April 2024

MOORS REACH PLAY-OFF FINAL

There was a shock in Saturday's National League play-off semi-final when fifth-finishing Solihull Moors trounced second-placed Barnet at The Hive London, winning by four goals to nil. 331 away supporters witnessed the match.

Despite the Moors having played their eliminator game as recently as Wednesday night, the Bees were second best throughout despite their week's rest in advance of the match.

So Altrincham's incentive should they beat Bromley in Sunday's match would be to face Solihull, who finished a place below them in the regular season and who they beat 6-1 at the JDS and 1-0 away in their most recent encounter. But there is the major hurdle of overcoming Bromley to contend with before any thoughts of a match at Wembley can be considered.

For the Moors it means two forthcoming appearances at Wembley in May as they have also reached the FA Trophy Final in which they will face Gateshead.

REGIONAL PLAY-OFFS

As well as there being an away win in the National League play-off semi-final, there were away wins in both of the North and South semi-finals on Saturday. So the three lower-placed teams were victorious.

National North: Scunthorpe United 0-0 Boston United (Boston won 5-4 on pens)

National South: Chelmsford City 2-3 Braintree Town (aet, 2-2 after 90 mins)

PHILLIPS OUT, SARLL IN AT HARTLEPOOL

After finishing twelfth, with the fifth-worst defence in the National League, Hartlepool United "confirm that Head Coach Kevin Phillips’s contract has come to an end.

Further, the Club Board has made a decision on the Manager appointment moving forward...

Kevin was appointed as Head Coach in an initial deal that took him to the end of the 2023/24 season.

Chairman Raj Singh commented: 'Kevin has done a good job this season since coming in as Head Coach and he’s been great to work with. His remit upon appointment was firstly to make sure that the club retained its current league status and then from there to start looking up towards play-off positions.

'We had a difficult backdrop and precarious league position when the previous manager departed. We believed that Kevin was the right appointment to navigate through things and in the end he has helped comfortably ensure that the club stay away from any relegation concerns, which at one point were lingering.

'We put on record our thanks to Kevin'".

And then Hartlepool United announced "the appointment of Darren Sarll as the Club's new manager with immediate effect.

Darren comes with extensive management, coaching and player development experience across various levels from Premier League to National League...

He spent two years at Stevenage as manager in League Two before then guiding Yeovil Town to the National League play-off spots in 2020.

He moved on to Woking where an impressive 2022/23 campaign saw the Cards make the National League play-offs for the first time ever...

Darren also holds a 20-year coaching career...

Club Director Andy Steel commented on behalf of the Board... 'He presented a very clear and compelling view of how he wants to build the squad, deliver a positive style of football that statistically supports success in this league, and create a winning mentality and culture.

'Critically, Darren also has an in-depth knowledge of the National league and its players as well as first-hand experience of getting teams to play-offs...

Darren Sarll stated... 'I'm coming here in order to win and we need to close that gap to the play-offs. We won't accept mediocrity, we need to challenge every season and that all starts from the dressing room... Creating a strong dressing room is the priority ahead of this pre-season'".

NEXT: BROMLEY

Tomorrow, Altrincham have their first Sunday game since New Year's Day 2023 when a trip to The Shay ended in a 2-2 draw against FC Halifax Town.

Press and media officer John Edwards writes on the Altrincham FC website that "Phil Parkinson admits he's been 'blown away' by the level of support Altrincham can count on ... for the club's first-ever Vanarama National League play-off tie [at Bromley]...

Within a couple of days of tickets being made available, the entire away allocation was sold out. It means over 700 Alty fans, not far off the average home gate when Phil and Neil Sorvel walked through the door at The J.Davidson Stadium seven years ago, will be heading to Hayes Lane ...

'I remember how difficult it was to get 700 inside the ground for a Northern Premier League game when we first arrived, so to have that many following us for a National League play-off semi-final is full tribute to the giant strides the board, the team and everyone connected with the club have made.

'I feel nothing but pride at what we have achieved, but we are well aware there is a huge challenge facing us... they are perennial play-off contenders...

'Fourth place in this league is a phenomenal achievement for Altrincham, but we don't want it to stop now'".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS

Right: Lewis Baines will lead Altrincham into their play-off matches after James Jones (captain) and Isaac Marriott (vice-captain) both had their seasons curtailed by injury.

National League Play-Off Semi-Finals

Saturday, 27 April 2024

Sunday, 28 April 2024

National League North Play-Off Semi-Finals

Saturday, 27 April 2024

Sunday, 28 April 2024

National League South Play-Off Semi-Finals

Saturday, 27 April 2024

Sunday, 28 April 2024

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Halifax Courier reports that "manager Chris Millington says he needs a break but isn't sure he'll get one due to the work involved in rebuilding Town's squad...

'My only little bit of concern is I don't know if I'm going to get that because the fact we've not got promoted means we'll lose a significant number of players again and to replace them is a massive amount of work, a massive amount of time, travelling around, meeting players, persuading them to come and play for Halifax Town.

'We can't just throw money at them, we have to sell the club, we have to sell what we're going to do because coming to us means they'll get paid less than they would do going elsewhere. So I've just got to be sure that I've got the energy to go and do that again...

'We haven't had a break, we haven't had a rest, we haven't had a holiday... Everybody needs a rest....

'We've got to sort out contract offers for the lads out of contract and we've got to begin conversations... with potential targets,' he said...

'I'm sure when I've sat down, reflected and taken a bit of time, I'll feel that actually we should be pleased with what we've done this season'" concluded the Shaymen's manager.

Ebbsfleet United have issued their "retained list on the conclusion of the 2023/24 season. Six players remain under contract heading into the new campaign, four loanees return to their parent clubs, 12 are engaged in ongoing negotiations with the club and eight have not been offered renewed playing terms on the expiry of their contracts.

The following players remain under contract with EUFC.

The following loan players have returned to their parent club and we are grateful for the excellent service they gave in their time at the Kuflink Stadium...

The following players are in talks with the club and we will update supporters throughout the close season...

And finally, the following players’ contracts expire this summer and they have not been offered renewed playing terms. It goes without saying how grateful we are for their contributions...

Having just missed out on participating in the play-offs, Aldershot Town "confirm that four players have signed new contracts with the Shots!

Ashley Akpan, Christian Maghoma, Hady Ghandour and Oliver Turner have all put pen to paper to commit to the Shots for the 24/25 season.

Christian Maghoma and Hady Ghandour both suffered with injury problems during the 23/24 seaso... having returned to fitness towards the end of the campaign.

Ashley Akpan and Oliver Turner have yet to make their first-team debuts for the Shots...

Tommy Widdrington said... 'Both Ollie (Turner) and Ashley (Akpan) have trained with the first-team group for the vast majority of the season, looking very much at home when doing so... They’ve both genuinely been considered to play on many occasions this past campaign...

'Both Christian and Hady have been particularly unfortunate with serious injuries but both want to prove... that they have a great deal to offer Aldershot Town FC. The older lads will literally feel like ‘new signings’ to me'...

Hady Ghandour said... 'It’s an honour to be offered another year at Aldershot and I always wanted to remain here and show what I can do when I’m healthy, so I’m already looking forward to pre season and I’m raring to go.”

Christian Maghoma said... 'From the owner, the gaffer, staff, the players and fans, every single one of you have made me feel at home even though I spent pretty much all of the season out: I truly thank you all for that'".

26 April 2024

COUNCIL'S BEST WISHES

Trafford MBC reports that "Everyone at Trafford Council would like to wish Altrincham FC the best of luck in their Vanarama National League play-off semi-final match this Sunday...

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: 'We wish Altrincham FC the very best of luck when they travel to Bromley for the semi-final match. Whatever the result, the club and players can be extremely proud of what they have achieved in the competition. Well done to the Robins.'"

NEXT: BROMLEY

On Sunday afternoon (4pm) Altrincham play what is their biggest league match ever when they face Bromley in the play-off semi-final with the prize being a game at Wembley which will have them just one further game from a belated place in the Football League.

Right: Damian Reeves is submerged beneath team-mates after opening the scoring at Bromley in Alty's first visit to Hayes Lane in November 2015.

As is well-known, Altrincham twice won the Football Alliance, the forerunner of the National League, but were denied a place in the Football League by the old boys' club of the re-election system.

Nowadays, of course, winning that title would have conferred automatic promotion to the Football League.

Sunday's match is the sixth clash of Altrincham and Bromley at the Ravens' home ground. Nowadays the ground has an artificial surface. The previous five games have ended evenly with a win apiece and three draws being played out. Even the goal tallies are exactly the same, each side having scored seven times in the five meetings.

Altrincham's previous meetings at Hayes Lane ended as follows:

So, the overall statistics for each side are:

THE PLAY-OFF EXPERIENCE

FC Halifax Town tell us that, in the play-offs, "Our local play-off trip to Altrincham was scrapped after an outcry from football fans who had correctly pointed out to the League that Alty finished higher up the table than Solihull...

It all meant that our casual trip across the Pennines after work turned into a 133-mile mad dash during rush hour for another early kick-off to meet the wonderful television schedules...

We were allocated some open-air seating in one of those build your own football stand flatpacks you can buy from any good DIY store. You just need an Allen key and an instruction manual.

The approximate 600 travelling Shaymen were also given a small section of otherwise empty terracing behind the goal. This space was soon trebled when the fans took it upon themselves to allocate more room. Fans had travelled from far and wide and weren’t prepared to be restricted into a corner. Organisation at its finest...

The long and sustained reception for the players and management at full time by the travelling fans was richly deserved. It wasn’t just about the result, it was recognition of what this group of people have achieved this season..

Driving back, and we reflected on a decent season. There was progression from last year..

If Gateshead had been allowed to play, would we have beaten Alty? Possibly, we often do well against them. Would we have beaten all the teams, perhaps not...

Miles on the road 7616, goals on the road 29".

ALTY OLD BOYS

"Fleetwood United’s celebrations on becoming second division champions in the United Arab Emirates could not be dampened even by a freak thunderstorm in Dubai. 'I’ve never seen anything like it,' the captain Ben Pringle told The Guardian. 'It was the most rain they have had for 75 years. Cars were underwater on the motorway'.

This is not supposed to happen in the glittering city of skyscrapers and excitement but then Fleetwood Town, a club that have just dropped into England’s fourth tier, are not really supposed to be at the head of a stable of international clubs that also includes Waterford FC in Ireland and Western Cape Fleetwood in South Africa.

'It is similar to the City Football Group but on a much smaller scale,' Pringle (left) says. 'We are trying to find those players from parts of the world like Senegal or Canada then potentially send them to England or Ireland if they are good enough.'

Trading players is a big part of the business plan according, to club secretary Will Watt. 'Since Brexit that has become more difficult in Europe,' Watt says. 'One way to negate that is to open clubs in other territories, develop players under your banner and to either sell them to clubs in other countries or when they are 18, bring them to England where they can add real value'...

Fleetwood’s Middle East outpost [is] where the clear blue skies have offered a new start for Pringle. The 35-year-old accepted the offer that came his way in 2023 after 15 years in the lower leagues in England – many games came for Rotherham United but there were spells at Fulham, Ipswich and Derby. He made the move from Altrincham last year.

'Mentally, I was done,' Pringle says. 'It’s just doing it for that long, week in, week out, sitting on the same bus on the away trips, listening to the same voices and hearing the same cliches. Now, this is the most I have loved football in 10 years. I feel like I am 21 now, looking forward to training and all of it...

'I thought it may be like Sunday league but it is much better,' says Pringle".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

An excellent article in Tyneside's Chronicle Live tells us "Why Gateshead Council wants the International Stadium off the books...

Put simply, the Labour-run council says it can no longer afford to run the stadium... at a time when it is facing a £50 million budget shortfall over the next five years...

The stadium is among remaining leisure sites across the town that the council is seeking to contract out to a private operator.

Subsidising Gateshead International Stadium has cost the council £4.2 million over the last five years...

The council has cautioned that the stadium is in need of £4 million of repairs over the next decade and...it will cost the council at least £11 million to keep open in that time...

Gateshead Council says it agreed to give the football club a 10-year licence at the stadium if they gained promotion but, crucially, this would have included a break clause whereby the club would negotiate new terms if the operation of the stadium does indeed transfer to a new operator, as it is expected to. The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands that the council has not offered to make it a condition of any future leisure operator’s contract that Gateshead FC must be retained as a tenant....

In late 2022... the GMB union argued that the stadium needed to be considered for closure too, calling it a 'white elephant'...

If the council fails to find an operator, there will be major doubts over how long it could continue to run the stadium itself – hence why it has been unable to offer a cast-iron guarantee to the EFL".

Several clubs have now issued their retained players lists.

The Oldham Chronicle says that "A number of experienced players will leave Latics when their contracts exprire in June.

The club has now announced its retained list...

Among players departing Boundary Park at the end of the season are Hallam Hope, after three years, 10-goal Mike Fondop and Dan Gardner...

Latics players still in contract: Tom Conlon, Joe Garner, Oliver Hammond, Shaun Hobson, Liam Hogan, Matt Hudson, Mark Kitching, Josh Lundstram, Kofi Moore, Magnus Norman, James Norwood, Joe Nuttall, Charlie Raglan, Alex Reid, Mark Shelton, Nathan Sheron, Will Sutton, Dan Ward, Kurt Willoughby.

Out of contract (June 2024): Llyton Chapman, Frazer Cookson, Benny Couto, Brennan Dickenson, Mike Fondop, Jake Forshaw, Dan Gardner, Devarn Green, Hallam Hope, Oliver Kilner, Dan Langley, Harrison McGahey, Ben Tollitt, Jordan Windass".

Meanwhile at relegated Boreham Wood their retained list comprises:

"Under Contract: Nathan Ashmore, David Agbontohoma, Cameron Coxe, Chris Bush, Jack Payne, Mo Sagaf, Tom Whelan, Charles Clayden, Lee Ndlovu, Kwesi Appiah...

Out of Contract: Two players have left the club in Jamal Fyfield and Erico Sousa...

Talks Ongoing: We are at present still in talks with Femi Ilesanmi, Tyrone Marsh and Angelo Balanta".

And two players who have worn the Alty shirt have been released at AFC Fylde. They are Danny Whitehead and Tom Walker.

The Coasters "confirm which players are under contract ahead of the 2024/25 season, and those who will be departing Mill Farm...

Players Under Contract for 24/25

Nick Haughton, Danny Ormerod, Daniel Philliskirk, Theo Richardson, Adam Long

Option Years Activated for 24/25

Owen Evans, Taelor O’Kane, Jon Ustabasi

Offered New Contract or in Negotiations for 24/25

Connor Barrett, Luke Charman, Harry Davis, Bryce Hosannah, Josh Kay, Emeka Obi

Released

Pierce Bird, Luke Conlan, Kieran Glynn, Sam Graham, Ashley Hunter, Chris Neal, Joe Rowley, Tom Walker, Danny Whitehead"

25 April 2024

NEXT: BROMLEY

Altrincham face Bromley on Sunday in the Promotion Play-Off semi-Final. Bromley have announced that the match is already a complete sell-out, in contrast to the far from full stadium at the eliminator match at Solihull last night.

For those unable to attend, the match at Bromley is being televised live by TNT Sports. The game kicks off at 4pm.

The Ravens have been in the National League since 2015 and had consistently finished between seventh and fourteenth every season before their third-placed finish this season.

Last season Bromley were also in the play-offs but lost 3-2 to Chesterfield at the semi-final stage. In that game, which went to extra-time, they played with ten men from the 75th minute.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFFS

National League Play-Off Eliminator

Wednesday, 24 April

National League Play-Off Eliminators

Wednesday, 24 April

National League South Play-Off Eliminators

Wednesday, 24 April

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports thst in National North after last night's goalless epic at Alfreton, it was a not dissimilar story on Wednesday night at Chorley.

Visitors Curzon Ashton had JOSH OLLERENSHAW (right) in goal, and player-manger CRAIG MAHON was also in the starting lineup; he was booked in the first half, and then gave way to HAYDEN CAMPBELL in extra time after 109 minutes.

Goalless after the extra half-hour, the match went to penalties. OLLERENSHAW saved the first penalty in the shootout, but his opposite number did likewise.

Unfortunately for Curzon, CAMPBELL saw Chorley keeper Urwin save his penalty, Curzon's fourth, and Chorley netted their last kick to win 4-2 and earn a semi-final away to Brackley Town.

And the following NLN news relates to Tuesday night's games, with apologies for the delay owing to a lapse by the Alty Files and not Phil Jordan!

KENNEDY DIGIE (left) was in Alfreton Town's starting XI in their home playoff quarter final against Boston United. LEWIS SALMON came off the home bench after 90+7 minutes, but despite 10 added minutes, the tie was still goalless and went into extra time. Boston brought on MICHAEL GYASI midway through the first period, while HARRY PERRITT joined the fray from the hosts' bench with 8 minutes remaining.

The two added minutes signalled at the end of extra time eventually stretched to twice that, but the deadlock could not be resolved and the tie went to penalties - Boston manager Ian Culverhouse could not organise his troops, having been sent off late in extra time. LEWIS SALMON netted the third Alfreton kick, but HARRY PERRITT missed their fifth kick. MICHAEL GYASI converted for the Pilgrims, and their 5-4 shoot out win earned them a semi final at Scunthorpe United.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Eastleigh "announce that Kelvin Davis has signed a new, three-year deal with the Spitfires...until the end of the 2026/27 season...

During his initial tenure, the 47-year-old secured 20 points in 13 games including five clean sheets... Danny Butterfield will support Davis as he remains at the club as the first-team assistant manager...

Chairman Stewart Donald said... 'Clearly, we have had a period working together and it clear that there is a huge desire from both Kelvin and Danny to bring success to Eastleiggh... We very much see this as a long term appointment.

Kelvin has a clear vision of how we need to progress the football club and deliver long term success'...

Kelvin Davis said... 'The project at Eastleigh FC is a big one'...

Following the announcement of Kelvin Davis extending his stay with the Spitfires, Eastleigh "can confirm our Released & Retained List for the 2024/25 campaign.

For a left-wing spin on the play-off fiasco, the Gateshead Trade Unionist and Socialist Coalition (TUSC) writes that "When does a dream season, Gateshead FC finishing 6th in the league and qualifying for the play-offs and reaching the FA Trophy final at Wembley, turn into a nightmare? Answer: when Gateshead Council is your landlord...

Gateshead Council alone, as the owner of the Gateshead International Stadium (GIS), is responsible for this disaster. Only the council has the power to grant a ten-year lease to the club. They have deliberately chosen not to do so.

Nobody would argue that the GIS is a perfect venue for football. It has faults that require attention. But it has been the club’s home since 1977...

The council will no doubt attempt to blame the EFL for not being flexible, despite the council having known about this rule for two years and choosing to ignore it...

Gateshead Council’s refusal to grant a ten-year lease is tied up with its policy to cease the public ownership and/or operation of leisure facilities in the borough. Last year saw the closure of the leisure centres in Saltwell and Birtley. The others, including the GIS, were spared, for now...

TUSC Gateshead wishes good luck to the team playing on 11 May in the FA Trophy final, ironically against Solihull Moors [not necessarily so!!]"

Also in the north-east, the Hartlepool Mail reports that "Hartlepool United manager Kevin Phillips admitted he used to "hate" pre-season as a player but has warned that his squad should be prepared to be put through their paces when they return in June.

Phillips... is planning a rigorous warm-up campaign after bemoaning his squad's lack of fitness this term... and pointed to the fact that Pools won just two midweek matches all season as evidence that his side needed to be fitter.

Strength and conditioning coach Lee Moore... is set to send the players off on their holidays with individual fitness plans and Phillips... [said] 'I can't stress enough how vital it is to have a good pre-season...

'Back in the day, that never happened. You said goodbye and didn't do anything until about a week before you came back'".

FC Halifax Town reported that "FC Halifax Town were defeated 4-2 against Solihull Moors... in the playoff quarter-final...

The home side took the lead in the 14th minute after a save from Sam Johnson landed at the feet of Tahvon Campbell who slotted past him..

Solihull had doubled their advantage by the 20-minute mark with Stevens redeeming his earlier miss. He slotted it into the bottom corner...

The Moors extended their advantage with Campbell receiving a cutback at the edge of the box with his shot deflecting off an unfortunate Golden as the ball trickled in for a third.

Town got a goal back with Summerfield finding Evans from a corner...

