THURSDAY: CARLISLE UNITED YOUTH

Kick off is at 7pm and entry is just £3 for adults.

Altrincham FC tells us that "In their respective divisions, the two Altrincham Academy teams sit second in the National Youth League, North West Championship, and seventh in the National League u19 Alliance North respectively.

Meanwhile, Carlisle United u18s - who enter the FA Youth Cup at this stage of the competition - have endured a difficult start to their campaign in the EFL Youth Alliance North, picking up just four points from their opening seven games".

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

We let Lynda take up the story. 'I had a career lasting 35 years in financial services, working in HR and leadership development, and after retiring from that, I felt it was important to keep busy. I wanted to keep learning and trying new experiences, and the last year or so at The J.Davidson Stadium has certainly given me that'"

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : Having missed the defeat at Rotherham on Saturday due to a one match ban, CARL PIERGIANNI returned to the Stevenage lineup for the visit of Bolton Wanderers. It was not a happy return as the visitors ran out 1-4 victors.

National North: ROSS BARROWS and his Scunthorpe United colleagues made hay against a visiting Farsley Celtic side missing CONOR BRANSON, and ran out 6-0 winners.

Radcliffe started with JOSH HANCOCK and JAMIE MORGAN, while JORDAN HULME and BRAD JACKSON came off the bench to replace the pair of them after 84 minutes. However, a minute earlier another former Robin had provided the game's crucial moment - CONNOR KIRBY scored direct from a free kick to put Buxton ahead, and they doubled their tally in the 98th minute to ensure they took the points home to Derbyshire.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : ZAK GOODSON was among Quorn's scorers as they won their home game against Coventry Sphinx by the odd goal in seven.

Lancashire Challenge Trophy: Although SEFTON GONZALES equalised from the penalty spot, Clitheroe were knocked out at home 1-4 by Longridge Town.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The right back has spent time in the academies at Manchester City and Huddersfield Town before joining Derby in 2019...

The versatile defender made 17 Premier League 2 appearances in his first year as a professional...

Bardell said 'I’m really excited and ambitious to get some senior games under my belt.

'I’ll learn a lot. I’ve been around a first-team environment at Derby but I’ve not been too involved... I’ve worked with the gaffer at Derby and he’s a huge name in football so I’m hoping to learn a lot during my time here'.

Head Coach Kevin Phillips added 'We’ve needed some more quality in that area, especially since Bryce Hosannah suffered an injury so we’re really pleased to add Max to our ranks'".

30 October 2024

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

The next scheduled home fixture for the first team is a week later on Saturday, 16 November, when Southend United are the visitors to the J. Davidson Stadium.

ALTY OLD BOYS

mg src="http://www.altrinchamfc.co.uk/13hdjw.jpg" align=left> Wild left the club after three straight defeats left the Ingfield club bottom of the NPL East with just one win in the first 12 league matches...

Ryan Qualter took charge as caretaker manager, but could not bring about any reverse in fortunes...

Now the club have moved to bring back Ossett resident and ex-United player Walshaw as manager, with Qualter staying on as player-assistant manager.

He had a brief spell as joint caretaker manager a couple of years ago...

Walshaw said 'After two successful decades in non-league as a player, I’m delighted to be appointed as manager of Ossett United'".

Footnote: Now 40 years of age, Walshaw signed for Altrincham on 27 May 2013, after he had ended the previous season at Guiseley...

James had joined Guiseley, initially, towards the end of the 2008-09 season.... A move to Darlington followed but, after a loan spell at FC Halifax Town, he was re-signed by the Nethermoor club in early 2012...

His earlier career included spells at Yorkshire clubs Ossett Town, Bradford PA, Farsley Celtic (2007/8) and Wakefield.

2013-14 saw James finish as Altrincham's and the league's top scorer, with 29 goals plus 3 in cup matches. Sadly, he elected to leave at the end of the campaign and he joined Harrogate Town.

His Altrincham appearances totalled 39(+8), in which he netted 32 goals.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

We have commenced the search for his replacement".

Hartlepool United "confirm Nathan Asiimwe has returned to Charlton Athletic following the expiration of his short-term loan deal.

The 19-year-old made five appearances during his time at the Prestige Group Stadium, having joined on September 19.

Asiimwe has returned to the Valley, with the League One side having picked up several injuries.