Town made their second change in the 61st minute with Florent Hoti replacing Max Wright. The substitute made his impact in the 74th minute by hitting a beautiful strike that bounced off the crossbar on its way in...

Captain Jamey Osborne ran his way past the Town defence and slotted in the fourth goal in the 89th minute to seal a trip to Barnet".

24 April 2024

NEXT: BROMLEY

When Alty face Bromley next Sunday it will not be the first time that they have clashed with Bromley's leading scorer, Michael Cheek.

No one knows this more acutely than Alty keeper Ethan Ross, who earlier this season literally clashed with Cheek when the forward accidentally collided with him.

Right: Altrincham's first encounter with Michael Cheek was a chastening one as his Braintree Town team thumped Altrincham 4-0 at Moss Lane in September 2015. Here, Michael (no.23, right) was on hand should Tim Deasy have not gathered the ball. But Cheek had already netted the eighth-minute opener for the Cowley brothers' team from Essex.

Although Ross played two more games after the Bromley match, his rib injury then cost the Alty keeper a ten-game absence during which Altrincham suffered five of their 13 league defeats this season.

With 21 league goals this season from 44 starts, The Ravens' leading scorer is the perennial Cheek (aged 32), who joined Bromley in 2019. He has scored three times against Altrincham in previous encounters with Bromley, but he also bagged another three for Braintree Town in two matches against Altrincham in 2015/16.

BROMLEY TICKET INFORMATION

Altrincham FC announces that "Following discussions with our counterparts at Bromley we can now confirm ticket details for the Vanarama National League Play-off Semi-Final at Hayes Lane on Sunday (kick-off 4pm).

We've been given an allocation of 650 standing tickets (+50 seating tickets) for the post-season clash, which is being broadcast live on TNT Sports.

Prices for the game are £20 Adults; £15 over-65s/disabled people; £7 under-16s; FREE accompanied under-11s.

The game is ALL TICKET. There will be no admission on match day without an advance ticket. Away fans must buy standing tickets through the away ticket link Away turnstiles will open at 2:30pm. The away terrace at Hayes Lane is uncovered".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF

Wednesday 24 April

Eliminator Game

Solihull Moors v FC Halifax Town (7pm, live on TNT Sports from 6:30pm)

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE REGIONAL PLAY-OFFS

National League North Play-Off Eliminators

Tuesday, 23 April

National League South Play-Off Eliminators

Tuesday, 23 April

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan advises that on Tuesday in League Two, Bradford City knew that they had to win at Barrow to cling to their hopes of a play off place, and they did so 1-2 in the last minute of normal time. ELLIOT NEWBY put in a full shift for the hosts, who are clinging to the final play off place, and need to win at home to promoted Mansfield Town on Saturday afternoon to guarantee their participation.

ALISTAIR SMITH was missing from Colchester United's squad, and they crashed 1-4 at home to in-form Doncaster Rovers, who were winning their tenth consecutive match. They need a point at home to Crewe Alexandra on Saturday to be sure of staying up, although Sutton United would need to win at MK Dons and achieve a five goal swing in goal difference to survive.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

One disadvantage of being involved in the play-offs is that the clubs involved cannot undertake their recruitment or player-process without knowing which division they will compete in next season.

But those clubs who have no play-off games to play are already starting to clear their decks for next season.

One club that has been quick off the mark is York City who have started rationalising their backroom staff as they "confirm the departure of David Stockdale and Matthew Lever from their roles at the Football Club with immediate effect.

York City places on record, despite it not working out in the end for all parties involved, its thanks to both staff members for their efforts during a difficult campaign".

And on the playing front, York City "can confirm which players are under contract ahead of the 2024/25 season, and those who will be departing the Minstermen...

Tamworth, who will compete in te National League next season, "announce that Andy Peaks has signed a new deal at the club for 2 years. Andy is one of the most successful managers in the history of Tamworth FC, having achieved back to back promotions for the club he joined in February 2022 from AFC Rushden and Diamonds. Andy will lead the Lambs into the National League, the first time we will have played at this level since 2014. It has been a fantatsic journey and we look forward to what will come next!"

Altrincham's last league game against Tamworth was in March 2011, a win for the Robins at Moss Lane.

23 April 2024

NEXT: BROMLEY

Altrincham face Bromley next Sunday in a National League semi-final match on the artificial surface at Hayes Lane. The Ravens finished third in the regular season with 81 points, four more than Altrincham.

Bromley report that "This match will be ALL ticket. No tickets will be available on the day of the game, all tickets must be purchased in advance.

Alty's regular league fixture at Hayes Lane this season ended 2-2 but Bromley had earlier won the reverse fixture at Moss Lane.

During the 2023-24 season the Ravens scored eleven fewer goals than Alty but conceded ten fewer, albeit that tighter defence than Alty's was only exhibited in away games.

The Robins go into Sunday's match top of the form guide with five wins and a draw in their last six matches.

Bromley's owner and chairman Robin Stanton-Gleave writes "The completion of our 46 league game campaign... resulted in us finishing in third place, our highest ever League position at this level of football, and with a record amount of points.

At the outset of the season, I publicly shared my target for the campaign. This was to finish second or third, and Andy and the boys have delivered that. I am so proud of them, this achievement, and the football club as a whole.

You as a crowd have also delivered, and we hit our target of 30,000 at Hayes Lane, which I originally set back in January. This also is a super achievement, and I’d like to thank each and every one of you. This has made a huge difference to Andy and the team.

However, this now leaves us with the biggest home game in the football club’s history, and I need you all to be there to cheer the team on one more time at home. We now know following league statements over the weekend that we will be facing Altrincham in the Play-Off Semi-Final on Sunday afternoon, and I ask you all to join us and be there. Let’s make the difference and give Andy and the boys our full support on the day."

HIGHLIGHTS FROM LAST GAME

Alty TV has highlights of Alty's final game of the regular season, at home to Oxford City.

MANAGERIAL MUSINGS

Following Saturday's win which secured a fourth-placed finish, manager Phil Parkinson spoke to Brian Flynn.

After stating that, despite the narrow 1-0 margin of victory over Oxford City, he had felt "fairly comfortable throughout the afternoon".

Phil went on to emphasize the momentous achievement of his team to reach the play-offs following a 17th placed finish last season.

The video interview is available via Alty TV.

GATESHEAD GO TO ARBITRATION

Gateshead "have submitted Notice of Arbitration under the Football Association's Rule K to the National League in relation to their decision barring us from participation in the National League play-offs, in addition to the English Football League in relation to their decision to reject our application to join the EFL"

Footnote: Below is more about Rule K and its NINE stages.

MOORS' VIEW OF PLAY-OFF FIASCO

The Solihull Moors chairman Darryl Eales has penned an excellent commentary on the National League play-off fiasco which, he explains, has disadvantaged his club, not least by reducing the gap between his club's elimnator match and semi-final.

His statement says "Turning to the decision making, we would welcome more clarity in the near future as to the rules and their application following the Gateshead decision.

What surprises us is why addressing this issue was not planned for well in advance. The League must have been aware that it was a possibility and could easily have planned for this contingency rather than being seemingly influenced by who shouts loudest and being driven by events...

We are fully in agreement that, on sporting merit, Altrincham should receive the bye rather than Solihull Moors. The rules should be explicit on this. If they are not, they should be changed.

The decision making thereafter seems somewhat illogical, most specifically putting the winner of the Moors versus Halifax game at a newly created disadvantage.

The play off rules are clearly articulated, especially the need for a full 3 day gap between the quarter final and semi final, which was agreed following debate 2 years ago re the scheduling.

These are amongst the biggest games in any club’s history and this situation has taken much of the joy away at a time of celebration.

We simply don’t know why the Moors game against Halifax could not have been played on the Tuesday - the original date for Moors versus Gateshead - or why the game against Barnet for the winners could not have been moved to the Sunday.

There was plenty of time to arrange this yesterday (Sunday)... with Moors having originally been given a bye - and planning accordingly - then to be told to play on Wednesday not Tuesday - and now to be placed at a playing disadvantage of the League’s making.

The position both Halifax and Moors find themselves is prejudicial to two teams who have acted with professionalism throughout and is contrary to the spirit of the sporting integrity of the playoffs.

Moors registered a formal complaint at the situation that the League has created, of its own making.

The League has hitherto failed to explain why the dates of the two semi finals could not be reversed - this would have been straightforward and equitable and there was plenty of time over the weekend to do this.

Moors have had to change opponents and timing with far less notice - and with far more disruption...

Ultimately, Solihull Moors are dismayed that they are the only team prejudiced by the series of events and poor management by the League.

Nevertheless, we will now abide by the decision and look forward to welcoming Halifax on Wednesday".

Footnote: The silver lining for the Moors is that they now face a side which accrued four fewer points than them during the season compared with the one-point difference had they faced Gateshead.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF FIXTURES

National League North Play-Off Eliminator

Wednesday, 24 April 2024

THROUGH THE YEARS: 28 April

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records reveal that thisSunday's semi-final play-off match comes six years to the day after another memorable day in Altrincham's past as they completed the 2017-18 season as Evo-Stik Northern Premier League champions with a 3-0 home win over Hednesford Town.

Altrincham cruised to a comfortable 3-0 win in their final match of their championship-winning season. On a bright afternoon, in front of a crowd of 1,856, they took a fourth-minute lead when Tom Hannigan slotted the ball home after a Harrop shot had been blocked. Alty slackened their intensity in the latter part of the first half but Hednesford were not able to take advantage.

The second Altrincham goal, their 100th of the campaign, arrived in the 53rd minute when goalkeeper Veiga handled a Hednesford back-pass. The freekick, from well inside the box, was teed up for Moult to volley superbly through the massed ranks of defending players.

Above: Somewhere under the pile of bodies is Jake Moult, after scoring Alty's 100th league goal

And Moult's superb long ball forward for Hancock laid on the third goal in the first minute of added time, Alty's no.11 finishing calmly past Veiga. After the match there were massed celebrations on the pitch before the team received the EvoStik NPL championship trophy.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Former Altrincham players or loanees in action at step 3 or lower in the pyramid included RYAN SHOTTON who at 35 years of age continues to play and manage for Hanley Town inin the NW Counties West. Sadly, his side lost 3-0 at Bootle on Saturday.

In the same division, and also on the losing side in a 3-2 defeat away to Runcorn Linnets, was SEAN MILLER but the former Alty winger did score one of his side's goals. And MARK LEES had no better luck as his Mossley side went down 2-0 at Chasetown.

In the NPL West DANNY MITCHLEY remarkably scored his sixth penalty in five games for City of Liverpool as they won 2-1 at The Weaver Stadioum against NAntwich Town.

Closer to home, in the NW Counties Premier, KHIUS METZ was on the mark for Wythenshawe Town in their 3-0 victory over Skelmersdale but the former Burnle loanee's side were pipped for the title by neighbours Wythenshawe on goal diffeence and now face the play-offs.

Off the field, DEAN FURMAN's joint manager at Warrington Rylands in the NPL Premier, Sam Wilson, was sacked after details of a previous criminal conviction in 2015 came to light.

REGIONAL PLAY-OFF FIXTURES

National League North Play-Off Eliminators

Tuesday, 23 April

Wednesday, 24 April

National League North Play-Off Semi-Finals

Saturday 27 April

Sunday 28 April

National League South Play-Off Eliminators

Tuesday, 23 April

Wednesday, 24 April

National League South Play-Off Semi-Finals

Saturday 27 April

Sunday 28 April

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Following the departure of their manager Luke Garrard, Boreham Wood have advertised for his replacement.

The advert says that "The club is family-run and holds the values of community, relationships, and togetherness at the heart of the organisation. The club is extremely stable both on and off the pitch, employing just two Managers since 2008, whilst the club’s diverse business model will allow for a very competitive budget for the National League South heading into the 2024-25 campaign...

The club’s ambitions are to bounce back to the Vanarama National League at the first attempt, with the playing squad well positioned and a number of talented players contracted for next season and beyond. That said, the club’s next managerial appointment is a crucial piece in the jigsaw to achieve on-field success, and the club totally understands that we require good leadership in the dressing room and good recruitment to complement the existing squad.

The club believes this is a great opportunity for a hardworking, focused and ambitious Manager/Head Coach to take both themselves and the club forward. The club... carries no historical debt, it is stable with an established top-end non-league academy and has a loyal staff structure...

At this time, we ask that only candidates with a proven track record at our level or above, who live within a one-hour commute from the club’s stadium apply for the position.

With the large number of applicants already received, the club are expecting even more, so for time-efficiency we will only be able to contact those candidates who progress through to the interview stage but thank everyone in advance for their interest...

The closing date for applications is close of play on Monday 29 April with in-person interviews beginning later that week".

The BBC reports that "Gateshead FC have been told they are ineligible for promotion as they have been unable to secure a 10-year lease on their ground at the International Stadium, which is owned by the council.

Supporters of The Heed are calling for the English Football League (EFL) to reconsider its decision.

The EFL described the situation as 'avoidable' and it was 'disappointing that appropriate solutions' had not been put in place by the club.

Mickey The Heed, co-host of the Heed Army podcast, said he was 'enraged' by the decision and cried after hearing the news. 'No one said we would win the play-offs but we wanted to give it a shot,' he said. 'It's the players I feel sorry for'.

Referencing Gateshead's historic dismissal from the Football League, external, he said fans 'want to put the wrongs of 1960 to right'...

The council is currently seeking a new operator to run the stadium as it attempts to balance its budget... Gateshead Council agreed a 10-year lease with the football club but included a break clause in the agreement that would allow the new operator to negotiate terms with the club".

22 April 2024

PLAY-OFF SAGA RE-VISITED

For those who missed it, Sunday was an extraordinary day which started with Altrincham putting on sale tickets for their Play-Off Eliminator against FC Halifax Town next Wednesday and ended, via several twists and turns, with no visit from the Shaymen, a bye for Altrincham, and a trip to Bromley next Sunday in the play-offs semi-finals!

For those who missed it, the saga is explained here.

GATESHEAD COUNCIL RESPONDS

And, later on Sunday, Gateshead Council had its say.

"The National League has announced that following a decision of the English Football League (EFL), Gateshead Football Club has failed to meet the entry criteria for membership to the EFL. As a result, Gateshead FC will not be permitted to participate in the play-offs this season.

This decision is based on the club being unable to meet the 10-year security of tenure [required by the EFL] at the International Stadium.

In response to the announcement, Gateshead Council Service Director Michael Lamb said:

'We continue to be supportive of Gateshead FC who we have a very good working relationship with. We have offered a licencing arrangement in line with the requirements of its current league, which allows for further negotiations if the club achieves promotion.

'However, we are currently working to appoint a partner operator for our leisure facilities - including Gateshead International Stadium. As we are not yet able to confirm how the stadium's operations will be managed in the longer term, it has been difficult to provide the 10-year security of tenure the league is seeking.

'We have offered several times to work with all parties to find a solution and we recently provided a letter which would give the league the assurances they were seeking, whilst at the same time protecting the interests of the council.

'The assurances included a 10 year agreement between the council and Gateshead Football Club, that includes a break clause in the agreement to ensure that any new operator is able to negotiate new terms with the club. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be enough for the English Football League.

'Whilst the announcement by the league is extremely regrettable and we understand the club's disappointment, our priority is to ensure that we can provide sustainable and accessible leisure services for all our communities.

'We remain committed to working with all interested parties to achieve a positive resolution and will continue to advocate for the success of Gateshead Football Club.'"

REVISED PLAY-OFF FIXTURES

All matches are being shown live on TNT SPorts.

Wednesday 24 April – 7pm

Saturday 27 April – 5.30pm

Sunday 28 April – 4pm

NEXT: BROMLEY

Following yesterday's bombshell of Gateshead being excluded from the National League play-offs, Altrincham now find themselves through to the semi-finals without kicking a ball.

So, instead of entertaining FC Halifax Town on Wednesday night, Alty's next match is now away on the artficial surface at Bromley next Sunday. It is the most distant ground from Altrincham this season.

The five previous games betwen the clubs at Hayes Lane have been televised live on two occasions, so Sunday's transmission by TNT means that half of the matches at Bromley between the clubs will have been televised.

Above: The first encounter between the clubs at Hayes Lane was in 2015. Above, we see The Altrincham supporters who travelled to Bromley and who endured a pre-dawn start and a post-sunset arrival home for a lunch-time kick off some 230 miles from home.

Here, those who could, are seen taking shelter from the persistent rain which lasted throughout the match. Some other supporters had already booked their transport for the original 3pm kick off, only to find the start had been switched by BT Sport and so they missed the match. In the foreground is Alty's Man of the Match, goalkeeper Tim Deasy.

Alty's record at Bromley is quite good, entailing a win apiece and three draws, as follows:

THE CONFERENCE AGM CUP LIVES!

In the context of this weekend's receipt of a bye by Altrincham, older Robins' supporters will recall that between 2005 and 2008, Altrincham survived unscathed from finishing in the relegation places of the top-flight of non-league football for three years in succession. To some supporters that was known as winning "the Conference AGM Cup", a mythical summer competition in which not a ball was kicked but which Altrincham won three times by playing by the financial rules when other clubs did not.

Here is a summary of what happened:

And now,once more, following the end of the 2023-24season, Altrincham have been rewarded with an unexpected bonus.

NEW FACES FOR THE EFL?

With the National League play-off clubs now confirmed, it is clear that, if successful in gaining EFL status four of the five remaining participants would be reaching that level for the first time in their history.

Although one of those four, FC Halifax Town, may point to previous Football League membership, they are actually a separate entity established after the former Halifax Town Football League club hit the financial buffers.

The other three contenders, Bromley, Solihull Moors and Altrincham have also never played in the Football League.

So Barnet are the only ex-League club left in the fight for the second promotion place.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that JOEL SENIOR has been voted as Fans', Manager's and Players' Player of the Season at Morecambe.

In the Welsh Premier League, with his Bala Town side 1-2 up but down to 10 men at Caernarfon Town, LUKE WALL was substituted. The game ended 2-2.

Connah's Quay Nomads had an adverse shots' ratio of 2-20 at TNS, but held out for 89 minutes despite JOHN DISNEY (right) being one of four players booked - but the host won 2-0 after scoring twice in as many minutes.

21 April 2024

ALTY GET A BYE AFTER UTTER SHAMBLES

Are you sitting comfortably, then I'll begin...

On Sunday morning the National League announced that it "is extremely disappointed to announce that following a decision of the EFL, Gateshead Football Club has failed to meet the entry criteria for membership to the EFL.

As a result of the decision Gateshead will not be permitted to participate in the play-offs this season.

This decision is based on the club failing to meet the 10-year security of tenure at their stadium, required for new teams applying to enter the EFL which was required by 1 March 2024.

The club requested a 10-year security of tenure from Gateshead Council. This was refused. The National League wrote to the Council in support of the application by the club highlighting the impact on the club, its supporters, and the local community if the security was not given.

Unfortunately, the response received was not supportive of the club’s requirements and placed the club at risk of a refusal of membership to the EFL and therefore forfeiture of any right to participate in the play-offs.

On 28 March 2024, following the deadline for licence applications to the EFL had passed, the Council offered options to the club. However, in the opinion of the EFL these options still did not satisfy their requirements.

The National League made representations to the EFL and are disappointed with the decision whilst at the same time recognise the entry requirements are clearly stated in the EFL rules.

The National League supported an appeal by the club which was denied by an EFL arbitration panel.

Whilst the club may consider further challenge, the current position under the rules is that the club will not be eligible to participate in the play-offs this season.

Under the rules, the club cannot be replaced, and they will be removed from the planned fixture on Tuesday 23 April 2024. The outcome of this is that Solihull Moors will get a bye to the semi-finals".

So, we had Solihull Moors (5th) getting the advantage of a bye, whilst Altrincham (4th) were being obliged to play an eliminator game. This ran totally contrary to the whole principle of the play offs which is that the higher placed teams are given the advantage and that the play-off structure rests on the premise that to play fewer games is advantageous to its particpants.

As the rules (below) clearly state in paragraph one, the draw should have been adjusted based on league positions of the particpants. It wasn't.

Sunday afternoon: Finally the National League re-read its own rules and had to admit (tacitly ather than apologetically) that it had got it wrong. Accordingly Altrincham no longer have to play an eliminator and go straight to the semi-final stage, an away game at Bromley! This was after Altrincham had quite sensibly started to sell tickets for the planned Wednesday clash with FC Halifax Town in the eliminator round.

Now FC Halifax will instead play at Solihull rather than Altrincham.

The second statement by the National League states

"Following the announcement earlier today that Gateshead are ineligible to compete in this season’s National League play-offs, the League wishes to make the following statement.

National League rules state that in the event of a club being removed from the play-offs and not being replaced, the structure of the draw should be adjusted based on final league positions.

Therefore, the League can now confirm an amended play-off schedule as follows:

Wednesday 24 April – 7pm

Saturday 27 April – 5.30pm

Sunday 28 April – 4pm

The League hopes this now clarifies its position on the National League play-offs".

Footnote: Not only do Solihull Moors and FC Halifax Town now have different oposition from that which was originally planned, the Moors now have to change their schedule from a planned Tuesday game to a Wednesday match.

TNT now have a gap in their schedules as they have no Tuesday eliminator game to transmit live.

GATESHEAD RESPONSE

In response to the EFL and NL statements, Gateshead say "Rest assured we will continue to challenge both of their decisions...

"Our players and staff remain 100% focused on the task in hand...

"Due to the legality of this matter, no further comments will be made by Gateshead FC until appropriate".

"A GREAT CHANCE" SAYS NEIL

Following the win over Oxford City on Saturday, Altrincham's assistant managee Neil Sorvel mused that "It's another three points, another clean sheet, so there are a lot of positives.

"Apart from a ten-minute spell, we were comfortable and should have won by more.

"I'm really pleased with how the season has gone. People had written us off earlier in the season, following our bad spell, but it just shows the determination of the lads to finish with such a good run.

"And to get the home tie in the play-offs as well, I think is massive. It gives us a great chance and you nver know..."

Oxford City boss Ross Jenkins said "We've come to a team at the top end of the league and done well, so I'm pleased.

"First half, we played some good stuff and we had chances to win the game but the second half was tough. Our part-time stature really showed.

"The passion, determination, effort, it was all there. But it's fine margins at this level; a penalty, which is our own mistake"..

ALTRINCHAM 1-0 OXFORD CITY

Altrincham secured a fourth-place finish in the National League thanks to Regan Linney's penalty against Oxford City. That is the club's highest finish in the non-League pyramid since 1995.

Match report here.

The Robins now face FC Halifax Town on Wednesday night in the "eliminator" round of the play-offs for promotion to EFL2.

For more on the play-offs, see below...

NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN

On Wednesday, Altrincham entertain FC Halifax Town in Eliminator B of the National League's promotion play-offs.

The winners of that tie will be away to Bromley next Sunday (4pm) in the play-off semi-finals.

Yesterday, FC Halifax Town "ensured a play-off place with a 3-0 away victory away at Eastleigh...

The Shaymen started the day in 7th place and knew that a win would guarantee a place in the play-offs...

Town boss Chris Millington made five changes from Thursday night’s starting eleven that played Oldham Athletic... with Luke Summerfield, Kane Thompson-Sommers, Max Wright, Adan George and Jamie Cooke all in at the Silverlake Stadium...

Town took the lead on 27 minutes; the home side had a player down injured following a challenge in midfield, but Town carried on. Andrew Oluwabori [went?] down the left-hand side and his cross was met by Adan George and his shot was off the post and in for his second goal in two games...

The home side had the first opportunity of the second half, a... shot narrowly went past the post for a goal kick...

Town doubled the lead on 61 minutes. A freekick from Sam Johnson from his own half, headed by a defender in the air to Oluwabori. He found Cooke and his low effort beat McDonnell for 2-0...

A third goal arrived with 20 minutes remaining. A throw on the left-hand side to Oluwabori, he found Wright 25 yards from goal, and he fired past McDonnell for 3-0.

A comfortable afternoon for Chris Millington’s side, in the closing stages Festus Arthur came on for Tylor Golden for his first appearance of the season following a loan spell at Southport...

FC Halifax Town: 1 Sam Johnson ©, 2 Tylor Golden (30 Festus Arthur 87), 5 Adam Senior, 6 Jamie Stott, 12 Jack Evans, 4 Luke Summerfield, 14 Kane Thompson-Sommers, 22 Andrew Oluwabori (19 Aaron Cosgrave 83), 17 Max Wright, 27 Adan George (8 Jack Hunter 65) 10 Jamie Cooke. Unused Subs: 9 Rob Harker, 28 Jack Jenkins"

UPS AND DOWNS

The following ups and downs affecting the Vanarama National League have been resolved:

NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAY-OFF FIXTURES.

National League Promotion Eliminators

Tuesday, 23 April 2024

Wednesday, 24 April 2024

National League Promotion Semi-Finals

Saturday, 27 April 2024

Sunday, 28 April 2024

National League Promotion Final

Sunday, 5 May 2024

ALTRINCHAM FC PLAYER OF SEASON AWARDS

Above: Chris Conn-Clarke salutes supporters before the game against Oxford City.

The Altrincham FC Player of the Season awards were made on Saturday afternoon in the Community Sports Hall. Those receiving awards were as follows:

Young Player of the Season: Chris Conn-Clarke

Players' Player of the Season: Chris Conn-Clarke

Goal of the Season: Chris Conn-Clarke

Manager's Player of the Season: Lewis Baines

Supporters' Player of the Season: 1. Ethan Ross, 2. Chris Conn-Clarke, 3. Lewis Baines

Club Person of the Season: Harry Wood

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan's review of Alty Old Boys' activities on Saturday is below...

Championship : With the game goalless at the Stadium of Light, Millwall allowed DUNCAN WATMORE to come off the bench against his former club Sunderland after 67 minutes. It took him just 4 minutes to score the game's only goal.

League One : The scoring in Burton Albion's 3-2 home win against Reading was already completed when they brought on JOE HUGILL (right) after 64 minutes.

The only member of the Fleetwood squad this afternoon to have worn an Altrincham shirt was JUNIOR QUITIRNA, and he was only an unused substitute in their 0-1 victory at Leyton Orient. Unfortunately Burton's victory consigned the Lancashire side to relegation, although they could yet still join them in League Two next season if they lose their last match while Cheltenham Town win both of theirs.

League Two : While Barrow still cling to a play off spot, a 4-2 defeat at Doncaster Rovers did their prospects no favours. ELLIOT NEWBY played the full game, and was booked.

TOBY MULLARKEY put in a full shift as Grimsby Town won 2-0 at home to Swindon Town.

JOEL TORRANCE watched from the bench as Salford City rubber stamped their survival in the division, winning by a 92nd minute goal at Newport County.

CONNOR JENNINGS scored what turned out to be the winner for Tranmere Rovers against visitors AFC Wimbledon. Whilst he played the full game in a 3-2 victory, CHRIS MERRIE was substituted in added time.

National League : While Altrincham were securing 4tn place, Gateshead finished 6th, coming from behind to beat Bromley 2-1 despite leaving leading scorer MARCUS DINANGA on the bench.

Southend United failed to gatecrash the playoffs, their 15 match unbeaten run ended by visitors Rochdale, who won 1-2. Neither TYRESE SINCLAIR nor KYLE FERGUSON were in the squad, while for the hosts MARCUS DACKERS (right) was an unused substitute.

ASHLEY HEMMINGS played the full game for Kidderminster Harriers as they went down 4-1 at Barnet. So did LUKE WATERFALL in Hartlepool's 3-4 win at relegated Dorking Wanderers.

KEVIN BERKOE scored the final goal in Woking's 3-0 home win over AFC Fylde, who took DANNY WHITEHEAD off on the hour.

When JOSH LUNDSTRAM left Moss Lane to sign for Oldham Athletic, he must have thought it was a move that would enhance his career prospects, but they finished the season 7 places and 14 points behind the Robins after going down 2-3 at home to Wealdstone (Josh had come off the bench after 61 minutes with the score 2-2).

Champions Chesterfield halted their four game losing streak, beating visitors Maidenhead United 3-2. Only JEFF KING of their three former Robins was in today's squad, and he was substituted after 69 minutes.

At the other end of the table, Ebbsfleet took the point they needed to avoid relegation - that fate befell their hosts, Boreham Wood, who took off BILLY SASS-DAVIES after 85 minutes as the game ended goalless.

National North : Missing the suspended JONNY MARGETTS, King's Lynn crashed 3-0 at Spennymoor.

CRAIG MAHON's Curzon Ashton secured the last place in the National North play-offs.

NPL : A clean sheet for OLLIE BYRNE as Macclesfield ensured runners up spot and a home playoff quarter final, beating visitors Workington 2-0. NEIL YOUNG'S Marine are practically assured of joining them in the playoffs after a comfortable 4-0 home win against relegated Atherton Collieries.

Southern Central : MONTEL GIBSON scored the second as AFC Telford thrashed relegated visitors Berkhamsted 6-2. They are guaranteed a home tie in the playoffs, as are Mickleover who won 0-2 at champions Needham Market, with ANDY DALES returning from injury on the bench.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Ebbsfleet United report that "The Fleet are staying up! The point needed was secured in a 0-0 draw at Meadow Park...

The Fleet boss made two changes with Dominic Poleon and Billy Clifford back in the starting lineup, while Dominic Samuel and Luke O’Neill also returned to the squad after spells on the sideline. Luke Garrard named an unchanged home side...

First sight of goal for the Fleet came in the 11th minute. A cross down the right from Ben Chapman floated by the face of goal across Nathan Ashmore and Bryant Bilongo... A series of corners then came Fleet’s way that promised more but Boreham Wood were able to clear their lines...

Boreham Wood pressed forward again and part of their gameplan appeared to be to hoist high balls dropping behind the Fleet defence but the visitors did their defensive work...

[It was] an even enough affair in the opening 45 minutes to leave the game finely balanced...

Boreham Wood began to enjoy much of the possession... Fleet pulled out all the stops as the hurried Wood kept coming, their time running out quickly..

The white shirts were celebrating prematurely... six minutes from time when Tshimanga latched on to the ball and sent a shot the other side of Cousins’ dive but the flag was swiftly raised for offside...

Fleet did a good job of stemming the Wood’s waves of attack in the final 10 minutes and after the disallowed... goal, the home side never quite produced the threat".

20 April 2024

ALTRINCHAM 1-0 OXFORD CITY

In a match whose importance was not remotely matched by its quality it was a penalty, converted by Regan Linney, which was enough to secure fourth place and a home play-off "eliminator" for Altrincham on Wednesday night against FC Halifax Town.

The goal (above) came in the 43rd minute after Alex Newby had been brought down in the left of the box. Before that, Oxford had given a decent account of themselves whilst Altrincham had lacked the zip necessary to create much in the way of a goal threat.

The second half was no better in terms of excitement as Altrincham fairly comfortably contained the visitors, despite Ross having to make an important save from a deflected shot from Greenslade. Alty's best moment came with a superb freekick from the edge of the "D" by Conn-Clarke which Watson briliantly tipped over the bar as pictured below.

For Altrincham it was a fourth successive clean sheet as they prepare for the play-offs.

Match report here.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

The final round of the regular season has seen Boreham Wood relegated and the promotion play-off participants confirmed.

The four teams competing in the promotion "eliminators" in midweek are Altrincham, Solihull Moors, Gateshead and FC Halifax Town.

The final league table is here

Saturday, 20 April, all 12.15pm kick offs

TODAY: OXFORD CITY

Altrincham complete their regular season today with a 12:15pm kick off at home to Oxford City.

CIty have won just once in their last thirteen league outings; that was a 1-0 win over Wealdstone on 29 March.

Their leading scorer is Antigua and Barbuda international Josh Parker with 14 goals; he is also the leading appearance maker having started 37 games and being a used substitute twice.

He has an interesting back catalogue of former clubs which includes Queens Park Rangers, AFC Wimbledon, Northampton Town, Wycombe Wanderers, Oldham Athletic, Dagenham & Redbridge, Oxford United, Aberdeen, Wealdstone, Gillingham, Charlton Athletic and Burton as well as Domžale in Slovenia and Serbia's Red Star Belgrade.

His opposite number in terms of being leading scorer and appearance maker is Alty's Chris Conn-Clarke.

Assuming that Chris is involved in today's match he will be the only Altrincham player to have been involved in all 46 league matches this season. 42 of his appearances have been from kick off with three more games which he joined as a substitute.

In terms of completing ninety minutes, Chris has completed ninety minutes on 28 occasions.

He has scored 23 league goals this season, though some sites state that his goal-haul is only 22 goals, as they attribute his goal against Barnet at the JDS to the Bees' defender Okimo.

MAY BE THE LAST TIME, I DON'T KNOW

Saturday's match against Oxford City could be the last time Altrincham ever play a regular non-League fixture at the J. Davidson Stadium if they manage to get through the play-offs into the EFL.

Of course, there could well be a play-off game next week at Moss Lane, depending on today's results.

Following today's game the Altrincham FC end of season awards will be made in the Community Sports Hall, starting at around 3.30pm. Hopefully Chris Conn-Clarke still will find room on his mantelpiece to display his awards!

SATURDAY FIXTURES

The final round of fixtures in the regular season comprises:

Saturday, 20 April, all 12.15pm kick offs

The play-offs start on Tuesday, 23 April at 7pm when the fifth-placed team takes on the sixth; on Wednesday also at 7pm, the fourth-placed team entertains the seventh-placed finishers.

At the bottom, five clubs remain in danger, going into the final round of fixtures. Should Boreham Wood lose to Ebbsfleet United, the Wood will be relegated but if they draw, Woking would be in danger if the Cards were to lose very heavily. But if Boreham Wood win their game, not only Woking but also Ebbsfleet United, York City and Wealdstone would be at risk of relegation.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In Friday night's game at Oxford United, the visitors Stevenage emerged with a draw. The Boro's CARL PIERGIANNI conceded the penalty by which the hosts equalised. Oxford's used substitutes included OWEN DALE.

Phil Jordan advises us that in Australia, it is assumed that CONNOR HAMPSON is injured as he was not in Oakleigh's squad for Friday's game again. Likewise, BARRY BAGGLEY was missing from Waterford's squad in Ireland and he, too, must be assumed to be injured.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

On the eve of today's game, Boreham Wood reported that "With tomorrow’s game being winner take all and 'the last dance', Wood look set to create a new home league record league attendance that presently sits at 2,536 against Wrexham in 2022/23.

The current ticket sales are currently four-to-one in our favour and are close to 2,400 including 564 Ebbsfleet supporters. Match tickets will be available up until kick off...

Tomorrow is the biggest game in the club’s history and this is our Club, our Town and our Community and we’ve earned the right to have 'The Last Dance'. As such, we will need one last push and everyone of you to come together to create a special 'Wood Army' atmosphere.

We need you, we need you, we need you! so let’s come together, let’s get behind Luke Garrard and the boys on the very final day of this season. Let’s make this a memory for the ages".

According to Hampshire's Daily Echo "Police have issued a dispersal order for parts of Eastleigh ahead of The Spitfires' game against FC Halifax Town this weekend.

The order has been authorised by Hampshire Police after 'previous fixtures where a minority of individuals have actively sought to engage in disorder'.

It will give police officers the power to order a person to leave the areas concerned and not return. The order will start from midday on Saturday and last until midnight on Sunday. It also gives officers the power to seize anything used in the commission of ASB...

Inspector Andy Mooge, said: 'This order has been authorised... in response to previous fixtures where a minority of individuals have actively sought to engage in disorder'".

The BBC confirms that "Rochdale's preferred bidders the Ogden family have submitted an offer to buy the National League side and invest £2m in the club.

Existing shareholder loans provided by chairman Simon Gauge and Richard Knight will be turned into ordinary shares, according to the family's proposals.

'Our primary ambition is that the club should achieve a financially sustainable position without needing to rely on footballing success,' the family's statement said...

Amongst their... plans are to establish 'a new sports facility', to be used by the first team and academy, while they also pledged to mount a first-team budget befitting a promotion challenge for next season".

19 April 2024

PLAY-OFF BULLETIN

Altrincham go into Saturday's final fixture of the regular season knowing that a win over Oxford City would leave them finishing fourth in the league and, therefore, at home in the Eliminator round of the play-offs against whichever team finishes seventh.

The identity of such opposition was not clarified greatly by the result of Thursday night's fixture at Chesterfield between FC Halifax Town and Oldham Athletic, which ended in a 2-2 draw.

That means that Alty, should they beat Oxford City, could host any one of FC Halifax Town, Aldershot Town and Southend United. The result did mean that the Latics can no longer qualify for the play-offs.

Fax and the Shots are now level on points, with the Yorkshire club having a far better goal difference. So a win at Eastleigh would confirm the Shaymen in seventh place. Defeat for Halifax and a win for Aldershot at Dagenham would mean that the Hampshire club would face Alty should they finish fourth.

The third possibility is that both Halifax and Aldershot lose their away games on Saturday allowing Southend United to qualifyin seventh place should they beat Rochdale at Roots Hall.

A clash with Alty would be ironic, to put it politely, given that Southend signed Alty's top scorer of 2022-23 season, Dan Mooney, depriving the Robins of his services when the Shrimpers did not have the finances to pay for him without the National League having to intevene months later.

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger press and media officer John Edwards writes that "Phil Parkinson saluted his history-making Altrincham players and called for one last effort this Saturday to try and secure home advantage for their first-ever entry into the National League promotion play-offs...

They will have home advantage in the opening eliminator next Tuesday or Wednesday evening if they finish fourth or fifth in the table.

Three points at home to Oxford City on Saturday (12.15pm) would certainly help, and Parkinson is urging fans to create 'a party atmosphere'...

'We deserve to be where we are, and I’m so pleased with the whole squad because everyone has played a part,' said the Alty boss. 'It’s going to be another really tough game against Oxford, because they’ve got nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of personal pride.

'But we’ve got everything to play for as well. With home advantage at stake in the play-off eliminator, there is a lot riding on the outcome...

'I was blown away by how many travelled to Ebbsfleet [last weekend] and the noise they made. That level of support really makes a difference, and I’m hoping for more of the same against Oxford...

Parkinson added 'We have always tried to create history here and I just hope we can now break the biggest of records by taking the club into the Football League.'"

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that in the National League, "Oldham Athletic left JOSH LUNDSTRAM on the bench as they led twice at Chesterfield against Halifax Town. However the 'hosts' equalised both goals to draw 2-2.

The result means the Yorkshire side need to win at Eastleigh to confirm the last playoff spot. Aldershot could pass them with a win at Dagenham & Redbridge. If both sides were to lose however, a home win for Southend United against Rochdale would put the Essex side, who are unbeaten in 15 matches, into the playoff position for the first time this season - this is all very important for Altrincham fans, as a win at Moss Lane against relegated Oxford City would give us a home quarter final against whichever of the three clubs should qualify".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULT

Thursday, 18 April

After the game, FC Halifax Town reported that they had "returned to a play-off position following a 2-2 draw against Oldham Athletic

Finishes from Rob Harker and Adan George cancelled out a Dan Gardner brace, putting Town in the driving seat to secure the last available play-off spot...

Town fans feared the worst in the first few minutes when Sam Johnson went down following a fifty-fifty. The captain was fine to carry on after receiving a fair amount of treatment from the physio...

Dan Gardner put Oldham 1-0 up with 18 minutes on the clock as the corner drifted to the edge of the box for the forward to rifle into Johnson’s net on the half-volley...

Rob Harker levelled proceedings, placing the ball into the Oldham net after Hudson fumbled Hoti’s attempt from range...

Oldham were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute as Joe Garner fell in the box under a challenge from a Halifax defender. Gardner drilled the penalty past Johnson for his second goal of the game putting the Latics 2-1 up...

Aaron Cosgrave made way for Adan George... George made an instant impact... [as he] side-footed his shot past Hudson for 2-2".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Before the match on Thursday night, the Oldham Times reported that "Halifax and Oldham still have six points to play for, and go head-to-head at Chesterfield... in a clash that Latics need to win to still have something to play for on the final day.

'I've got a real strong affinity for Oldham, I've had two spells working there in the Academy and with the first team. I have some fantastic memories and I made some fantastic friends through my time at the club so I'm looking forward to it,' said Halifax boss Chris Millington...

'They've got some fantastic individuals and you look at the team on paper and it scares you half to death. It's a terrifying prospect. But our lads are resilient, and they're gritty and they're determined, they work very hard and I don't think they get the credit for how good they are as footballers...

'We've used the least number of players in the division so far this season. We've used 23 players. Every week we're either the youngest average aged starting XI or second youngest. So part of that is the learning, that ability to compose themselves...