29 October 2024

NEXT: FA YOUTH CUP

FIRST TEAM'S NEXT GAME

So, the next planned game for the first team is on Saturday, 9 November, when they return to the Midlands to face their FA Cup nemesis, Solihull Moors.

COLTS CRASH IN LOCAL DERBY

The hosts, at Shawe View, ran out 6-2 victors, their second victory of the season. At the interval, Alty trailed 3-0 and they remain bottom of the Development Division of the NW Youth Alliance.

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

'It’s not a good performance because we threw away a two-goal lead, which is simply unacceptable,' Taylor remarked. 'We managed any pressure they put on us effectively throughout the game and they didn’t really pose much of a threat until the final minutes. I expect my players to carry out their roles and responsibilities, but today, particularly in how we conceded the first goal, it was inexcusable...

'There’s a pattern emerging that I don’t like, one where we’re in strong winning positions but can’t see out games. I don’t know if it’s a mental toughness issue, but it’s something we’ll be discussing as a team this week...

'I want them to feel that pain because it needs to fuel improvement... It’s not about losing, it’s about the manner in which we ended up with a draw and that’s what’s upsetting both me and the players...

'Grimsby will be a different test [in the FA Cup] and one where nobody gives us a chance, which is often the case in the FA Cup'".

At Yeovil Town the Glovers are "delighted to announce the signing of Caleb Hughes, who joins until the end of the 2024/25 season.

The 21-year-old versatile midfielder joins us as a free agent after leaving Cardiff City at the close of the 2023/24 season.

Caleb began his professional journey with Cardiff, signing his first contract on his 17th birthday after progressing through their academy, where he represented both the U18 and U21 teams, before being involved in around the first team. He also gained valuable experience in men’s football with loan spells in the Welsh Premier League."

28 October 2024

BOSTON BOSS GOES

Ian took charge at the Jakemans Community Stadium in September 2022, helping to preserve the club's National League North status in his first season at the helm, before guiding the Pilgrims to promotion through the play-offs in May.

However, a difficult start to life in the National League has led to a change being made.

The club extend their thanks to Ian for his service – and wish him well for the future."

Footnote: Boston currrently lie second from bottom of the National League. Alty drew 2-2 with Boston at the JDS earlier this season.

Above, scorer of the second goal against Boston in September, Regan Linney, is congratulated by Tom Crawford and, right, Kahrel Reddin, who was credited with the "assist". In the background, left, we also see Radio Alty's Pete Scotson.

FYLDE HIGHLIGHTS

COASTERS' LAMENT

"We were second-best from minute one to the last minute".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Closer to home, an Alty trialist last summer, DAMOLA SOTONA also scored a brace on Saturday, in his case for Trafford in their 3-1 away win at Wythenshawe Town.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Like the second half display at Wealdstone on the Wednesday before, Braintree offered little invention going forward after the break and a goal was only likely to come from the visitors.

The Surrey club took advantage of awful defensive play to score the decider early in the second half - courtesy of former Iron player Will Davies who, unmarked in the home six yard box, slid the ball home from a cross in from the right.

The defeat, Iron's third in eight days, saw the side slip further into the relegation mire, two points adrift of safety."

27 October 2024

AFC FYLDE 0-5 ALTRINCHAM

Both of Altrincham's early goals were superbly taken by Regan Linney (right). The first from a Newby pass saw the striker curl a shot from the left edge of the box across the keeper into the far corner of the net (5 mins).

The second was equally well-taken as Wilson and Humbles exchanged midfield passes before the latter fed Linney. This time, from just left of the "D", he curled another shot past the keeper (10 mins).

As half-time approached, a home move broke down and Alty counter-attacked with Newby and Linney exchanging passes before Linney tapped in from 5 yards, left of centre, leading to an interval score of 0-3 (41 mins).

Alty added a fourth when a superb chip forward by Linney set Newby in on goal and he calmly lobbed the advancing Richardson to make it 0-4.

Fylde continued to labour and, just after Nuttall had put a freekick over the bar, Fylde lost the ball to substitute Osborne after the resulting goalkick. The midfielder finished smartly from the left to make 0-5 (80 mins).

The only real blemish was an unnecessary foul by Banks which earned him his fifth yellow of the campaign.