'The thing we've got to really focus our energy on, is making sure we're as fresh as we possibly can be. Some players are going to have to play again on Thursday, some players are going to have to do Thursday and then follow it up on Saturday,' said Millington, who worked with Pete Wild at Boundary Park...

'If the Shay was available to us we'd play there because it's our home ground and we want to be in front of all of our fans,' he said... 'Our biggest challenge is maintaining that freshness physically to be able to perform the way we need to perform.'"

Before their vital league match on Saturday against Boreham Wood, Ebbsfleet United report that the club "finished this season’s DFDS Kent Senior Cup as runners-up as Maidstone United wrapped up the game early on by establishing a three-goal lead at the break. Fleet fielded two academy players with five more named on the bench while Maidstone’s side was largely a mix of regular first-teamers and first-team squad members.

It was a low-key Hayes Lanes with just over 700 in attendance but the Maidstone fans found their voice early when they got themselves in front inside the first minute... Sol Wanjau-Smith... was the man to double Maidstone’s advantage before 10 minutes...

The Fleet’s first chance came with 20 minutes on the clock when Maxx Manktelow linked up with Greg Cundle – who was one of several players who had returned home at 4.30am from Accrington...

The Stones would make it three before the break... That goal ended Fleet’s resistance and the second-half was played a slower tempo...

Three of the Academy players were sent on – Tristan Lock, Bailey Cain and Bernard Rai...

There was still time for substitute Mo Faal to find the bottom corner to add a fourth after getting past a couple of Fleet defenders and that was the last kick of this season’s competition.

It was a whimper for the county cup to go out on with both sides having much bigger fish to fry in the coming days".

Southend United's "head coach Kevin Maher believes what has been achieved this season will come into even sharper focus when the dust has settled.

Despite a 10-point deduction at the start of the campaign, it is still possible [as of Thursday afternoon] for Blues to finish in the play-off positions...

Ahead of meeting Rochdale at a sold-out Roots Hall, Maher said 'What a long season it’s been... For what the players have done this season, you can’t give them any more credit than they deserve.

'There is some disappointment because we’d be fourth in the league [without the deduction], that’s a fact. We’ve won enough points to be fourth and that’s a marker of where we’re at as a team.'

Halifax, who are currently eighth, play Oldham tonight [Thursday] knowing that a win would end the Shrimpers’ hopes. Maher admits... 'I’ll have my phone on watching the result come in...

'When everything behind the scenes is run properly like a top professional club, you can see the potential and what could happen here. We hope that will play a part if and when we want to sign players over the summer... We want to be able to work normally.'”

BAD FA CUP NEWS FOR SMALLER CLUBS

The BBC reports that "FA Cup replays will be scrapped from the first round onwards in the 2024-25 competition.

All rounds of the Emirates FA Cup will also be played on weekends, including the fifth round which has been played in midweek for the last five seasons.

The changes come as part of a new six-year agreement between the Football Association (FA) and the Premier League.

Both say that it will 'strengthen' the FA Cup format.

In its current format, the FA Cup has no replays from the fifth round onwards, but the FA says the move to eliminate them from an earlier stage has been made 'in light of changes to the calendar driven by the expanded UEFA competitions'...

Other changes will see the fourth and fifth rounds, and the quarter-finals, played without clashing with any Premier League fixtures for the first time.

The fourth round will be played in an extended window from Friday to Wednesday".

So, non-League clubs reaching Round One or beyond and securing a draw against higher ranked teams will lose the chance of TV revenue accruing from replays.

18 April 2024

ELLIOT OSBORNE INTERVIEW

Alty TV has a video interview by Brian Flynn with midfielder Elliot Osborne.

Ellioy starts by praising Alty' most recent opponents Ebbsfleet United who were "the better team on the day... They're a good side... one of the better teams in the league", he judged.

He went on to discuss his role in the side, which to some extent explains his lack of a goal this season.

With more than 100 Altrincham appearances to his name, and despite his excellent form this season, Elliot feels he still has the capability to improve his performances as helooks forward to the play-offs.

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Altrincham welcome Oxford City to the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday lunchtime for the visitors' final game at National league level before their relegation to the regional level. Just 441 spectators watched their most recent match, on Tuesday, a 1-3 loss to Bromley.

Oxford City's own view of that match was that "A mad five minutes consigned Oxford City to defeat...

Ben Krauhaus gave Bromley the lead after two minutes... Then, three minutes later, Idris Odutayo found the net from a free kick from outside the area.

After the interval... Corey Whitely tapped home after a quick counter-attack.

The goal of the game however, came from Oxford City. Harvey Greenslade took down Reece Fleet’s superb ball inside the area, and he remained composed to slot the ball past Grant Smith.

Ross Jenkins made three changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Oldham Athletic. Reece Fleet, Lewis Coyle & Jacob Roddy dropped out in place of Ernaldo Krasniqi, Brooklyn Kabongolo and Latrell Humphrey-Ewers.

Josh Ashby took the captain's armband on this occasion."

MIDWEEK RESULT

Wednesday, 17 April

WHAT AWAITS ALTY IN PLAY-OFFS?

A win over Oxford City on Saturday would guarantee Altrincham a home tie in the play-off eliminators.

And Gateshead's defeat on Wednesday night means that they cannot now catch Altrincham if both sides win on Saturday, so Alty would finish fourth if they defeat Oxford City.

The team finishing fourth will be at home next Wednesday night (NB 7pm) in "Eliminator B" to the team finishing seventh; currently that is Aldershot Town but it could instead be FC Halifax Town or even Southend United by Saturday tea-time.

The team finishing fifth (currently Solihull Moors) has one fewer day's rest and will be at home next Tuesday night (NB 7pm) in "Eliminator A" to the team finishing sixth; currently that is Gateshead. (The current league table is here.).

Should Alty lose on Saturday against Oxford City they could finish sixth as Solihull and Gateshead could overtake them and, therefore, they would be away in a play-off eliminator.

The winners of the two eliminators then play in the semi-finals. The winners of Eliminator A are away to the club finishing second which we will be Barnet or Bromley, on Saturday 27th at 5.30pm. The winners of Eliminator B will play away to the third-placed team at 4pm on Sunday 28th.

The promotion final is at Wembley on Sunday 5 May at 3pm.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan explains that on Wednesday evening, in the National League, MARCUS DINANGA played the full game at the International Stadium, but the only goal of the game for Aldershot came from Kwame Thomas after Gateshead keeper Nathan Harness was sent off just two minutes into the second half. Gateshead didn't have a keeper on the bench and had to put a defender in goal.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

On Wednesday night, Aldershot Town "secured a vital win to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 1-0 win over 10-man Gateshead thanks to a Kwame Thomas header.

Tommy Widdrington made five changes to the Shots side that lost against Boreham Wood at the weekend as Olly Scott, Josh Barrett, James Daly, Dejan Tetek and Kwame Thomas replaced Lorent Tolaj, Josh Stokes, Ryan Glover, Jack Barham and Tommy Willard.

It took a long time for the game to get going and it was almost 20 minutes in when the first chance of the game fell to Marcus Dinanga... but his effort was some way off target...

Gateshead were the first to have found second gear as they began to create more chances... The Shots were able to grow into the game themselves, though and enjoyed a good spell of possession before half-time...

If the first-half was lacking action, though, the second-half made up for it in the first five minutes as a short pass back to Nathan Harness in the Gateshead goal was intercepted by James Daly whose electric pace was too quick for Harness who could only bring the Shots attacker down outside the area and subsequently received his marching orders.

With no substitute ‘keeper on the bench, experienced centre back and Assistant Manager Louis Storey was forced to take the ‘keeper’s shirt and deputise between the sticks...

Aldershot found the breakthrough in the 62nd minute as Kwame Thomas found the back of the net with a header from close range after meeting a looping cross from Josh Barrett down the right wing caused Storey problems."

The attendance was just 892 inclduing 77 away supporters.

The BBC reports that "A winding-up petition issued against Southend United in the High Court has been adjourned for four weeks.

Legal firm Stewarts Law LLP filed the petition in February over unpaid bills, after it represented the club in previous court disputes.

Blues chairman Ron Martin asked for the petition to be adjourned to allow its sale to a consortium to be completed, which would allow the money to be paid.

During a two-minute hearing, the case was adjourned until 15 May...

In an earlier hearing on Monday, Judge Burton approved a validation order allowing the club to continue trading.

She said that while funding was available, creditors could not be paid due to the club's bank account being frozen after the issuing of the petition".

In the Times Series "Barnet manager Dean Brennan lauded his players’ professionalism as they ran out 2-0 winners at Halifax Town on Saturday to all but cement a second-placed National League finish.

The Bees... raced into a two-goal lead inside 15 minutes thanks to strikes from talisman Danny Collinge and in-form Callum Stead...

Said Brennan... 'It’s a fantastic achievement to go from fifth to the top three for our club. We’ve done it with good, honest people and hard work on the training ground. The players have been at it to be fair to them... We’ll go to war with most teams...

'We changed the way we usually play. We played the way we did against Bromley as they played through the thirds and they tried to press us,” he added.

'We wanted to come here and play more directly with the front three. [Callum] Stead, [Nicke] Kabamba, and Gats [O'Donkor]... We were physical with our play, and we managed to score from restarts'...

The return of Collinge has come at the perfect time for Brennan... 'I think that’s his eighth goal of the season,' Brennan said, glowing...

'He’s one of our key players'">

Ebbsfleet United report that their "final-day clash at Boreham Wood has been chosen as the TNT Sports live game...

With Boreham Wood needing to win and the Fleet requiring a point for safety, it’s the National League’s most dramatic match of the day – and a huge game for our club...

We are reminding fans that coach travel to the game has been subsidised and costs only £10 for adults and £5 for children as we aim to take as many of our red army to Meadow Park as possible". <

17 April 2024

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Altrincham's final opponents of the regular season, Oxford City, were in action on Tuesday night but lost 1-3 at home to Bromley who report that "Goals from Ben Krauhaus, Idris Odutayo and Corey Whitely helped secure a 3-1 win at Oxford City... as the Ravens clinch a top three finish for the first time ever!"

Oxford City lined up as follows: 26. Tom Watson, 18. Aaron William-Bushell, 2. Andre Burley, 20 Latrell umphrey-Ewers, 23. Brooklyn Kabongolo, 11. Harvey Greenslade, 4. Josh Ashby, 30. Ernaldo Krasniqi, 29. Charlie O'Connell, 16. Alfie Potter, 3. Giles Phillips. Subs: 7. Lewis Coyle, 8. Reece Fleet, 10. Zac McEachran, 21. Harry Birtwistle, 22. Tafari Moore.

UPS AND DOWNS UPDATE

Following Tuesday's fixtures, the situation as regards the National League promotion play-offs and relegation is as follows, with the composition of the play-offs becoming a little clearer but the remaining relegation issue becoming even more complicated.

So, qualified for the play-offs are Barnet (83 pts), Bromley (81 pts). Altrincham (74 pts), Solihull Moors (73 pts) and Gateshead (72 pts and a game in hand).

For the final place in the play-offs, Southend United (65 pts, one game to play), Aldershot Town (65 pts with two fixtures left) and Oldham Athletic (62pts with two to play) can all still catch FC Halifax Town (67 pts, two games to play).

The Shaymen play Oldham on Thursday which should clarify that situation to some extent. Halifax's draw on Tuesday means that they cannot now catch Altrincham but could catch the Moors.

Barnet and Bromley cannot be caught by anyone else so must finish second and third, though in which order will be determined on Saturday.

ALTRINCHAM (74 pts) cannot finish higher than their current fourth place but they could be overtaken by Solihull Moors (73 pts), Gateshead (72 pts and a game in hand), so could finish sixth. However, if Alty beat Oxford City on Saturday they can only be passed by Gateshead; that is if the Tynesiders win both of their remaining fixtures.

At the bottom, already relegated are Oxford City, Dorking Wanderers and Kidderminster Harriers but the remaining relegation slot is still unresolved and any one of the following five clubs could go down on Saturday. All five have played 45 games so each has one fixture to complete on Saturday.

Currently...

Saturday sees Boreham Wood entertain Ebbsfleet United. Anything but a win for the Wood is likely tol see them relegated, unless they draw and Woking are beaten heavily by AFC Fylde at Kingfield. A win for the Wood brings Wealdstone, York City, and Woking into contention.

ALTY'S GOAL OF THE SEASON

Altrincham FC has shortlisted its goal of the season and these are all viewable via the above link.

Right: Two of the shortlisted goals of the season came in the home match against Solihull Moors last November. Here we see four of Altrincham's scorers that day celebrating Amaluzor's first goal. As well as Justin, we see fellow scorers that day, Chris Conn-Clarke, Marcus Dackers and Alex Newby.

There are 13 goals to choose from:

  1. Matty Kosylo (A) Woking
  2. Dior Angus (H) Chesterfield
  3. Lewis Baines (H) Hartlepool United
  4. Eddy Jones (A) Oxford City
  5. Alex Newby (H) Solihull Moors
  6. Justin Amaluzor (H) Solihull Moors
  7. Chris Conn-Clarke (H) AFC Fylde
  8. Chris Conn-Clarke (H) AFC Fylde
  9. Alex Newby (A) Bromley
  10. Chris Conn-Clarke (A) Chesterfield
  11. Dan Mooney (H) Gateshead
  12. Chris Conn-Clarke (A) Kidderminster Harriers
  13. Chris Conn-Clarke (A) Kidderminster Harriers

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTSS

Monday, 15 April 2024

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports:

League One : OWEN DALE was substituted by Oxford United after 70 minutes as visitors Lincoln City hung on with ten men for almost a quarter of an hour to win by the only goal .

Fleetwood, having scored in the opening minute, took CALLUM DOLAN off at half time, and introduced JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 85 minutes. Missing two penalties didn't help their cause as hosts Peterborough United fought back to win 4-1.

A full shift from JOE HUGILL wasn't enough to save Burton Albion from conceding their first half lead, visitors Cheltenham Town eventually running out 1-2 victors.

League Two: Colchester United took ALISTAIR SMITH off at half time in their 2-0 win over Grimsby Town, who had TOBY MULLARKEY booked.

Barrow led by the only goal at half time at Crawley Town with the credit for the assist going to ELLIOT NEWBY, but the hosts fought back to draw 1-1

National League : Rochdale withdrew TYRESE SINCLAIR after 82 minutes of their goalless draw at home to Boreham Wood, for whom BILLY SASS-DAVIES played the full match.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Rochdale report on Tuesday's goalless draw at home to Boreham Wood.

"Jimmy McNulty made three changes from Saturday’s game. Tyrese Sinclair, D’Mani Mellor and Dan Sassi came into the starting eleven, in place of Jimmy Keohane, Cian Hayes and Sam Mather.

The visitors, knowing a win would lift them out of the relegation zone, started the quicker of the two times and did have the ball in the back of the net after six minutes, although it was ruled out for offside...

But Dale soon found their stride... Ryan East came closest for Dale when he crashed a 25-yard effort off the face of the crossbar...

After the break, East saw a shot blocked, and Mellor had a well-struck first-time effort soundly stopped by goalkeeper Nathan Ashmore...

Mitchell headed a Cian Hayes cross over the bar... But he nor his teammates, nor the opposition, could find a route to goal that would provide a winner".

Playing this home game at Accrington, FC Halifax Town "were held to a 0-0 draw vs Ebbsfleet United...

This result has delayed securing a playoff spot for the Shaymen with 2 more games to play.

Chris Millington made 4 changes to the lineup including Jack Evans in the squad...

The away side looked to build momentum on the other end...

The second half kicked off with Cooke breaking past the leets defence and was denied by a strong save by keeper’ Mark Cousins...

The fourth official indicated 4 minutes of added time to set up a tense finish at the Wham Stadium.

Town continued to pile on the pressure in added time but Poleon won a corner or the away side in the dying seconds. The chance was squandered and the final whistle blew... and Town will have 2 more games to secure a playoff spot.

The Shaymen are in action on Thursday against Oldham Athletic at the SMH Group Stadium [Chesterfield]".

16 April 2024

SIX OF THE BEST

As well as securing as high a place as possible in the National League on Saturday against Oxford City, a win would leave Phil Parkinson's side as the sixth best in the club's 32-season history at national level, based on PPG (points per game).

Alty first played league football at national level in the inaugural season of the Alliance Premier League in 1979/80 season and promptly won it for two years running.

If Alty win against Oxford City this Saturday they will have 77 points. The Points Per Game (PPG) for 77 points from this season's 46 matches is 1.67.

Before the era of a win being rewarded with three points, Altrincham managed to beat this season's potential total points' haul over a season on three occasions, and even more remarkably, all those totals were earned in seasons comprising fewer fixtures than this season's 46.

If three points for a win are retropectively applied to victories in past seasons, and PPG is calculated, this season could be the sixth best in Alty's time in the top flight of non-League.

  1. 1979/80: 80 points from just 38 games (W24 D8) PPG= 2.11, league position 1st
  2. 1980/81: 77 points from just 38 games (W23 D8) PPG= 2.03, league position 1st
  3. 1990/91: 82 points from 42 games (W23 D13) PPG= 1.95, league position 3rd
  4. 1983/84: 78 points from 42 games (W23 D9) PPG= 1.86, league position 3rd
  5. 1985/86: 77 points from 42 games (W22 D11) PPG= 1.83, league position 4th
  6. 2023/24: potential 77 points (potential W22 D11) from 46 games PPG= 1.67, league position to be determined.

Above: Altrincham's 1979-80 team.

But as all the PPG figures greater than this season's were accrued from fewer games, it could be argued that sustaining this year's PPG over 46 matches was a more difficult task than achieving a higher PPG over fewer fixtures.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM EBBSFLEET

Alty TV has highlights of Alty's win at Ebbsfleet on Saturday.

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Before they travel to Altrincham for their final fixture on Saturday, Oxford City have a Tuesday night trip to Bromley who lie third in the National League.

City have won just two of their 21 away fixtures to date and face an uncertain time before it is determined whether they rejoin National League South or are assigned to the North division as happened when they last travelled to Moss Lane.

They spent three seasons (2012-15) in the North before getting reassigned to the South. In their final season in the North they finished a commendable sixth. Five years of midtable finishes in the South, before the Covid years, eventually led to promotion last season having finished third in the South. The club has not sacked manager Ross Jenkins or behaved irresponsibly with its finances as they have struggled at National level.

Right: Back in 2013, Alty press for a second-half winner against Oxford City.

They last visited Altrincham on 14 September 2013, in a Skrill North fixture, which ended two-apiece.

Having taken a 2-0 lead, Altrincham should have had the game wrapped up by half time but a headed own goal by Leather from Clifton's right wing freekick got Oxford back into the game.

Alty had taken a 17th minute lead when Doughty's quick throw found Clee, who made two great turns to feed Walshaw. The striker's first shot was blocked but his second was lashed into the roof of the net. Clee was tormenting the visitors and, when he was upended, the freekick led to Moult having a shot blocked before Richman found the net from close range at the back post (22 mins).

But, just a minute later, came the own goal and half-time arrived with Alty just a goal ahead at 2-1.

Alty failed to add a second goal before Oxford equalised, out of the blue, from the spot after a trip on Malone. Pond was the scorer (69 mins). The Robins had wasted a great chance at 2-0 up to get three points. Aside from the own goal and penalty, Oxford scarcely had a shot on target.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Shaun DENSMORE (capt), 3. Matt DOUGHTY, 4. Jake MOULT, 5. Gianluca HAVERN, 6. Scott LEATHER, 7. Simon RICHMAN, 8. Danny BOSHELL, 9. James WALSHAW, 10. Damian REEVES, 11. Nicky CLEE. Subs: 14. Carl RODGERS, 15. James LAWRIE, 16. Kyle PERRY, 17. Brian SMIKLE, 18. Adam REID.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 20 April 2024

Saturday's match comes five years after Altrincham's last fixture on 20 April, a 2-0 away win at Nuneaton Borough in National League North. A parallel with 2024 is that the 2019 game was against an already relegated club and it secured a play-off place, albeit with two fixtures to go.

Right: Josh Hancock is congratulated on his goal by Ben Harrison.

After a goalless first half at Liberty Way, in which Borough actually came the closer to scoring when Caton's superb 25-yarder was brilliantly saved by Thompson, Altrincham took a fifty-fourth minute lead when Josh Hancock completed a neatly constructed move, at the second attempt, with a low shot from about 15 yards.

Alty went on to dominate the proceedings without further breaking down a resolute Nuneaton until added time. Then substitute Max Harrop bundled the ball home at the back post after Shaun Densmore had prompted an advance on the right.

ALTRINCHAM (Purple shirts and shorts, white socks): 1. Tony Thompson, 2. Shaun Densmore, 3. Andy White, 4. Ben Harrison, 5. Tom Hannigan, 6. Jake Moult (c), 7. John Johnston, 8. Sean Williams, 9. Jordan Hulme, 10. Josh Hancock, 11. Matt Chadwick. Subs: 12. James Poole, 14. Matt Harrop, 15. Connor Hampson, 16. Simon Richman, 17. Callum Dolan.

PLAY-OFF UPDATES

Chesterfield's lamentable performances since winning the league title continued on Monday night as they lost their fifth match in six at the International Stadium allowing Gateshead to take three points with a 2-1 win and strengthen their play-off claims.

Tuesday night promises to bring more clarity to affairs at the top and bottom of the league with play-off chasing FC Halifax Town taking on relegation threatened Ebbsfleet United, whilst Bromley chase a second-place finish at relegated Oxford City and Boreham Wood fight for survival at Rochdale.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Monday night in the National League, Gateshead didn't need to bring MARCUS DINANGA off the bench in order to beat visitors Chesterfield 2-1. The Spireites did bring RYAN COLCLOUGH on after 77 minutes.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Tuesday night brings a clash between an Ebbsfleet side fighting for its life after defeat by Altrincham at the weekend, and a Halifax team with three games to play in five days to complete their season. As things stand, the Shaymen can get 75 points, one more than Alty currently possess. Of course, if Alty win on Saturday the Shaymen cannot catch them.

In the Halifax Courier manager Chris Millington "suggested after Saturday's 2-0 defeat to Barnet that he would be looking very closely at his team selection after the manner of the loss, which saw Halifax concede two sloppy goals from set-pieces...

'It's not good enough to be doing all the work we've done to get ourselves to this point and then giving up three points so softly, as we did on Saturday. It was very avoidable and I've got some serious thinking to do to make sure we don't put ourselves in that position again' [he said]...

Barnet raced into what proved an unassailable two goal lead within 15 minutes on Saturday thanks to goals from restarts where both scorers lost their markers...

'We can't accept players repeating the same mistakes over and over again, they have to learn and they have to put them right... Team selection will also be influenced by those players who we know are going to stick to task and do a very consistent job'".

15 April 2024

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Altrincham complete the regular season on Saturday when Oxford City visit Altrincham. Oxford City are already relegated back to the regional division, but on Saturday they held the might of Oldham Athletic to a goalless draw so will clearly be a threat to the Robins for whom a win would confirm a home tie in the first round of play-off games.

In the reverse fixture at Court Place, a match played in front of the TNT cameras, Altrincham won 2-1, their third win in a row.

That game started well for Alty as they took an eighth-minute lead when a Conn-Clarke cross-shot was followed up at the far post by centre-back Jake Cooper, who netted his first goal of the season.

However, it then took two fine blocks by Baines to prevent the hosts for levelling the score in a first half in which the hosts created four presentable chances

Within two minutes of the start of the second half, Kirby equalised for City. However, with ten minutes remaining, an Amaluzor and Conn-Clarke one-two led to the latter squaring the ball for Eddy Jones to net from close range. And that proved to be the winning goal, though Altrincham forced two or three decent saves by Haigh in the closing stages.

Altrincham's squad comprised 29. Ethan Ross, 17. Justin Donawa, 15. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines, 3. Eddy Jones, 6. Elliot Osborne, 8. Isaac Marriott (c), 11. Justin Amaluzor, 30. Alex Newby, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 14. Dior Angus. Subs: 5. James Jones, Sam Roscoe, 2. Lewis Banks, 16. Sam Roscoe, Owen German, Tom Jones.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan adds to yesterday's review of former Altricham players and loanees who were in action on Saturday by informing us that, in the Scottish Championship, Dunfermline Athletic substituted MILES WELCH-HAYES at half time, going on to lose 2-1 at Airdrieonians.

PLAY-OFF IF AND BUTS

With National League fixtures taking place on every evening this week from Monday to Friday, it should slowly emerge what Alty will need to do next Saturday to secure the optimal outcome for their play-off schedule.

Altrincham cannot finish any higher than their current fourth place. But they could finish as low as seventh if they lose on Saturday at home to Oxford City, as Solihull Moors, Gateshead and FC Halifax town could all exceed Alty's current total of 74 points.

If Altrincham win on Saturday, they will have 77 points and could not finish lower than fifth in the table. Finishing fourth or fifth would ensure a home match in the first round of the play-offs.

The only team below Altrincham who who can beat 77 points are Gateshead who can get 78 points if they win their three remaining fixtures.

Tonight, at the International Stadium, Gateshead take on a Chesterfield side which has taken its foot off the accelarator since securing the National League title.

However, a defeat or a draw tonight, or on Thursday when Gateshead host Aldershot Town, would mean they could not overtake Alty if the Robins beat Oxford City.

Any dropped points by FC Halifax Town in their games on Tuesday and Thursday would ensure that they could not finish ahead of Altrincham.

A win for the Shaymen in either of their two midweek games would ensure that Southend United could not gate-crash the play-offs. Two wins in midweek for Halifax would preclude Aldershot Town qualifying for the play-offs

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

FC Halifax Town "can now confirm that our fixture against Oldham Athletic will now be played Thursday 18th April – 7:45pm at Chesterfield’s SMH Group Stadium.

Again, we understand the frustration recent postponements have caused and we would like to thank @ChesterfieldFC for helping us to fulfil this fixture"

Oldham Athletic add that "The fixture was most recently due to be played last Wednesday but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch and has now been moved away from the Shay due to the continued difficulties with the pitch".

14 April 2024

ALTY'S "SMASH AND GRAB RAID"

The NL Paper describes Altrincham's 2-0 win at Ebbsfleet United on Saturday as a "smash and grab raid" in which Alty keeper Ethan Ross "had a day to remeber as he made a string of great saves".

Right: Goalkeeper Ethan Ross.

Phil Parkinson, the Alty boss added "It was a gritty away performance. We've played miles better than that and lost.

"I always look at performance but it's a results time of year so I'll take that, away from home.

"We always knew this would be a tough place to some as they haven't been beaten here since... January

"There was great defending from us at times along with some great goalkeeping and that's what you need to be in the play-offs.

"That save Ethan [Ross] made towards the end was Gordon Banksesque. The lads all said it never went over the line and they normally come in and say if it had".

Danny Searle the Ebbsfleet manager said "We could have been here until next Saturday and wouldn't have scored a goal".

Brian Flynn interviewed the Altrincham manager after the game for Alty TV.

The match stats show that Ebbsfleet had 21 shots, eight of which were on target, whilst Alty mustered four shots, three on target. The corner count was 8-1 in favour of the hosts.

EBBSFLEET UNITED 0-2 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham secured their play-off participation with a 2-0 win in Kent.

Match report here.

WE'VE BEEN HERE BEFORE

Although this season will be the first time that Altrincham have qualified for the National League play-offs, they have played in five previous play-offs at a lower level.

And the Robins' record in play offs is good with three successes in achieving promotion and two failures. In thirteen play-off games they have won 10 matches, drawn one and lost only twice.

More specifically...

As for finishing fourth (their current position) in the top flight, Alty have previously done that on six previous occasions in the top-flight of non-League. Having won the league twice in 1980 and 1981, they finished 3rd (1984), 4th (1986), 3rd (1991) and 4th (1995).

FLEET SCUTTLED

Ebbsfleet United felt hard done-by as they reported that "Play-off-chasing Altrincham took pretty much their only two openings of the first-half to land victory at the Kuflink Stadium as the luck just wouldn’t drop for the Fleet... and they now have to take their season on the road to meet FC Halifax Town and Boreham Wood...

The best chance came on 22 minutes, Bilongo battling into position to the left of the goal... to present Myles Kenlock who dug the ball out at the second attempt, squaring for Poleon whose close-range shot was kept out by skipper Lewis Baines. Donawa came off worst in that tangle with Kenlock and had to be stretchered off, to be replaced by Colchester loanee Alex Newby...

It was substitute Newby who opened the scoring for the visitors against the run of play on 35 minutes when Justin Amaluzor had the Fleet defence in a spin... the substitute poked a foot at the ball to fire it beyond Mark Cousins...

Altrincham won the penalty that gave them a two-goal lead on 39 minutes. Amaluzor got away down the right, taking a good portion of Kenlock’s shirt with him. He was allowed to continue and Kenlock then overturned him inside the box, Regan Linney tucking away the subsequent spot-kick..

The visitors were content to keep Fleet at bay but got away on the counterattack on 67 minutes and Linney drew a full-length save out of Cousins...

Tanner than crashed a shot off the crossbar with the goalkeeper beaten in the 90th minute and Bingham’s shot rolled millimetres past the post as Ross got a touch – and Altrincham somehow escaped with a clean sheet as time ticked away".

NEXT: OXFORD CITY

Oxford City may have been relegated some time ago, but they secured a commendable draw against Oldham on Saturday, before they travel to the North West next Saturday to face Altrincham.

Oldham Athletic report that Oldham came away with a point from Marsh Lane having played out a goalless draw with Oxford City.

The first ten minutes contained numerous chances, most of which fell Latics’ way, but none caused the hosts any huge problems.

Oxford did have their openings, however, but they lacked potency. The game slowed down as it progressed into the second-half, and Mat Hudson was called into action a few times, tipping shots over the bar.

Despite a good string of chances from Athletic with 10 to 20 minutes to go, none were able to beat Tom Watson between the sticks...

It was through Josh Ashby that a lot of Oxford’s chances came, and he called Mat into action on more than one occasion, especially towards the end of the game, but he was equal to the efforts, keeping the score level.

Oxford City: Watson, Burley, Phillips, Ashby, Roddy (McEachran, 77’), Coyle (Moore, 70’), Fleet, Greenslade, Potter (Krasniqi, 90’), Williams-Bushell, O’Connell. Subs not used: Birtwistle, Kabongolo."

UPS AND DOWNS

The following ups and downs in the Vanarama National League have been resolved:

MIDWEEK FIXTURES

Whilst Alty have a midweek rest after today, Gateshead will have played four matches in eight days by the time they complete the season on 20 August. As things stand on Saturday evening, FC Halifax have only scheduled three of their four remaining fixtures which have to be completed by the above date; their home game versus Oldham Athletic remains to be confirmed as to date and venue but is expected to be on Thursday.

Monday, 15 April 2024

Tuesday, 16 April 2024

Wednesday, 17 April

Thursday, 18 April

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan's review of Alty Old Boys' activities on Saturday is below...

Championship : DUNCAN WATMORE (right) came on at the start of the second half with Millwall leading visitors Cardiff City 2-1, and was booked in the wake of scoring the 93rd minute goal that clinched his side's 3-1 win.

League One : OWEN DALE was substituted after 74 minutes as Oxford United earned a fine 5-0 home win over Peterborough United. That result practically put paid to Stevenage's playoff aspirations as CARL PIERGIANNI and his side surprisingly lost 1-2 to visitors Burton Albion, for whom JOE HUGILL played the whole second half.

National League : AFC Fylde withdrew DANNY WHITEHEAD after 57 minutes of their 0-2 home defeat by Southend United, who introduced MARCUS DACKERS in the 77th minute.

LUKE WATERFALL played all of Hartlepool United's 1-1 home draw with Dagenham and Redbridge, as did ASHLEY HEMMINGS in a defeat at home by a lone Eastleigh goal that confirmed Kidderminster Harriers would be relegated.

Gateshead were leading at Maidenhead United when they withdrew MARCUS DINANGA after 76 minutes, but went on to lose 2-1. JOSH LUNDSTRAM was another ex-Robin who didn't last the full match, coming off in the 69th minute of Oldham Athletic's goalless draw at Oxford City.

TYRESE SINCLAIR was an 89th minute substitute for Rochdale in their 1-1 home draw which rubber-stamped relegation for visitors Dorking Wanderers.

National North : A brace from CRAIG MAHON helped Curzon Ashton to come from behind and beat already relegated visitors Gloucester City 4-1.

JONNY MARGETTS was sent off as King's Lynn fell to the only goal of the game at home to Peterborough Sports.

Although JOSH AMIS reduced the deficit, Warrington Town were later reduced to ten men and lost 1-2 to visitors Hereford.

NPL : AARON BENNETT scored the second as FC United won 3-0 against visitors Bamber Bridge, who were reduced to ten men in the 37th minute with game still goalless.

JORDAN HULME scored what turned out to be the winner for Radcliffe as they triumphed 1-2 at Whitby Town.

Former Robins manager NEIL YOUNG'S Marine join Macclesfield in the playoffs after a 0-3 victory at Workington.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

On Saturday quite remarkably, four of Alty's rivals for play-off places lost and another failed to win. Solihull Moors, Aldershot Town, FC Halifax Town, Gateshead were all beaten whilst Oldham Athletic only drew.

Maidenhead United "secured an eighth straight season in the Vanarama National League with a dramatic late win against promotion-chasing Gateshead.

The Magpies made a strong start to the match, forcing their high-flying visitors onto the backfoot with a number of dangerous set pieces. ..

The game took a dramatic swing towards the visitors from the north-east early in the second half. Will De Havilland was caught in possession and Dinanga forced the ball home, albeit from an offside position. A flowing move involving substitute Ashley Nathaniel-George opened up a chance... and United we made to pay the penalty – literally – a minute later. De Havilland fouled Connor McBride and Hannant stepped up to stroke home the penalty.

For a long while the visitors looked the more likely to grab the next goal...

[Maidenhead] efforts were rewarded in the final ten minutes of the game. With time running out, Casey Pettit’s free-kick was headed back across goal by Alan Massey for Kevin Lokko to glance the ball home... before the thrilling denouement.

Chasing a long ball, McCoulsky bundled past the defender and rounded Harness to score and send Bell Street ballistic.".

13 April 2024

EBBSFLEET UNITED 0-2 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham's penultimate game of the season took them to Kent to face Ebbsfleet United today where they confirmed a place in the play-offs.

After the hosts had come close to taking the lead as Baines cleared superbly off the line from Poleon's effort, the match was stopped by a bad injury to Justin Donawa's left leg (22 mins). Following treatment he was stretchered off with a leg brace in place (27 mins). He was replaced by Elliot Newby.

With Ebbsfleet having had the better of things, Altrincham took the lead with their first serious threat. The goal was prompted by Linney's run and, via Amaluzor, the ball came for Newby to slot home (35 mins).

Four minutes later it got even better when Amaluzor burst into the box and was clearly pulled down tpo win a penalty. Regan Linney calmly hit the spot-kick down the middle after Cousins had dived, so it was 2-0 (39 mins).

The second half saw Altrincham weather plenty of attacking by Ebbsfleet but the visitors looked dangerous on their very occasional counter-attacks.

Before kick-off, Alty made four changes as Amaluzor, Conn-Clarke, Donawa and Hancox came into the starting eleven, with Newby, Kosylo and Mooney moving to the bench, whilst Wilson was missing, suspended.

The Fleet's only change saw Bilongo and Cundle swap places, the latter moving to the bench and the former starting. Line-up:

EBBSFLEET UNITED (Red shirts, white shorts and socks) 1. Mark Cousins, 4. Josh Wright (c), 9. Rakish Bingham, 14. Dominic Poleon, 17. Toby Edser, 18. Billy Clifford, 22. Ben Chapman, 26. Declan Skura, 27. Bryant Bilongo, 28. Tommy Fogarty, 36. Myles Kenlock. Subs: 7. Omari Sterling-James, 10. Craig Tanner 11. Darren McQueen, 15. Greg Cundle, 16. Franklin Domi.

ALTRINCHAM (All dark blue with yellow sash on shirts): 29. Ethan Ross, 2. Lewis Banks, 15. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines (c), 3. Eddy Jones, 8. Elliot Osborne, 26. Mitch Hancox, 17. Justin Donawa, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 11. Justin Amaluzor, 9. Regan Linney Subs: 14. Dior Angus, 16. Sam Roscoe, 7. Matty Kosylo, 30. Alex Newby, 44. Dan Mooney.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 13 April 2024

FLEET PREPARED TO REPULSE ALTRINCHAM

In advance of today's game, Ebbsfleet United report that they will "host Altrincham for the first time in 14 years with the points to make sure of survival within reach...

Altrincham have only lost one in seven... The Fleet need to pick up after the defeat at one of Altrincham’s play-off rivals – Solihull Moors – on Tuesday night and if they can maintain the unbeaten home run under Danny Searle, it will be a big point or points...

Joining in April 2017, boss Phil Parkinson is contracted until the end of the 2024/25 season".

ALTY AND AGENTS' FEES

The FA has issued its annual list of the fees paid to players' agents in all three divisions of the National League between February 2023 and February 2024.

In all, 32 clubs across the three divisions paid fees in that period.

Twenty of those clubs were from the National League top division. Of these Altrincham are bottom with expenditure of just £2,500. However, four clubs presumably paid no fees at all to agents, by process of elimination these are Dorking Wanderers, Oxford City, Wealdstone and Gateshead.

Despite repeatedly failing to pay their employees last season, Southend United nevertheless managed to find more than £60K to line the pockets of players' agents to benefit the Shrimpers on the pitch.

However, top of the list of big spenders in the top division were relegation haunted York City with another sufferer at the wrong end of the table, Kidderminster Harriers, also in the top ten of spenders.

  1. York City £128,902
  2. Oldham Athletic £82,161
  3. Southend United £60,999
  4. Chesterfield £52,722
  5. Rochdale £46,292
  6. Hartlepool United £40,222
  7. Dagenham & Redbridge £33,518
  8. Solihull Moors £30,739
  9. Bromley £28,749
  10. Kidderminster Harriers £17,460
  11. Woking £16,978
  12. AFC Fylde £16,310
  13. Eastleigh £15,279
  14. FC Halifax Town £13,910
  15. Aldershot Town £12,844
  16. Boreham Wood £11,958
  17. Maidenhead United £9,943
  18. Barnet £9,670
  19. Ebbsfleet £4,000
  20. ALTRINCHAM £2,500

The spending was not limited to the top division of the National League; in the regional divisions Yeovil Town paid out £41,492 in agents' fees.

ALTY OLD BOYS

In Australia, with CONNOR HAMPSON missing from their match day squad, Oakleigh Cannons lost their unbeaten record (W4, D4) as visitors Avondale were two goals ahead after half an hour, and held on to win 1-2. (Information courtesy of Phil Jordan).

12 April 2024

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Altrincham's penultimate match of the regular season is away in Kent at Ebbsfleet United.

Although Altrincham beat Ebbsfleet United 6-1 in the reverse fixture, this return fixture is going to be a much tougher proposition.

Left: Lewis Baines celebrating the first of his brace against Ebbsfleet United in September 2023, hotly pursued by Justin Amaluzor and Eddy Jones

After languishing in the relegation zone earlier in the season, the Fleet have turned around their form and have lost just twice in their last 12 National League games winning six and drawing the other two games.

And they have won ten home fixtures, which is more than anyone else in the lower half of the table.

The upturn in results followed the appointment of Danny Searle as manager in January 2024.

He succeeded the former Tennis Borussia Berlin manager, Dennis Kutrieb, who had been appointed in early 2020. Unfortunately the curtailment of that season meant that the club was relegated on a points-per-game basis.

However, the German guided the club back to the top flight of non-League football, winning the National South title in 2023 by more than 20 points.

But, this season, with the club at the wrong end of the NL table, he was replaced by Danny Searle.

Striker Dominic Poleon with 16 of the team's 58 league goals this season is the leading scorer. He missed the game at Alty in 2023.

MATTY KOSYLO INTERVIEW

Brian Flynn has interviewed Matty Kosylo for Alty TV.

Right: Matty (left) leads Dan Mooney (right) and Dior Angus (behind) off the pitch before the game against Rochdale in February.

They discuss the Dorking game which was a "battle" on a surface which Alty found difficult.

As for potentially reaching the play-offs, Matty say that from his experience of them, "the play-offs are never really enjoyable".

Matty's 100th appearance came last Saturday, having missed last season entirely through injury. Apart from a hip injury which deprived him of a few more appearances this season, Matty is delighted to have recovered fitness.