Linney's was the first Altrincham hat-trick since loanee Joe Piggott achieved the feat in a 0-6 win at Curzon Ashton in 2019.

Match report here

OPPOSITION REPORT

NEXT: FA YOUTH CUP

ALTY OLD BOYS

"The most entertaining game I've watched in any division this season" (John Helm on Sky Sports +)

And the League Two fixture between Morecambe and Chesterfield was worthy of that accolade. RYAN COLCLOUGH was in the visitors' starting lineup, while MARCUS DACKERS (left) played the full match for the Shrimps - and indeed it was he who appeared to score their second goal (although it was later credited as an OG).

After 66 minutes, the Spireites made their second double substitution, and Ryan was replaced by JAMES BERRY, who produced a sparkling cameo. First he restored Chesterfield's lead with a curling shot from wide on the left after 75 minutes - it was reminiscent of Tylor Golden's excellent goal at the J.Davidson Stadium earlier this season.

Just seven minutes later he played a superb 25 yard pass that sent Armando Dobra clear to put his team up. Shortly afterwards his audacious 30 yard lob beat the keeper, but struck the crossbar. Another late strike gave the visitors a 2-5 victory, which leaves Morecambe adrift at the foot of the division. We may well see them at Altrincham next season.

Elsewhere, in the Championship: Millwall withdrew DUNCAN WATMORE after 71 minutes at Swansea City, and went on to win by the only goal in added time. JOSH GINNELLY has a muscle injury which has prevented him from being named in a match day squad for the Welsh side so far this season.

League One : Without JUNIOR QUITIRNA (right), but with TOBY MULLARKEY putting in a full shift, Crawley Town went down 3-0 at Northampton Town despite having more goals attempts than their hosts.

Stevenage were without skipper CARL PIERGIANNI, who was serving a one match, for their visit to Rotherham United, who are managed by their boss of last season, Steve Evans, and who saw them off 2-0.

League Two: SONNY ALJOFREE played the whole game as Accrington Stanley, despite being outplayed, held visitors Walsall to a goalless draw.

Bromley left the prolific Michael Cheek on the bench, but he came on at the start of the second half with visitors Barrow a goal to the good, and earned them a 1-1 draw with a 91st minute penalty. ELLIOT NEWBY played the whole game for the Cumbrian side.

Although CONNOR JENNINGS gave Tranmere Rovers an early lead at Crewe Alexandra, they eventually lost 3-1, and both he and CHRIS MERRIE were substituted during the final quarter of the game.

National League: York City were trailing from the 14th minute at Halifax, and TYRESE SINCLAIR was substituted after 67 minutes. Halifax were still hanging on at 1-0 when they brought on former Robins trialist TOM PUGH after 83 minutes, but York struck twice in added time to steal the three points. There were nearly 4,000 supporters at the game - and just over 2,200 of them were with the visitors.

BILLY SASS-DAVIES was at the heart of the Hartlepool United defence as they won 2-0 at home to Aldershot.

REAGAN OGLE played the whole match, but JOSH LUNDSTRAM (left) was substituted after 53 minutes, as Oldham Athletic found a single goal enough to beat visitors Dagenham and Redbridge.

MATT GOULD was in his usual spot on the Yeovil Town bench as they beat visitors Maidenhead United, who substituted MILES WELCH-HAYES in the 80th minute of their 3-1 defeat.

National North: CONNOR KIRBY (right) was among the scorers as Buxton steamrollered visitors Needham Market 7-1.

TOM PEERS started, while MITCH HANCOX and DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY came off the Chester bench at Curzon Ashton. The Seals' poor run of form continued with a 4-0 reverse - their fifth consecutive game without a win, a run in which they have scored only one goal.

Warrington Town came back from being two down at the break at Darlington, drawing 2-2 with JOSH AMIS scoring both goals.

The middle goal in Hereford's 3-0 home win over Farsley Celtic was scored by YUSIFU CEESAY.

National South: After visitors Slough Town took an early lead, DANNY CASHMAN (right) scored twice, one of them a penalty, as Worthing built a 4-1 lead. However Slough got back to 4-3, and Worthing were reduced to 10 men soon afterwards. However they held on for the win.

NPL Premier: A JACK REDSHAW penalty gave Hyde United the lead at Lancaster City, and they increased that lead just before the hour. However AARON BENNETT reduced the arrears, and the Dolly Blues struck again to force a 2-2 draw.

FA Trophy: DONTAI GABIDON scored Macclesfield's fourth goal as they demolished visitors Ashton United 7-1.

Bamber Bridge went through 2-3 at Workington with LUCAS WEAVER scoring the clincher

NPL Division 1 West: Although TOM HANNIGAN notched a goal for Bootle, it wasn't enough as visitors Widnes won 2-4 with SEAN MILLER scoring the fourth.

Yet again, MASON FAWNS scored the only goal of the game for Mossley against visitors Nantwich Town. KEVIN ELLISON emulated his feat for Vauxhall Motors at Newcastle Town.

.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Manager Mark Cooper confirmed the offer following the 3-1 home win over Maidenhead United on Saturday which saw the 25-year-old left out of the squad.

Speaking to BBC Somerset’s Ian Randall after the game, the boss... said 'We have had an offer for Jordan, so we are discussing that and we will take some time over the weekend to consider that. All I will say is we have to keep evolving we have to keep making the squad better and make sure everyone who comes here is desperate to play for us and all I will say is trust what we are doing.'”

The Halifax Courier tells us that "Town boss Chris Millington blasted his team's weak mentality after their 2-1 home defeat against York City.

The Shaymen were on course for victory thanks to Jamie Cooke's early goal but conceded twice in added time at the end of the game, both from set-pieces, to come away with nothing.

'Just weak mentality. I think there's players in there who clearly care, the fans see it, the fans know who they are,' Millington told the Courier.

'Your Adam Seniors, your Jack Evanses and a few others. And then there's some who don't mind getting beat, they're quite happy to turn up, play some nice football between the boxes, get a little bit of a ruffle of the hair, told how good they are and accept defeat.

'And it's got to stop. They have to toughen up. I think we've got a higher number of technical players than we've had for a number of years, but if they haven't got the heart and the selfless approach that other players, lesser players, in the history of this club have had, then we ain't going to achieve what we're capable of achieving...

'And one of the very clear messages is there are more set-pieces being scored and conceded in the National League at the moment than have ever been. But if you've got a weak mentality and a lack of seflessness in the group, that's where it's going to show itself the most'".

26 October 2024

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde 0-5 Altrincham (k.o. 5.30pm)
• Barnet 2-1 Rochdale
• Braintree Town 0-1 Sutton United
• Eastleigh 1-1 Boston United
• Ebbsfleet United 2-2 Wealdstone
• FC Halifax Town 1-2 York City
• Gateshead 1-0 Solihull Moors
• Hartlepool United 2-0 Aldershot Town
• Oldham Athletic 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Southend United 2-0 Tamworth
• Woking 1-1 Forest Green Rovers
• Yeovil Town 3-1 Maidenhead United

TODAY: AFC FYLDE

Those unable to visit Mill Farm can watch the game by purchasing a National League match pass for £9.99.

Alty travel to Fylde having won just three of their last dozen league matches.

ALTY ACCOUNTS

"Certainly our bottom-line performance was eye-catching but it [is] not a cause for serious concern.

"The foundations of the club remain solid, we are debt free and seeking further investment to cover the next few seasons.

"As a business we will be focussing on continuing our revenue growth, on controlling our costs a=nd on securing that additional investment to remain focused on our ambition....

Although we have come a long way, the toughest part of the journey still lies ahead"

ALTY'S RETAIL RELOCATION

Right: The AFC retail outlet in its original location in George Street.

The main move of stock, fixtures and fittings took place last week, thanks to the hard work of our dedicated team of retail volunteers. Following this, our partners Bruntwood had some pre-launch remedial work to carry out at the unit, which is scheduled to finish by the middle of next week.

What’s New? While we may have moved just a few feet away, our new premises have allowed us to revamp and refresh everything you love;

• More space for a relaxed shopping experience
• Enhanced displays to make browsing easier and more enjoyable
• More stock than ever before as we approach Christmas
• Match tickets for all games, as well as Half-Season tickets.

Following the re-opening, we will resume standard trading hours as follows (though please keep an eye out on social media and the website for changes to standard opening hours, especially on matchdays.

• Monday and Tuesday CLOSED
• Wednesday 12pm - 4pm
• Thursday 10am - 4pm
• Friday 10am - 4pm
• Saturday 10am - 4pm
• Sunday 12pm - 4pm

We are planning on holding a number of late night Christmas shopping events across the first couple of weeks in December in the build up to Christmas...