He feels Altrincham "are a more balanced team this season than in the past" and concludes that we are a "cohesive team" with players who get on well together.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 13 April 2024

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Thursday, in the National League, DANNY WHITEHEAD played the full game for AFC Fylde, but visitors Gateshead only introduced MARCUS DINANGA to the action nine minutes into the second half. However, he was unable to help them avoid a 2-0 defeat.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reports that on Thursday, "Relegation threatened Dorking let a two-goal lead slip as they were beaten at Wealdstone in the National League.

Dorking could have moved level on points with their hosts in the battle to avoid the drop but were eventually beaten 4-2 at Grosvenor Vale.

Luke Moore opened the scoring for the visitors early in the second half with Charlie Carter's effort extending the lead.

Wealdstone, though, fought back as Mason Barrett pulled one back before a quick-fire Max Kretzschmar double and a Tarryn Allarakhia goal completed a comeback to ease the home side's own relegation concerns."

At AFC Fylde, "Ethan Mitchell’s sliding finish and a well worked goal finished by Ustabasi proved to be the elusive [sic] moments, as The Coasters gained a massive three points on a wet and windy night at Mill Farm.

AFC Fylde huffed and puffed in the second half creating a wealth of chances... as 1,182 supporters saw Fylde edge towards mathematically securing their National League status...

But it was in the seventy-sixth minute that Fylde made their mark on proceedings when Max Conway’s inswinging delivery found its way into the area, where Ethan Mitchell was on hand to slide the ball past Eddie Beach in the Gateshead goal...

The Coasters then wrapped up the three points as Max Conway pounced on a loose ball, playing in Danny Ormerod who got in behind the Gateshead defence to play the ball across the face of goal to Ustabasi who rounded off a superb second half to poke home to an empty net".

11 April 2024

THURSDAY FIXTURES

After defeat on Thursday night, Dorking Wanderers now need a miracle to avoid relegation. They have to win both their remaining games and turn around a goal difference of minus 30 when York City and Wealdstone, the only clubs outside the drop zone that they can catch, have a goal difference of only minus 15 and minus 13 respectively.

Thursday, 11 April

MITCH HANCOX INTERVIEW

Alty TV has lengthy interview by Brian Flynn with recent signing Mitch Hancox, the former York City midfielder.

As well as discussing his career, Mitch explains his motivation for leaving York in search of more game time.

Although, so far, Mitch has played barely more than an hour for Altrincham in five appearances from the bench, the suspension of George Wilson on top of the long-term injury to Isaac Marriott mean that the 30-year old midfielder can look forward to more game-time in the two fixtures before the end of the season.

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Altrincham are away to Ebbsfleet United on Saturday.

Kent Online tells us that "Ebbsfleet manager Danny Searle had no complaints after they were brushed aside at Solihull Moors on Tuesday night.

It was only a second National League defeat in 12 games at the helm for Searle, who saw his side trail at the break before two second-half goals sealed their fate.

'We were lucky to get away with 3-0 to be honest,' Searle told the club’s media... ''They were the better side.

'When we went in at 1-0 at half-time, we’d rode [sic] our luck so much and it could have been four or five...

'I thought we started the second half a lot better but they got their second goal and from our perspective, the third was always going to happen as we were trying to get back into the game...

'From a standards perspective we were nowhere near our levels tonight', added Searle...

'We’re a relegation-battling team against a team that is potentially going to be in the Football League next year. There’s always going to be that potential gap in performance...

'I’ve no doubt that you’ll see a better performance on Saturday against Altrincham,' said Searle.

'We’ve got a five-point cushion from the relegation zone and we’ve still got a game in hand on some teams. We just need to make sure we bounce back and get something from the Altrincham game.'".

ALTY'S RUN-IN

With just two fixtures to complete the regular season, Alty travel to Kent this weekend, their third-longest away journey of the season, to face an Ebbsfleet United side still concerned about preserving its National League status.

Whilst it seems likely the Fleet will survive in the National League, they are not yet mathematically safe.

Indeed, Altrincham's last eleven fixtures of the season have turned out to include no fewer than nine matches against sides troubled by relegation fears. The home matches against Gateshead and Oldham Athletic were the only games in that sequence against teams at the other end of the table. In the nine matches of that sequence played so far, Alty have emerged with 6 wins, 2 defeats and a draw.

The only two defeats in that sequence were both in home games, leaving Alty nevertheless top of the form guide before this week's games.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

FC Halifax Town confirms that "Following recent issues with the pitch at the Shay, the difficult decision has been made to play our fixture on Saturday 13th against Barnet and Tuesday 16th against Ebbsfleet United at Accrington Stanley’s Wham Stadium.

We understand the frustration recent postponements have caused and we would like to thank Accrington Stanley for helping us to fulfil these two fixtures.

Season tickets will be valid as usual and for other home and away supporters it is still pay on the gate..

There will be a further announcement regarding the Oldham Athletic fixture and ticket collections for that game once everything has been confirmed & resolved".

In the Maidenhead Advertiser "Alan Devonshire said retaining Maidenhead United’s National League status for another season will rank as the club’s ‘best achievement’ during his long managerial spell.

An assured 3-1 victory over Hartlepool United at York Road... leaves the Magpies eight points clear of the relegation zone...

Second half goals from Sam Beckwith and substitute Shawn McCoulsky saw an outpouring of relief on the terraces after the visitors had levelled in the 51st minute...

Devonshire’s side had faced a challenging run-in to ensure survival but impressive victories over Aldershot Town, Eastleigh and now former Football League side Hartlepool United have lifted the Magpies to 13th.

Devonshire told the Advertiser 'This league is getting tougher and tougher every year. To do what we’ve done again this year is probably the biggest achievement so far... I’m just so happy with my staff and the players. They’ve given me everything. We’ve had loads of injuries this year but we’ve battled through'...

That leveller momentarily shocked the hosts and Hartlepool almost took the lead...

But defender Sam Beckwith sent the Bell Street End into jubilant celebrations 15 minutes from time as he danced through a challenge on the corner of the penalty area before sending a deflected low drive past Pools keeper Peter Jameson.

Substitute Shawn McCoulsky then secured the points, and most probably the club’s National League status, as he slid home at the back post...

Assistant boss Ryan Peters said:...'You’ve seen a shift in our mentality the last four or five games. We’ve been a lot tougher to beat, attacked at will and shown a never-say-die attitude. This is a part-time team which punches above its weight and gives their all'".

10 April 2024

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Ebbsfleet United host Altrincham on Saturday and, after defeat on Tuesday, 3-0, at Solihull. That result had two adverse effects on Altrincham.

Firstly, it took the Moors above Alty in the National League, leaving the Robins nowin fifth place. Secondly, it confirmed that the Fleet are still far from safe from relegation.

Solihull Moors reported that "Tyrese Shade opened his account with two spectacular goals at the ARMCO Arena against Ebbsfleet United.

The match began with neither team keeping possession... On 19 minutes, the Moors took the lead with Tyrese Shade scoring... With only the keeper to beat, Shade scored into the far corner to make it 1-0...

In the second half, the visitors looked to find an equaliser and kept a majority of the ball but failed to test Nick Hayes in the Moors goal...

On 71 minutes, the Moors doubled their lead with Jamey Osborne scoring another shot from range... In the 88th minute, Shade got his second of the game and the Moors’ third...

Ebbsfleet starting XI: Cousins, Wright ©, Bingham, Poleon, Cundle, Edser, Clifford, Chapman, Skura, Fogarty, Kenlock. Subs: Sterling-James, Tanner (Poleon 67), McQueen, Domi (Clifford 67), Bilongo

FIXTURE BACKLOGS

Whilst Alty have been enjoying a midweek break from action, Gateshead and Wealdstone faced two midweek games in three days this week. However Gateshead's Tuesday match was postponed, plunging the Heed into fixture chaos, with five games to compleye in ten days.

Gateshead have issued a statement detailing the sequence of events which led to the match against Aldershot Town being postponed, shortly before kick off.

They state that the pitch had been passed as playable before Aldershot set off on their long journey but that heavier rain than forecast had fallen afterwards. They claim that The Shots were unwilling to delay the kick-off to allow time for remedial work on the surface to take effect.

The planned Tuesday games between Rochdale and Boreham Wood, and FC Halifax Town v Oldham Athletic were also also postponed, so three clubs still have four or more games to play before the regular season ends on 20 April.

In contrast, only ten clubs have just two Saturday fixtures to play.

They are Altrincham, Barnet, Dagenham & Redbridge, Woking, York City, Kidderminster Harriers, Solihull Moors, Southend, Hartlepool United and Maidenhead United

The remaining eleven teams have three fixtures to complete.

Four teams are in action on Thursday night which should bring AFC Fylde and Dorking Wanderers into the two-matches-to-play category.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

The Altrincham FC monthly draw for March 2024 has been made with the outcome as follows:

March 2024

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's fixtures which affected former Altrincham players or loanees.

League One : Having picked up an injury in February, JUNIOR QUITIRNA had missed Fleetwood's last eight games, but, by the time he came off the bench in the derby match at Blackpool in the 84th minute, the hosts had long since scored the only goal of the game.

CARL PIERGIANNI skippered Stevenage to a 2-1 home win over Barnsley.

League Two : The scoring had already been completed by the time ALISTAIR SMITH came off Colchester United's bench, visitors Stockport County winning 1-2.

TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game for Grimsby Town at Harrogate, but was on the wrong end of a 1-0 score line. JOEL SENIOR suffered the same fate as Morecambe were undone by visitors Crewe Alexandra, who held out with 10 men for the last few minutes.

National League : As Southend United came from behind to win 1-2 at Wealdstone, MARCUS DACKERS only came off the bench in the 73rd minute.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Aldershot Town have commented on the very late postponement of their match at Gateshead on Tuesday.

"Whilst we massively appreciate the hard work from the volunteers and ground staff of Gateshead in trying to improve the condition of the pitch, we are incredibly disappointed with the apparent lack of consideration to our supporters, players and staff surrounding the decision making of events today.

Having been told of an 18:45 pitch inspection an hour and a half before kick-off, when our supporters long journey to Gateshead had already concluded, we were left awaiting a decision for almost 45 minutes.

A further update on when the fixture will be rearranged will be communicated in due course".

As they fight the threat of relegation, Wealdstone have "announced outline plans, subject to planning, for a new 6,300 capacity stadium, with potential to expand further following the decision by London Borough of Hillingdon to allocate the National League club an 18-acre site at Freezeland Way, adjacent to the former Master Brewer Hotel in Hillingdon.

The initial concept plan for the stadium incorporates high-level operational guidance from FIFA and UEFA and utilises best practice precedents from stadiums around the UK and Europe... Complementary facilities... will include administrative offices, training, retail, catering, media, hospitality and leisure facilities together with parking...

Situated only 2.7 miles from the Stones current home, The Vale in Ruislip, the stadium will have easy access to the A40 and M25 while its location adjacent to Hillingdon Underground Station will mean fans can travel to and from central London in just 35 minutes...

Wealdstone’s Chairman, Rory Fitzgerald, said 'London Borough of Hillingdon's decision to allocate the club this land follows a long period of discussion and negotiation and will play an important role in safeguarding the future of the club and supporting its growth...

The Board is currently involved in a number of preliminary discussions regarding funding'".

Altrincham recently announced that the annual Player of the Season awards would be a free event, having previously advertised it as being a £20 event with an accompanying meal, but at Solihull Moors "our 2023-24 player awards dinner will be hosted at the ARMCO Arena in the Jerroms Suite on the evening of Sunday April 14th 2024...

Price: £50 + VAT per head, included in which is a three-course meal provided by club partners Eric Lyons. Menu TBC...

First team Manager Andy Whing, his coaching staff and of course the first team playing squad will all be in attendance for what promises to be a wonderful celebration.".

And at AFC Fylde the Coasters will "celebrate the 2023/24 season... on Saturday 20th April, 2024. Doors will open at 7.30pm, for the event.

Hosted in Mill Farm’s Churchill’s conference and banqueting suite, we’ll celebrate the season once players and staff arrive back at the stadium following our trip to Woking...

With entertainment coming from Daniel Sings alongside players and staff honouring player of the season and goal of the season award winners alongside a host of other accolades the evening is one not to be missed for Coasters’ fans.

Tickets are available for £60 with a table of eight being available for £400".

9 April 2024

DORKING v ALTRINCHAM HIGHLIGHTS

YouTube has highlights from Dorking of the goalless draw with Altrincham last weekend.

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Next Saturday Altrincham travel to Kent to face Ebbsfleet United. Under their former name of Gravesend & Northfleet, Ebbsfleet United were founder members of the Football Alliance alongside Altrincham in 1979.

In fact, other than Alty and Ebbsfleet, only Barnet and Wealdstone are in the top flight of non-League football this season.

Curiously, although the Alliance was set up to facilitate non-League clubs' progression to the Football League, just one of the twenty original members of the Alliance is today in the EFL, that is Barrow. Of the other fifteen original members of the Alliance, the original clubs or reformed successors now compete lower down the pyramid.

In more recent news, Ebbsfleet United report that "The Kent County Football Association have put tickets on sale online for the DFDS Kent Senior Cup Final between the Fleet and Maidstone United next Wednesday, April 17th.

The final takes place at Hayes Lane, Bromley...

It is the Fleet’s first county cup final since 2014 ".

THROUGH THE YEARS: 13 April 2024

Saturday's match at Ebbsfleet will hopefully go ahead as scheduled but on the last two occasions that Altrincham had a fixture on that date, 13 April, it did not take place.

In 2020 Altrincham should have been travelling to Darlington but COVID curtailed that season before the fixture could be played.

In 2021 Altrincham were supposed to be playing Wealdstone on 13 April but the fixture makers brought that game forward to November 2020.

So the last occasion that Altrincham were in action on 13 April was in 2019 when they beat Chorley 5-3 at the J. Davidson Stadium. And facing them for the Magpies was Alex Newby who now, of course, plies his trade for the Robins.

Shaun Densmore was the hero with two goals as Altrincham saw off a comeback from Chorley. Jordan Hulme had scored a superb solo goal to give Alty a ninth-minute lead before a pulsating second half witnessed seven more goals.

Above: Shaun Densmore leads the celebrations after scoring Alty's fourth against Chorley.

Just as in the reverse fixture at Victory Park, Altrincham had been the better side in the first half but had only Hulme's single goal to show for it. When Tom Hannigan's bullet header from a Johnston freekick made it 2-0 five minutes after the interval, it looked good for the hosts. But within a minute Chorley hit back with Meppen-Walter heading home a freekick from the right.

Alty then paid the price for bringing all their players back for a corner when Ceesay cleared a Chorley flag-kick but Alty had no one upfield to receive the ball. The ball came back and Teague lashed the ball home after a fortunate rebound in the box (69 mins).

But Densmore then put Alty 3-2 ahead when he exchanged passes with Hulme before cracking the ball past Urwin from the edge of the box (72 mins). Chorley again responded, once more from a corner, as Meppen-Walter headed home in the 79th minute.

In the 84th minute Densmore smashed home a freekick after a foul on Hulme and the icing on the cake was an 89th minute penalty. Hulme was upended after good work from Ceesay and substitute James Poole netted the penalty to make it 5-3

ALTRINCHAM : 1. Tony Thompson, 2. Andy White, 3. Connor Hampson, 4. James Jones, 5. Tom Hannigan, 6. Jake Moult (c), 7. John Johnston, 8. Sean Williams, 9. Jordan Hulme, 10. Max Harrop, 11. Yusifu Ceesay. Subs: 12. Callum Dolan, 14. Simon Richman, 15. Matthew Chadwick, 16. Shaun Densmore, 20. Steven Drench.

Sadly it was Chorley who went on to gain promotion, beating Altrincham in the play-offs.

A full list of previous Altrincham games on 13 April is to be found in Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Fleetwood Town has released video showing captain BEN PRINGLE receiving the trophy after Fleetwood United's team became Champions of the UAE FA Second Division.

8 April 2024

ALTY CHAIRMAN INTERVIEWS MANAGER!

Bill Waterson interviewed Phil Parkinson for Alty TV after the goalless draw at Dorking. Phil thought it was "another niggly game, we shouldn't have expected anything less" given Dorking's situation in the league..

He said that earlier in the afternoon George had been "kicked from pillar to post" without the referee taking action. He felt that his offence was "never a red card", for what the referee saw as a "stamp on the foot". He added "It's certainly not violent conduct".

Video evidence circulating on the internet, however, does seem to confirm the referee's interpretation of the incident albeit without showing any of the context to which the Alty manager refers.

TWO ALTY OLD BOYS AT WEMBLEY

As well as MARCUS DINAGA, whose Gateshead side reached the FA Trophy final on Saturday, there will be another player with Alty connections likely to be playing at Wembley on the same day, in the FA Vase Final.

That is MICHAEL BAKARE who was a used sub as Romford won their place in the Vase Final against Worcester City after a two-leg semi-final victory over Lincoln United, decided by a 10-9 penalty shoot-out, on Saturday.

Bakare was a used substitute for an Altrincham first-team friendly against Manchester United Under-18s in January 2017. Alty won 2-1 with goals by Tom Hannigan and Diego Sedoc. The sides that day were:

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tim DEASY, 2. Sam PATTERSON, 3. Andy McWILLIAMS, 4. Jake MOULT (c), 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 6. Sam HEATHCOTE, 7. Simon RICHMAN, 8. Kyle BROWNHILL, 9. Oluwatomisin ADELOYE, 10. James LAWRIE, 11. Elliot NEWBY. Subs 12. Brice HERESON, 14. Michael BAKARE, 15.Laurence TAYLOR, 16. Emilie BIYEK, 17. Diego SEDOC, 18. Andy OWENS, 19. Max ALLEN, 20. Andrew JONES, 22. Alan GOODALL, 25. Sam DOWNEY.

MANCHESTER UNITED UNDER-18S: 1. Alex FOJKICEK, 2. George TANNER, 3. Lee O'CONNOR, 4. Tyrell WARREN, 5. Regan POOLE (c), 6. Callum WHELAN, 7. DJ BUFFONGE, 8. Ethan HAMILTON, 9. Josh BOHUI, 10. Angel GOMES, 11. Zak DEARNLEY. Subs: 12. Max DUNNE, 13. Max JOHNSTONE, 14. Jake BARRETT, 15. Harry SPRATT, 16. Aidan BARLOW, 17. Indy BOONEN, 18. Kayne DIEDRICK-ROBERTS, 19. Tom SANG.

Bakare, pictured right with Matt Doughty and Colin Little in the background, has also played against Altrincham for Welling United.

MORE ALTY OLD BOYS...

25 years after playing for Altrincham, the amazing KEVIN ELLISON continues to score goals; but the one he netted on Saturday for Vauxhall Motors, at home to Trafford, was not enough to prevent his side losing 1-2.

Elsewhere, JOEL BROWNHILL scored as his Padiham side beat Charnock Richard 3-0.

At Nantwich Town, BYRON HARRISON's goal helped The Dabbers beat Stalybridge Celtic 4-2.

Witton Albion's BEN HARRISON and ELLIOT ROKKA were both involved in the build-up to the only goal in their side's 1-0 win over Newcastle Town.

SEFTON GONZALES, as well as Alty loanee AMAAR HUSSAIN (left), netted for Clitheroe but they lost 3-4 at home to RYAN SHOTTON's Hanley Town. The Clitheroe boss, Danny Caldecott resigned at the end of the match; he had formerly managed Trafford.

RYAN BROOKE found the net as Runcorn Linnets defeated Mossley 2-0

NEXT: EBBSFLEET UNITED

Altrincham's next opponents, Ebbsfleet United may have flirted with the relegation places this season and, even now, are not completely safe, but they have the seventh-best home record in the National League.

The reverse fixture saw Altrincham win 6-1, the first time since 1991 that Alty had hit six in the top flight of non-League football, a feta they have repeated twice since!.

However, the Kent club were without leading scorer Dominic Poleon that day. The game witnessed Alex Newby's debut for Alty and his first goal for the club.

In the 81st minute Ethan Ross saved a penalty, his third such save in his last six games, the previous saves had been against Barnet and AFC Fylde.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Altrincham are top of the form guide over the last six matches, whilst Wealdstone are bottom. But when the sides met towards the end of March the Stones had looked well placed to finish in mid-table. They had exited the FA Trophy at the quarter-final stage a few days earlier and their run in that competition, along with postponements caused by waterlogging at Grosvenor Vale, meant they had games in hand.

But they have not won in the six games since their Trophy exit and now sit outside the drop zone only on goal difference.