Online sales remain unaffected...

Following a re-stock, we now have good availability of the Winter 2024 Alty Bobble, the Embroidered Bar Scarf, and our popular Black and Red Beanie. These sit alongside our 24/25 Replica Kits with availability in all sizes apart from 4XL which have now sold out. For those who enjoy a tipple, we have a re-stock of the Gin, Rum and Vodka mini sets, the Alty Bar Runner and Beautifully Engraved Tumblers".

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 20-year-old arrived in mid-September and has made 7 appearances during his time at Huish Park netting three goals.

We would like to thank Ciaran for his services and wish him all the best in the future."

Yahoo Sports reports that "Dean Brennan blamed individual errors after Barnet’s 3-1 National League loss at York City, as the Bees suffered a second consecutive defeat for the first time this season.

Chesterfield loanee Bailey Hobson opened the scoring for the visitors on 37 minutes, but York rallied to level with virtually the last kick of the first half before securing the points with two late strikes.

'It was a very tight game. In the first half we had some exceptional opportunities to go and make it one or two (nil),' said Brennan...

'At the end of the day, we’ve lost because of two errors, and then we haven’t done enough when we turned the ball over in their half...

'I've seen the second goal back, and our keeper should save it'".

Oldham Athletic confirm that "Jack Stretton has been recalled to his parent club following his loan spell at Oldham Athletic.

The 23-year-old joined the club at end of September but has now returned to Stockport County.

He played in the National League Cup against Stoke City and made a substitute appearance in the away victory at Sutton United.

25 October 2024

PP ON POOLS GAME

The Alty boss conceded that "We didn't do enough" for a win. He said that here were plenty of good chances created but they were not converted. he claimed that Hartlepool "didn't open us up ever", as he thought that Hartlepool's chances came primarily from crosses into the box. In short, he asserted that "We are difficult to beat at home".

He went on to say "We were in complete control of the first half" and had a brilliant middle part of the game.

Phil pointed out that Hartlepool are a really big team", which expects to win this division and not be where we are in the league.

He was proud that "At times we really opened them up... we had three one v ones with their keeper; as a rule "nobody does that to Hartlepool" he asserted.

The boss disagreed that finishing has been a weakness all season, feeling it was a more recent phenomenon. Alluding to the departure of Chris Conn-Clarke, he said that the question for the team is now "who is the main man?" He continued, "We're waiting for one lad to grab it [the main man mantle] by the horns and say it's me".

Asked why he had not used any subs in the match he said he "wanted to see if the forwards could take advantage of the game opening up.. I thought it was such a tight game and I fancied our forwards">

Finally he updated the position on Ollie Crankshaw saying that he was again "very close to returning to the pitch">

POOLS' PERSPECTIVE

Altrincham probably shaded the first half but Pools pressed for a winner after the break... Veteran Lennie Lawrence began his second stint in caretaker charge with a 1-1 draw at Maidenhead and made three changes...

Campbell replaced Greg Sloggett, Sass-Davies replaced struggling skipper Luke Waterfall, who conceded a penalty on Saturday, and Asiimwe, who was starting for the first time in a month, was preferred to Roshaun Mathurin...

Having punched well above their weight last term, the Robins have found things more difficult so far this season following the departure of talismanic top scorer Chris Conn-Clarke...

Since Parkinson's appointment in April 2017, Pools have had 12 permanent managers...

Both sides were rather cancelling each other out as the clock ticked down but Altrincham almost unlocked the Pools defence with 17 minutes of normal time remaining when Justin Amaluzor, who had been busy in the second half, lashed an effort into the side netting...

Pools have struggled to pose a threat from set-pieces this season but almost scored from a corner late on when Nathan Sheron poked wide from close range at the back post while Joe Grey curled an effort the wrong side of the woodwork from a promising position on the edge of the box".

FACING OLD CLUBS

The midfielder spent a three-month loan period at Dave Challinor's AFC Fylde in 2019.

Also, last Tuesday, Eddy Jones found himself up against a team for which he had formerly played. Alty's left-back played six times for the Pools whilst on loan there.

Another Alty man, like Crawford, who was a former Fylde player is Matty Kosylo (right) who joined the Coasters in 2019 but relegation in 2020 meant that Fylde were prepared to release him from his contract to sign for Altrincham.

NEXT: AFC FYLDE

Although they languish in twentieth position, The Coasters have secured victories against some notable opposition this season. An opening day victory over Solihull Moors, a 2-1 win over Southend United in mid-September and a 5-2 trouncing of Aldershot Town were all achieved at Mill Farm.

But on Tuesday they secured their first away win with a 2-1 victory at Boston United

They have two ever-present starters in Corey Whelan and Ethan Michell but it is forward Nick Haughton, who has started all but one fixture, who is their talisman.

He has hit 11 goals this season already.

They recently appointed Kevin Phillips as their manager, making them the third opponents on the run to face Alty with a manager who did not start the campaign in charge.

ALTY OLD BOYS

THROUGH THE YEAR: 26 OCTOBER

24 October 2024

ALTY'S NEW COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR

Wayne's profile describes him as "Company Director | Experienced Commercial Leader | International Sport Management | Open to Opportunities in the Sports Industry".

Outside his commercial career, 34 year-old Wayne is a former athlete.

ALTRINCHAM 1-1 HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Altrincham made four changes as Amaluzor, Linney, Banks and Janes Jones returned in place of Golden, Olson, Humbles and Bickerstaff. On the bench Jake Cooper returned from injury but Alty made no changes at all from the bench during the game.

Former Alty loanee defender, Luke Waterfall, was not in the Pools' squad but another ex-Alty loanee, Billy Sass-Davies started.

Match report here.

NEXT: AFC FYLDE

The last time that Alty visited Fylde, they were deprived of a win by an equaliser in the tenth minute of added time!

Played on August Bank Holiday last year, Alty let a two-goal lead at the interval slip into an eventful 3-3 draw.

In a strange first half Alty's much-changed side struggled for half an hour to produce anything in the way of impressive football against a Coasters' side which dominated possession without really testing Ethan Ross. Then Alty scored twice in as many minutes.

They took the lead on 33 minutes when the home keeper failed to hold an Angus shot from the right and Linney tapped the ball home.

Right: George Wilson had an eventful first start for Altrincham at Fylde last season.

Then, a good ball from Osborne gave Linney possession on the left and he fed an unmarked Angus in the central, outer reaches of the box and he beat the keeper with a fine shot, his third goal in 48 hours. So Alty led 2-0 at the break.

Fylde won a clear penalty when James Jones brought down Haughton left of goal. Haughton's penalty was well saved by Ross to his right but as the ball bounced away in the box from Ross's save, debutant starter George Wilson went to hook it clear. From behind him Whitehead went for the ball too and the referee construed the incident as a second penalty, just seconds after the earlier spot kick. This time Houghton converted confidently to make it 1-2 (58 mins).

Substitute Omatayo headed in an equaliser from a cross from the Fylde right (79 mins). But despite not threatening at all from open play in the second half, Alty sub Amaluzor wrestled with Obi on the byline, left of goal, and the referee pointed to the spot. Conn-Clarke's hop-skip-and-jump penalty kick fooled the keeper to put Alty ahead again (88 mins).

But as ninety minutes approached, George Wilson was injured and, though he resumed after lengthy treatment, he had to go off soon afterwards leaving Alty to negotiate what turned into more than ten added minutes.

Fylde pressed forward against the ten men and got a very late corner on the left which was taken short to Whitehead, whose cross was headed in at the back post by Obi to leave the result 3-3 (90+10 mins).

ALTRINCHAM: 29. Ethan Ross, 2. Lewis Banks, 3. Eddy Jones, 5. James Jones (c), 6. Lewis Baines, 15. Jake Cooper, 6. Elliot Osborne, 9. Regan Linney, 19. George Wilson, 22. Joey Jones, 14. Dior Angus, Subs: 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 11. Justin Amaluzor, 8. Isaac Marriott, 16. Sam Roscoe, 32. George Burroughs.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The midfielder has returned to the team for the last two games, which have both been 1-0 wins...

'Watching the games from the side is tough but you can always see what the boys are trying to do so it’s just about getting the repetitions and the patterns and that’ll always give us a good chance of getting the three points...

'Obviously I had six weeks out in the end, so I’ve just got to get the minutes back in my legs...