Although they still have two games in hand on some clubs, Wealdstone have reacted to their downward spiral by issuing a statement from the club which says that "the contract of first team manager, David Noble, has been terminated with immediate effect. Assistant Manager Neil Banfield has also left the club.

This reluctant decision is not one the board of directors has taken lightly. It regrettably comes after deep and thorough consideration and is made in what we believe to be the best interests of Wealdstone Football Club, particularly in our ongoing attempt to retain our National League status.

We wish to acknowledge that both David and Neil are individuals of the highest calibre, possessing great knowledge and passion for the game. We have no doubt that, under different circumstances, their tenure with the club could have been met with the success we all strive for and had hoped for when making the appointments. Their professionalism, dedication, and commitment to the club has been evident throughout their time with us...

With just five National League games remaining of the season, the board has concluded that an appointment from outside the club would be too disruptive at this critical juncture. Therefore, first team coach Sam Cox will assume the role of interim manager, supported by a small group of senior first-team players. This decision has been made to ensure continuity and stability within the squad as we navigate through the remaining fixtures of the season.

Now is not the time to dwell on decisions that have been made. The sole focus of the entire club is now on Tuesday night's game at home to Southend United. We implore everyone connected with the club to rally around, get behind Sam, the senior players, and the team. Your support is crucial in helping us to maintain our status in a division we have worked so hard to get into and stay in".

Noble had only been in charge for 73 days. The Stones' remaining five fixtures include four at home...

7 April 2024

ALTY CHAIRMAN INTERVIEWS MANAGER!

Bill Waterson interviewed Phil Parkinson for Alty TV after the goalless draw at Dorking. Phil thought it was "another niggly game, we shouldn't have expected anything less" given Dorking's situation in the league..

He said that earlier in the afternoon George had been "kicked from pillar to post" without the referee taking action. He felt that his offence was "never a red card", for what the referee saw as a "stamp on the foot". He added "It's certainly not violent conduct".

Video evidence circulating on the internet, however, does seem to confirm the referee's interpretation of the incident albeit without showing any of the context to which the Alty manager refers.

DORKING WANDERERS 0-0 ALTRINCHAM

A draw was a better result for Altrincham in yesterday's goalless match at Meadowbank Stadium. It leaves Alty fourth in the table with 71 points. Of the clubs outside the current top seven only Aldershot Town in eighth can exceed that total.

Alty now have a midfield dilemma with George Wilson's red card leaving them short in midfield with Isaac Marriott and Joey Jones sidelined till next season. They do have recent signing Mitch Hancox but it is debatable whether he is sufficiently match-fit to play full games. Another midfield concern is that Elliot Osborne was apparently booked at Dorking so now sits on nine yellows, with a tenth card signalling a suspension.

As for Dorking, with three games left, they are three points below the lowst ranked "currently safe" club, Wealdstone. The Stones not only have two games in hand but have far superior goal diference to the Wands.

Match report here.

NEXT:EBBSFLEET UNITED

Alty's next opponents, Ebbsfleet United helped themselves to a vital three points by defeating AFC Fylde on Saturday. However, they remain in danger of relegation so will not be easing up when Alty visit on Saturday.

Ebbsfleet United reported that "The Fleet picked a good time to earn a first win over AFC Fylde as Ben Chapman’s brace put a distance between his side and the bottom four places.

There were two changes for the Fleet, Tommy Fogarty back in with Dominic Poleon replacing the injured Dom Samuel, while Darren McQueen also made way.

Both sides took the opening 10 minutes to settle into a match that had a must-win element about it. ...

The deadlock was broken just past the quarter-hour mark, a darting run from Poleon behind the defence allowing him to pick out the run of Chapman down the right. Poleon played the ball across the width of the pitch where Chapman arrived to unleash a thunderous effort past Theo Richardson, a cracking goal to open the scoring at the Kuflink Stadium...

A second of the afternoon for Chapman would arrive in the 53rd minute. A perfectly executed long ball from the superb Billy Clifford dropped in between goalkeeper Richardson and Chapman but the Fleet’s 22 timed his action perfectly, to head the ball past the Fylde keeper with enough power to send it beyond the defenders running back to cover...

EUFC: Cousins, Kenlock, Fogarty, Skura, Bilongo, Chapman (Cundle 78), Wright, Clifford, Edser (Tanner 81), Bingham, Poleon (McQueen 68). Subs: Domi, Fanimo".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan's review of Alty Old Boys' activities on Saturday is below...

League Two : With his Barrow side 0-2 down to visitors Swindon Town, ELLIOT NEWBY came off the bench at the start of the second half. There were no further goals, and he picked up a booking.

Having led briefly, Colchester United lost 1-2 to visitors Wrexham. ALISTAIR SMITH was substituted at 1-1 after 80 minutes.

TOBY MULLARKEY played the whole of Grimsby Town's 1-0 home win over Newport County.

JOEL SENIOR (right) put in a full shift for Morecambe, but visitors Doncaster Rovers ran out 0-3 winners.

CONNOR JENNINGS played the whole game for Tranmere Rovers, while CHRIS MERRIE watched on from the bench as visitors Walsall won 1-3.

National League : Rochdale brought TYRESE SINCLAIR on after 85 minutes at Oldham, who took JOSH LUNDSTRAM off four minutes later. The sides drew 1-1.

BILLY SASS-DAVIES scored the second goal in Boreham Wood's 4-0 drubbing of visitors Wealdstone.

DANNY WHITEHEAD (right) was substituted by AFC Fylde after 86 minutes, as they went down by the odd goal in three at Ebbsfleet United.

LUKE WATERFALL played throughout as Hartlepool United beat visitors Aldershot 2-0.

KEVIN BERKOE scored Woking's second in a 3-2 home win over Dagenham and Redbridge.

It was a bad day for ASHLEY HEMMINGS as his Kidderminster Harriers team lost 0-2 at home to FC Halifax Town.

National North : JONNY MARGETTS put King's Lynn ahead at Banbury United, but the hosts recovered to draw 1-1.

TOM PEERS scored Chester's second goal as they ran riot 1-6 at Gloucester City.

TOM HANNIGAN and SEAN WILLIAMS were in Warrington Town's starting line-up at Tamworth, while JOSH AMIS was on the bench. The game ended 1-1, which was enough for the hosts to be confirmed as champions and they will return to the National League next season after a 10 year hiatus.

NPL : After FC United had gone ahead at Hyde United, JACK REDSHAW equalised and the hosts went on to win 2-1.

JUDE OYIBO opened the scoring for Radcliffe, and their 4-0 home win over Matlock Town means that they are almost certain to be champions and will therefore compete in National North for the first time next season.

FA Trophy: MARCUS DINANGA can look forward to a Wembley visit in the Final, but OLLIE BYRNE and SAM HEATHCOTE won't be making the trip as Macclesfield went down 2-1 at Gateshead. (For Byrne it was the second season in succession that he has missed out on a Wembley trip at the final hurdle, after being Alty's custodian when they lost to FC Halifax Town at the semi-final stage last year).

Scottish Championship: MILES WELCH-HAYES played the full game as Dunfermline Athletic drew 1-1 with visitors Partick Thistle.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

"Maidenhead United chairman Peter Griffin told fans last month it would be ‘nice’ if Max Kilman was sold by Wolves this summer after admitting the Magpies have a sell on clause for the player.

In the past the club have remained tight-lipped on any potential sell on deal for Kilman who was sold to Wolves for a reported £40,000 in 2018...

[Wolves have] held onto the central defender and have made him captain this season. That hasn’t stopped the rumours, however, with Manchester United the latest club thought to be interested in signing the player.

Griffin didn’t disclose any details about the deal they have with Wolves, but it’s been rumoured the sell on clause could be anything up to 20 per cent...

Griffin said... 'We’ll see what happens. Every year we have players who move on. Emile Acquah moved on last year, and Josh Kelly has just moved on again from Solihull to AFC Wimbledon.

'One of the great things about having a smaller budget is that you must rely on younger players, and they get more game time than they do at other clubs. Players also see that as a positive if they’re trying to restart or progress their career'".

The BBC confirms that "Tamworth have won successive promotions to return to the National League for the first time since being relegated in 2013-14...

They drew 1-1 with Warrington Town at home on Saturday to seal a second successive automatic promotion.

With two games left they are eight points above second-placed Scunthorpe...

The success of Andy Peaks' Lambs has been built on the back of the league's tightest defence, with just 27 goals conceded in 44 games while midfielder Kyle Finn has been their main goal threat, with 14."

Solihull Moors report that "Alex Whitmore was the hero as Solihull Moors reach the final of the FA Trophy for the first time in their history, beating Bromley 1-2 at Hayes Lane...

Andy Whing made three changes to the starting line-up with Alex Whitmore, Jon Benton and Tyrese Shade [selected]...

The Moors took the lead after some brilliant defending from Bromley just before. Passley had cleared off the line from Whitmore initially, before a cross towards Whitmore again was turned in to give the Moors the lead.

On the hour mark, the hosts equalised after a dangerous free kick from Odutayo hit the post before Ben Krauhaus smashed the ball into the roof of the net to make it 1-1...

The Moors took the lead again with Whitmore grabbing his second of the game. A Benton corner was crossed towards Mark Beck at the far post, who nodded the ball downwards and was cleared off the line by Reynolds. However, James Clarke flicked on the second cross and Whitmore sent the header the other side of the keeper to make it 1-2."

6 April 2024

DORKING WANDERERS 0-0 ALTRINCHAM

The first half, played in blustery conditions, ended goalless. Alty came close to taking an early lead when a Linney cross was diverted onto his own crossbar by Bobby-Joe Taylor (7 mins).

Overall, play was fairly even before the interval with neither keeper needing to make a serious save.

The second half started well for Alty but Dorking went on to have the better of the half, but with Ross only having to make one decent save.

Three added minutes were declared and they witnessed four bookings, one of which was a red card for George Wilson for an off the ball incident which presumably ends his season prematurely.

LINE-UPS:

Altrincham made two changes as Kosylo and Mooney moved up from the bench whilst Conn-Clarke and Donawa moved in the opposite direction.

Hollis and Blair returned for Wanderers as Moore and Bowerman moved to the bench.

DORKING WANDERERS: 1. Harrison Male, 2.Isaac Philpott, 17. Josh Taylor, 5. Tony Craig (c), 7. Jimmy Muitt, 9. Jason Prior, 16. Charlie Carter, 3. Bobby-Joe Taylor, 19. Haydn Hollis, 25. Aaron Kuhl, 29. Tom Blair. Subs: 10. Alfie Rutherford, 37. George Francomb, 12. Callum Kennedy, 18. Luke Moore, 30. Seb Bowerman

ALTRINCHAM: 29. Ethan Ross, 2. Lewis Banks, 15. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines (c), 3. Eddy Jones, 8. Elliot Osborne, 19. George Wilson, 7. Matty Kosylo, 30. Alex Newby, 44. Dan Mooney, 9. Regan Linney Subs: 10. Chris Conn-Clarke 14. Dior Angus, 16. Sam Roscoe, 17. Justin Donawa, 26. Mitch Hancox.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday, 6 April 2024

BEFORE: DORKING WANDERERS

By chance Altrincham will complete their season by playing three of the current bottom six as they face Dorking, Ebbsfleet and Oxford City, so the Robins may have a significant impact on who goes down.

Altrincham's opponents today, Dorking Wanderers, are in their second season at national level and, earlier in this campaign, they seemed to be relatively confident of continuing their stay at that level.

However, a poor run of results in 2024 has left them second-bottom of the National League.

With Oxford City already certain, not only of relegation but of finishing bottom of the pile, the battle to avoid the other three relegation spots is fierce.

Dorking can get 55 points should they win all three remaining fixtures. Currently thirteen clubs in the division have fewer than 55 points but realistically those teams with 50 or fewer points at the moment would seem to be most at risk.

In addition to the current three in 21st to 23rd place, Kidderminster Harriers, Boreham Wood and Dorking Wanderers, the other clubs currently having 50 points or fewer are Eastleigh, York City, Woking, Ebbsfleet United, Wealdstone and Oxford City.

Wealdstone seem well placed with three games in hand on some of their rivals, whilst Ebbsfleet have two matches in hand.

On the eve of the match today, Dorking Wanderers state that "In terms of Bromley on the Friday, there were encouraging signs, particularly in the first half where it was a very even affair, however second half Dorking’s struggles in front of goal came to bare... eventually ending in a 2-0 defeat White’s men.

On the Monday afternoon, it was a short trip to the EBB stadium to face an Aldershot side vying for the playoff places... Aldershot took a very early lead after a glaring error by ever-present Harrison Male between the sticks...

Dorking found the priceless goal after numerous chances came and went, it was steered home by Alfie Rutherford... in what was a gripping 1-1 draw.

After The Shots match, Marc White said... 'We have to chase a points total, we’re treating it one game at a time, that’s our plan... We’re going to play Altrincham in a specific way, and that’ll be the case for the rest of the games'...

Looking ahead to Altrincham, Phil Parkinson’s men sit currently atop the form table in the league...

Matt Briggs (hamstring), Dan Gallagher (hernia) and James Mcshane (ACL) all remain unavailable and are long-term concerns. Dan Pybus is also doubtful along with George Francomb, who both continue to contend with tendonitis troubles.

Barry Fuller is also nursing a minor niggle, but the boss is 'hopeful' that he will be fit for Altrincham’s visit.

Bobby-Joe Taylor, who left the field mid-way through the first half at The EBB on Monday with a knock, has trained this week and isn’t thought to be a major fitness concern...

It is a clean bill of health for Altrincham ahead of their trip to Dorking, however there are a few players that are walking the tightrope of suspension".

Footnote: Elliot Osborne with eight yellow cards in the NL appears to be at most risk a suspension.

ISUZU FA TROPHY FIXTURES

Saturday, 6 April 2024

ISUZU FA TROPHY FIXTURES: Semi-Finals First Leg

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan informs us that in the Cymru Premier, Championship Group, "After being left out of Bala Town's starting XI for the last three matches, LUKE WALL was a starter in their 1-1 home draw with Newtown. He was substituted after 82 minutes".

ALTY OLD FOES

The BBC reports that "Torquay United have formally gone into administration.

Owner Clarke Osborne announced his intention to place the club into administration in February and the Gulls had 10 points deducted last month; no extra sanction will be applied.

It comes after a deadline for a bid for the club passed on Thursday evening.

The club will continue to play its matches...

A bid backed by the Torquay United Supporters' Trust has been lodged for the club, which made a loss for more than £1.1m in the year to 30 June 2023...

Torquay United wrote in a statement on their websit, 'A further announcement is anticipated within the next two weeks when the administrators hope to confirm that the club's future has been secured'..

The Gulls were relegated from League Two in 2014 and dropped into the sixth tier for the second time at the end of last season. They are currently five points above the relegation zone with five games left to play."

5 April 2024

NEXT: DORKING WANDERERS

Altrincham seem likely to field an unchanged side as they face Dorking on Saturday.

With James Jones, Joey Jones, Ollie Crankshaw and Isaac Marriott all ruled out till the end of the season, and Justin Amaluzor having missed the last three matches with a groin problem, the Robins have managed to turn round their form in recent weeks.

A poor run of six defeats in seven fixures has now been transformed into a sequence of five wins in six outings in which 17 goals have been netted.

CONFIDENCE HIGH AT ALTY

Writing in the Sale & Altrincham Messenger, press and media officer John Edwards says "Phil Parkinson insisted Altrincham will carry on entertaining as they enter the final phase of trying to secure a first-ever place in the National League play-offs.

The Robins face a searching test of nerve and character as they head into away fixtures with Dorking Wanderers and Ebbsfleet United over the next two Saturdays before hosting Oxford City on April 20.

But they will stick to the policy that has brought them 81 goals so far this season and that proved too good for Oldham...

'We have put on a show in front of the cameras and a bumper crowd, and I’m ever so proud of everyone connected with the club,' said Alty boss Parkinson... 'We’ve got a puncher’s chance in any game in this division.

'I thought we played some lovely stuff in the first half and carved them open at times.

'The front four are a delight to watch at the moment, but that’s just how we approach games. We are not setting up to stop the opposition or looking for a draw. We are going into games trying to score goals and win, and if I was paying to watch, that is what I would want to see.

'The way the players are focused and geared up at the moment, we fancy it against anyone'"

DECLINE OF ALTY'S TRADITIONAL RIVALS

For many years Altrincham and Northwich Victoria were local rivals operating latterly in the top-flight of non-League football.

But, this week, the Vics reached perhaps the nadir of their decline since leaving their historic Drill Field Stadium with a 0-10 "home" defeat. (The match was played at the Weaver Stadium, Nantwich owing to waterlogging at The Barton Stadium, Winsford, the Vics current home).

That was reportedly the heaviest defeat in the club's history since its foundation in 1874 and was inflicted by league leaders Congleton Town. Sadly, ex-Alty goalkeeper Adam Reid was the unlucky man in goal for the Vics.

Vics now compete in the Midland League Premier (step 5) and lie third from the bottom.

The Northwich Guardian's Peter Tonge reports "on a horror night for Northwich Victoria...

Though Vics could have reason to feel aggrieved with the first three goals, there is absolutely no excuse for the capitulation for the rest of the match.

Twelve minutes in... a good finish to put Town into an early lead.

Things got worse in the 20th minute as a Congleton player handled the ball in the Vics' area during a melee, the ref blew and promptly sent Vics' Anton Smith off for handball and awarded a penalty which was duly converted.

Six minutes later, another Town handball in the build-up wasn't given by the ref and Congleton slammed the ball home...

Town then made it four in the 31st minute and grabbed a fifth just before half time... In the first 10 minutes [of the second half] Town scored another two goals... Vics were ragged now and further goals followed in the 70th and 72nd minutes through Vics mistakes... In the final couple of minutes... Congleton made it double figures".

Meanwhile, 1874 Northwich, the club formed by Vics' supporters in 2012 in the wake of the decline and financial issues at Northwich Victoria, are currently 13 points adrift at the bottom of the NPL West Division (step 4) having won just four of their 33 matches this season.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE ATTENDANCES

The current pecking order as regards average National League home attendances places Altrincham eleventh...

  1. 7,792 Chesterfield
  2. 6,873 Oldham Athletic
  3. 6,406 Southend United
  4. 4,545 York City
  5. 4,020 Hartlepool United
  6. 2,825 Kidderminster Harriers
  7. 2,787 Rochdale
  8. 2,638 Woking
  9. 2,592 Aldershot Town
  10. 2,587 Bromley
  11. 2,186 ALTRINCHAM
  12. 2,073 Eastleigh
  13. 1,981 FC Halifax Town
  14. 1,898 Dorking Wanderers
  15. 1,856 Barnet
  16. 1,645 Dagenham & Redbridge
  17. 1,568 Ebbsfleet United
  18. 1,464 Wealdstone
  19. 1,397 Maidenhead United
  20. 1,363 AFC Fylde
  21. 1,361 Solihull Moors
  22. 1,187 Gateshead
  23. 1,109 Boreham Wood
  24. 965 Oxford City

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

At Hartlepool United chairman Raj Singh says that "Over the last season I have spent much time reflecting on the current situation at Hartlepool United, particularly in respect of our league status, the football department and supporter satisfaction.

I formally and publicly opened the Club up to takeover or investment bids at the end of last season following some supporter requests to do so. To date we have not received a viable proposition. At the point of putting the Club up for sale I also took a step back from the running of the Club.

Now, in the continued absence of any takeover and moving forward, I feel I need to more permanently implement a means for the Club to operate...

As such we will be expanding a new look Board of Directors for Hartlepool United that will have additional positions for individuals with supplementary skill sets and/or long-standing affiliations to the Club.

Specifically, there will be Board roles that support and supervise football activities, commercial activities and supporter engagement including through official fan representation. I will continue to support the Club financially, but I will take a more permanent step back from its day-to-day management...

Ronnie Moore has been appointed as the Club’s new Chief Scout. Again, this will form part of a new operation...

My aim is that these changes will provide a well-structured management team moving forward... I remain open to any investment proposal that could realistically and sustainably progress the Club, but at the same time I can’t keep waiting for an offer that may or may not come and keep the Club in limbo".

4 April 2024

PHIL RISES IN MANAGERIAL SENIORITY

With the news that Luke Garrard is leaving Boreham Wood at the end of the season, Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson will move up to second in terms of seniority managing at National League level, assuming Alty are still at in the VNL next season!

By the end of this season he will have completed four full campaigns managing at national level, with only Alan Devonshire at Maidenhead United having more such unbroken experience, his club having reached the National League in 2017, meaning that he is about to complete his seventh campaign at this level.

Phil will be third to Marc White (Dorking Wanderers) and Alan Devonshire in terms of current unbroken managerial longevity at any level. Marc's transition from founding the club to becoming manager is a little unclear but it was certainly before Alan Devonshire's appointment at Maidenhead in May 2015.

At Altrincham, Phil was appointed in May 2017, initially at NPL level.

Amazingly, apart from those three, no other current National League manager has more than two seasons and two months managerial experience at his current club at this level, underlining the high level of managerial turnover.

Footnote: Dates are in YY/MM/DD order. Marc White's date of transition to manager of Dorking is unclear but predates 2015.

NEXT: DORKING WANDERERS

Saturday's clash between Dorking Wanderers and Altrincham is a vital meeting for both teams.

The hosts are in need of points to get out of the relegation slots into which they dropped only recently.

In contrast, a win for Altrincham would keep a promotion play-off place in their own hands with two more fixtures to complete.

Last season, this fixture was game 43 of the season; this time it is game 44.

Back on Saturday, 15 April, 2023 Alty threw away a two-goal lead, which they had secured in the first eight minutes of the match. In fact, three goals came in the opening quarter of an hour of this game as the Wanderers pulled the score back to 1-2.

Altrincham had taken an early lead when good approach work by Hulme and Hugill culminated in a curling shot by Linney which gave Lincoln, the goalkeeper, no chance of keeping it out (5 mins).

Maxi Oyedele (right) made it 0-2 when a mistake by Craig let him in (8 mins). But Dorking hit back with a goal headed in by Muitt from a fine cross by Bowerman (12 mins).

There was no further scoring before the interval at which point Dorking made a double change with Gallagher and Ottaway replacing Francombe and Seager.

With Alty looking fairly comfortable in the second half, Dorking equalised when the ball broke for Ottaway to shoot past Byrne (61 mins).

And the Wanderers made it 3-2 when Prior headed in a Muitt cross (72 mins) as Alty wobbled.

DORKING WANDERERS : 21. Dan Lincoln, 37. George Francomb, 33. Joe Cook, 18. Luke Moore, 25. Aaron Kuhl, 27. Tony Craig, 17. Josh Taylor, 7. Jimmy Muitt, 30. Seb Bowerman, 19. Jason Prior, 9. Ryan Seager. Subs : 3. Bobby-Joe Taylor, 24. Harry Ottaway, 20. Dan Gallagher, 16. Nicky Wheeler, 2. Isaac Philpott

ALTRINCHAM : 1. Oliver Byrne, 34. Miles Welch-Hayes, 30. Harry Perritt, 6. Lewis Baines, 28. Maxi Oyedele, 2. Eddy Jones, 8. Josh Lundstram , 4. Isaac Marriott, 9. Jordan Hulme (c), 29. Regan Linney, 39. Joe Hugill. Subs: 10. Elliot Osborne, 11, Luke Burgess, 18. Ben Pringle, 21. Matt Gould, 27. Aaron Bennett

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Southend Echo reports that "Southend MP Anna Firth hopes the winding up petition will never come to court because it would “waste time, money and energy” which would be better spent “powering the club forward”.

Ms Firth spoke out as the consortium buying Southend United, led by Justin Rees, warned a fresh petition to 'wind up' the club has been launched by one of its creditors.

It comes as the consortium... continues to invest heavily in the club despite not yet formally owning it...

Ms Firth said... 'Unfortunately, the starting of yet another winding up petition against the club does not appropriately target those who caused the issues in the first place'".

One player who will not face Altrincham is Wanderers' Joe Cook who has joined Gateshead this week, on a free transfer.

He had made 14 appearances for the Surrey club this season.

Another arrival at the International Stadium is goalkeeper James Montgomery who has signed for the club for the fifth time, on the expiry of his existing loan from Spennymoor Town.

He has 81 appearances already to his name for the Gateshead club.

3 April 2024

MATTY'S CENTURY

When he next takes to the field, Matty Kosylo (right) will become the fourth of Altrincham's current squad to have made 100 appearances for the club.

The other three are James Jones (166+10), Elliot Osborne (102+13) and Eddy Jones (101+2)

To date, Matty has made 78(+21) appearances and netted nineteen goals for the Robins.

He would have reached this landmark much earlier but for losing the whole of last season to an ACL injury.

Now 31, Matty's arrival at Alty was announced on 16 August, 2020, signing a two-year contract after leaving AFC Fylde. He had joined The Coasters in summer 2019 but had not replicated the success he had enjoyed over a three-year spell at FC Halifax Town, his previous club.

Earlier in his career, wingman Kosylo had played previously under Alty manager Phil Parkinson. That was back in 2014-16 at Nantwich Town, with Matty having begun his career at Stockport County before spells with Salford City, Ashton United, Hyde United and Vauxhall Motors (2013/14).

He left Nantwich for FC Halifax Town, for an undisclosed fee, in July 2016. At the time he was the Evo Stik NPL Young Player of the Year. Kosylo made a great impression in his three seasons at The Shay (2016-19), during which he scored 24 league goals in 74(+5) league appearances for The Shaymen.

Matty then joined AFC Fylde in 2019 but relegation in 2020 meant that The Coasters were prepared to release him from his contract to sign for Altrincham...

In May 2022 it was announced that he had re-signed for a further season. However, a pre-season ACL injury meant that he was out of action for the entire 2022-23 season but he returned to action in 2023 pre-season. He suffered another injury after half a dozen appearances before returning to action in late November 2023.

Another injury sidelined him until he retured over the Christmas period of 2023.

NEXT: DORKING WANDERERS

On Saturday, Altrincham travel to play Dorking Wanderers as they complete the season with three fixtures against clubs in the bottom six.

The Wanderers finished above Altrincham in their inaugural National League campaign last season.

A month ago a 4-1 win against champions-elect against Chesterfield suggested that Dorking woul have no problem staying in the division. But they have not won in seven subsequent matches

Ironically that poor run began with a 2-1 defeat at Altrincham.

They have lost the other four fixtures; away at Maidenhead, Southend United and Barnet, and a home defeat to Bromley.

OLDHAM MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Alty TV has highlights of the match against Oldham Athletic on Easter Monday.

DENNIS HASSALL R.I.P.

With 25 goals in 1955-56, Dennis Hassall was Altrincham's leading scorer in season 1955-56. Altrincham supporters will be saddened to hear of Dennis's recent death at the age of 91, which is marked by John Ewards's obituary on the Altrincham FC website.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULT

Tuesday, 2 April 2024

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Back in August when they drew 1-1 at Altrincham, few would have expected Boreham Wood to be in serious danger of relegation this season but they now find themselves in 22nd place and three points from safety.

As a consequence the club has announced "After the season we are enduring and the recent run of six consecutive defeats, the Club Chairman and Manager Luke Garrard met for supper last night and the club wishes to make this statement.

It is with deep regret, and huge sadness, that Boreham Wood Football Club can announce we will part company with our long-serving Manager Luke Garrard after our last game of this season against Ebbsfleet United on Saturday, April 20th.

In contrast Aldershot Town are more than happy with their manager.

"A year ago today [Tuesday], Tommy Widdrington was named as Aldershot Town First-Team Manager!

Hired with the task of keeping the Shots in the Vanarama National League, Widdrington’s new side remained unbeaten for the final six games and secured their survival with a 2-2 draw at York City.

Fast forward to a year later and with four games remaining in the 23/24 Vanarama National League season and Tommy Widdrington’s Aldershot Town lie in seventh place, occupying the final promotion playoff spot.

The gaffer has also overseen a historic FA Cup run, resulting in 4500 Shots travelling to Championship promotion-chasing West Bromwich Albion after a famous 7-4 First Round win over Swindon Town and a last-minute 1-0 win over Stockport County in front of the BBC cameras.

It’s been an incredible first year with Tommy at the wheel and we look forward to the future with Widdrington in charge!"

The Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Ryan Peters says Maidenhead United will look to ‘bottle’ their experiences this Easter weekend after claiming back-to-back league wins over Aldershot Town and Eastleigh.

The Magpies went into the weekend on the brink of the relegation zone, however, very different... victories over the Shots and Spitfires have moved them five points clear of the bottom four...

On Friday afternoon, they pulverised an out-of-sorts Aldershot side 4-0, with the visitors reduced to nine men in the second half. While on Monday, they came from two goals down to win a league match for the first time in nearly 30 years as the Spitfires were chewed up and spat out by a fabulous second half display...

Chairman Peters added, 'It was a case of forgetting that first half, getting back to what worked so well for us on Friday. We did that in the second half and created chance, after chance after chance... When Aldershot were 2-0 down on Friday, I heard boos. We didn’t get that [on Monday]. We got incredible applause... We want to finish this season on a high.'”

2 April 2024

'WOOD BOSS TO LEAVE

Back in August when they drew 1-1 at Altrincham, few would have expected Boreham Wood to be in serious danger of relegation this season but they now find themselves in 22nd place and three points from safety.

As a consequence the club has announced "After the season we are enduring and the recent run of six consecutive defeats, the Club Chairman and Manager Luke Garrard met for supper last night and the club wishes to make this statement.

Right: In the August match at Moss Lane, Regan Linney is policed by Boreham Wood's Jamal Fyfield.

It is with deep regret, and huge sadness, that Boreham Wood Football Club can announce we will part company with our long-serving Manager Luke Garrard after our last game of this season against Ebbsfleet United on Saturday, April 20th.

Wood Chairman Danny Hunter said, 'This advance announcement is made with a very heavy heart on my part, and because of Luke’s service I want his departure to be dignified, respectful and honest. That is very important because he should not be remembered for one disastrous season but for his volume of work over so many seasons...

Hunter continued, 'In the fullness of time, Luke will be remembered for how he kept us up in his early managerial tenure, for the play-off wins and for the day we took our town to Wembley and came so close to the EFL...

'I do not want one disastrous season to define the most successful manager in our club’s history and I felt if we did not make this announcement now, Luke would depart our club at the end of the season like a thief in the night, with no thanks, no goodbyes, and without our real fans being able to say a true thank you for his hard work, honesty, friendship and care...

'Our club from top to bottom is built on ‘old school’ values and we will forever be in the people business... I feel for nearly a decade we had the greatest Chairman/Manager collaboration in non-league football'".

Footnote: In their eight previous seasons in the National League, Boreham Wood have achieved five top-half finishes. Garrard was appointed manager in 2015 when he was the youngest manager in the top five divisions.

His managerial record is currently: P437-W156-D137-L144-WINS35.70%

His sides were built on parsimonious defences. Only once in those eight seasons did they concede more than 48 goals and only once did they net more than 53 goals in a season.

This season, in contrast, with four fixtures still remaining, they have already conceded 73 times and scored 52 goals.

ALTRINCHAM 1-0 OLDHAM ATHLETIC

Brian Flynn interviewed Phil Parkinson after Altrincham's win on Monday over Oldham Athletic. Alty TV has the video interview.

Match report

MELLON: "WE'VE JUST GOT TO KEEP GOING"

The Oldham Times reports that "Micky Mellon insists that Oldham Athletic will keep going to the finish, despite the final play-off place slipping further from their grasp with a 1-0 defeat at rivals Altrincham.

It was a must-win game to keep Latics' play-off hopes alive, but they came unstuck just before the break, with Alty danger man Chris Conn-Clarke scoring what proved to be the winner...

A run of one win in 10 has put the play-off run-in well and truly out of Latics' hands...

Mellon said... 'It's difficult for us right now, that gap's got too big with not enough games left. But you've just got to keep going...

The 1-0 loss at Moss Lane was the first time Latics had suffered back-to-back defeats this season...

'It was a strange game in the first half, they kind of stood off us a bit and we stood off them. We spoke at half-time and we said 'get right up the pitch and start getting in among them and making it more difficult for them and we did that," the Latics boss said".

TUESDAY FIXTURE

Tuesday, 2 April 2024

NEXT: DORKING WANDERERS

Next Saturday Altrincham travel to Surrey to face relegation-theatened Dorking Wanderers.

The second half of the season has seen Marc White's side slide into the bottom four in their second season in the National League.

However, an equaliser at Aldershot Town on Monday earned the Wands a point. They are now four points from safety, having played two more matches than Wealdstone in 20th place.

Dorking Wanderers tell us that "A late leveller from oncoming substitute Alfie Rutherford ensured it finished all square at The EBB, gifting Marc White’s side a valuable draw in Hampshire.

Having made several alterations to the line-up for Good Friday’s match with Bromley, Marc White opted to make a further three changes ahead of another crucial Bank Holiday encounter in the form of Aldershot Town. Hollis and Fuller made way for and Philpot and Muitt, allowing Tony Craig to retake the captain’s armband, whilst McManus was kept out for the return of Aaron Kuhl following his loan spell at Farnborough...

Aldershot...[scored] inside the opening two minutes. Male’s attempt in playing the ball forward made its way into the path of Josh Barrett, who... [slid] the ball into the bottom corner...

Dorking grew into the encounter and were unfortunate not to go into the break on level terms...

Marc White opted to add to his attacking line at the break, switching Moore for Rutherford...

After another period of Aldershot dominance early into the half...the Wanderers began to find a foot[hold] in the game as they looked for a leveller, eventually grabbing their goal courtesy of Alfie Rutherford... tapping home via a deflection."

Dorking Wanderers: Male, Philpot, Taylor (Fuller ’25), Craig ©, Muitt, Prior, Carter, Taylor, Moore (Rutherford ’46), Kuhl, Bowerman (Blair ’63). Unused Subs: Hollis, McManus".

THROUGH THE YEARS: 6 April 2024

Saturday's match at Dorking is the sixth succesive away game for Altrincham on that date, 6 April.

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data reveal that five years ago on Saturday, Altrincham inflicted on Alfreton Town their heaviest ever home defeat, the Robins winning 7-0.

Altrincham took the lead in the eighth minute when home keeper Ramsbottom failed to deal with a Johnston cross from the right. Blackpool loanee Ceesay was on hand to head against the crossbar from close range before he nodded the rebound into the net.

Above, Jordan Hulme (behind Alfreton's no.11), scores Alty's second goal on Saturday.

Jordan Hulme swept the ball into the net to make it 0-2 (32 mins).

Five minutes before half-time Altrincham gained a slightly fortunate penalty when Ceesay's flicked ball was handled by a defender. Johnston converted the spot-kick to make it 0-3 by half-time.

Above, John Johnston, behind Alfreton's no.11, nets his penalty to make it 0-3.

Josh Hancock scored the fourth from the edge of the box in the 61st minute. Alfreton then won a penalty after a challenge by Jones, but former Alty midfielder Jordan Sinnott saw his penalty well saved by Tony Thompson.

Three goals in the final three minutes plus added time brought the tally to seven for the visitors. Goal number five came in the 87th minute when a loose ball fell for Ceesay to net his second goal of the match. Three minutes later it was 0-6 when Moult's goalbound effort, following a Chadwick corner, was diverted into the net by Hulme.

And the icing on the cake arrived in the third added minute when James Jones shot home from the edge of the box following another Chadwick corner.

Alty moved up to fifth in the table.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan has reviewed Alty Old Boys' activities on Monday...

Championship: Rotherham United gained their first win since Boxing Day, dispatching visitors Millwall 2-1, although they still look certain to be relegated . DUNCAN WATMORE was substituted after 74 minutes.

League One: JOE HUGILL played the full game for Burton Albion, but after leading at half time they lost 1-3 to visitors Barnsley.

OWEN DALE scored Oxford United's third goal as they put visitors Fleetwood Town to the sword 4-0. He was then substituted after 61 minutes.

League Two: TOBY MULLARKEY (right) played the full game in Grimsby Town's 1-1 home draw against Bradford City.

JOEL SENIOR played the whole of Morecambe's 2-1 home win over Barrow, who brought ELLIOT NEWBY on at the start of the second half.

ALISTAIR SMITH scored the equaliser in Colchester United's 1-1 draw at Tranmere Rovers. CONNOR JENNINGS was booked for the hosts, who left CHRIS MERRIE on the bench.

National League: KEVIN BERKOE put in a full shift as Woking drew 1-1 at Bromley

ASHLEY HEMMINGS opened the scoring for Kidderminster Harriers at Chesterfield, and was substituted in the 91st minute of their 1-3 win. JEFF KING played the full game for the hosts, while JAMES BERRY was a 59th minute substitute.

TYRESE SINCLAIR was a 76th minute substitute for Rochdale in their 1-1 home draw with Hartlepool United, for whom LUKE WATERFALL played throughout.

MARCUS DACKERS came off the Southend United bench after 81 minutes of their 4-2 home victory over Boreham Wood, who left BILLY SASS-DAVIES on their bench.

National North: KENNEDY DIGIE scored both goals as Alfreton Town won 0-2 at Chester.

JONNY MARGETTS (above, right) struck the third goal for King's Lynn as they raced to a 3-0 lead in only 20 minutes, but visitors Scarborough Athletic mounted a stunning second half revival to win 3-4.

NPL: Although JOHN JOHNSTON put Matlock Town ahead, visitors Ilkeston Town fought back to win 1-2.

1 April 2024

ALTRINCHAM 1-0 OLDHAM ATHLETIC

After a slow start, Altrincham got the upper hand with Conn-Clarke having a couple of decent chances.

The breakthrough finally arrived after 40 minutes when a great ball forward up the right by Osborne set Newby running into the box. Though his pass inside to Conn-Clarke was poor, Sutton got his feet in a tangle and the ball ran for Conn-Clarke to score from close range at the back post.

So Alty deservedly led at the interval.

The second half saw Oldham putting in an improved performance but their build ups were often ponderous and they lacked a cutting edge. Altrincham, watched by a bumper crowd of 4,578, defended well to move up to fourth in the table, albeit others have a game or two in hand

Match report here

EASTER MONDAY FIXTURES

Easter Monday, 1 April 2024

TODAY: OLDHAM ATHLETIC

Today's match against ninth-placed Oldham Athletic is the last match for Altrincham against opponents currently in the top half of the National League.

The Latics are fourth-bottom of the form guide with no wins in six games, whilst Altrincham are third from the top.

However, the match today will certainly not be easy for the hosts. Not only was the reverse fixture a draw but the Latics put Altrincham out of the FA Cup this season.

Above: Oldham Athletic have already visited the J. Davidson Stadum this season. Here we see action from their FA Cup win in October 2023.

Only one team, York City with sixteen, has drawn more matches that the Latics' fifteen this season. And, more strikingly, Oldham have lost the joint fewest number of away games in the National League, just four, a total only matched by Bromley and Solihull Moors.

James Norwood (33) is by far the Latics' leading scorer, with 17 goals, with the suspended Mike Fondop second, having netted seven goals.

Ex-Robin, Josh Lundstram has started twenty league games for Oldham this season, and made two more appearances from the bench, but he has not scored at all in the National League in this campaign.

ALTY LANDMARKS ALREADY PASSED

Already this season, the Robins have surpassed a number of landmarks.

With 42 games played to date, and four more to be contested to complete the season, Altrincham already have their best points haul (67) in the top level of non-League football since 1994/95. That campaign comprised 42 matches in which 68 points were accrued and a fourth-placed finish resulted.

This season Altrincham have already scored 77 goals, their most at this level since 1991 when 87 were scored, also from 42 games; Alty finished third in a 42-game season in that campaign.

Alty's thirteen defeats this season, after 42 games, is their lowest number of reverses in the national level since 1990/91 when only six defeats were experienced.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Before the match was called off this morning, on Sunday, FC Halifax Town warned that "Due to the ever changing weather forecast. We have decided to call a precautionary pitch inspection tomorrow (Monday) at 10.30am.

The pitch is currently playable & the game is currently on".

Overnight and ongoing rain had rendered the pitch unplayable. Woking "announce the signing of Sonny Singh.

The 20-year-old midfielder joins on loan from Stoke City until the end of the season.

Singh started his youth career at Leicester City, moving to Sunderland later and featuring for their under 18 side in the U18 Premier League

He signed for Stoke City in July 2022, initially joining the club’s under 18 setup...

This season, Singh has been on separate loan spells at National League North sides Hereford and Rushall Olympic, making eight appearances in total...

The signing was completed ahead of the National League transfer deadline on Thursday 28th March".