'I feel like the position I play, I have to get my numbers up. Every team needs a centre-mid that scores goals so hopefully I can continue and get more under my belt.'"

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 0-0 Southend United
• Altrincham 1-1 Hartlepool United
• Boston United 1-2 AFC Fylde
• Solihull Moors 2-1 Woking
• Sutton United 0-1 Gateshead
• Wealdstone 3-2 Braintree Town

OPPONENTS' LATE RETURNEE

The right-back played every minute of Blyth’s four league games since making the move to Croft Park midway through September.

Stephenson, who has made 26 senior appearances for Pools, returns... with immediate effect".

FA YOUTH CUP TIE ARRANGED

TONIGHT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Altrincham will be hoping that Ethan Ross has recovered from the shoulder injury incurred last Saturday against Gateshead.

Right: Ethan receives treatment to his injury which allowed him to complete the game .

Details of how to watch the match if you are unable to attend in person are available via the National League.

THE LAST TIME: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Again it was a midweek fixture, played on Tuesday, 19 September, 2023 and it ended in a sixth draw in ten outings for an injury-ravaged Altrincham side. Alty were without six injured first teamers in the shape of Ollie Crankshaw, Regan Linney, George Wilson, James Jones, Liam Brockbank and Matty Kosylo.

Manager Phil Parkinson opted to start the match with Justin Amaluzor and Justin Donawa on the bench as he fielded a more defensive minded eleven than usual.

Left: Lewis Baines (facing camera, right) is congratulated on his goal last season against Hartlepool.

Nevertheless, they fell behind, against the run of play, when Finney was played in behind the Altrincham defence and, as Ross raced out to meet him, he looped an excellent finish over the keeper and into the net (15 mins).

In swirling rain Alty levelled after 23 minutes. The goal arrived after Conn-Clarke, for the second time in the game, found himself behind the Pools' defence. He played the ball inside and it ricocheted into the path of Marriott who stabbed the ball home.

Alty took the lead in the fourth added minute of the first half. A freekick from the left arrived in the path of Baines, to the right of centre, who hooked the ball home impressively at the second attempt.

But Hartlepool netted an equaliser after 77 minutes when Grey was played in and he finished coolly past the advancing Ross.

Ross, Eddy Jones and Baines were the only starters from last Saturday against Gateshead who also started last year against Hartlepool. However, a forth player from last Saturday, Tom Crawford, also started in the 2023 game when playing for Hartlepool.

ALTRINCHAM : 29. Ethan Ross, 2. Lewis Banks, 3. Eddy Jones, 4. Lewis Baines, 16. Sam Roscoe, 22. Joey Jones, 6. Elliot Osborne, 8. Isaac Marriott (c), 14. Dior Angus, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 15. Jake Cooper. Subs: 11. Justin Amaluzor, 17. Justin Donawa, 20. Tom Jones, 21. Matt Gould, 32. George Burroughs.

FIFTY FOR JUSTIN?

In all, he has made 49(+7) eppearances to date and scored nine times.

NEXT SATURDAY: AFC FYLDE

This is followed by a currently blank Saturday on 2 November, owing to Alty's premature exit from the FA Cup.

After that, another away trip is scheduled when Altrincham visit Solihull Moors on 9 November. As things stand, therefore, it will be three and a half weeks before the next first-team match at the J. Davidson Stadium which will be on Saturday 16 November, when Southend United are the visitors.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Championship: With his side 1-0 up at the break, Oxford United introduced OWEN DALE (right) to the game, but visitors Derby County forced a 1-1 draw.

League One: With TOBY MULLARKEY playing the full game, Crawley Town withdrew JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 57 minutes of their home match against Lincoln City, and went on to win 3-0.

CARL PIERGIANNI was booked in Stevenage's 0-2 home defeat by Cambridge United.

A goal down to visitors Mansfield Town, Wigan Athletic withdrew JOE HUGILL at half time. Although they equalised, they went on to lose 1-2.

League Two: ALISTAIR SMITH was credited with the assist for the opener in AFC Wimbledon's 3-0 home win over Morecambe, for whom MARCUS DACKERS played the full game.

ELLIOT NEWBY was substituted in the 90th minute as Barrow were held 1-1 at home by Notts County.

In Chesterfield's 1-1 home draw against Colchester United, RYAN COLCLOUGH (right) replaced JAMES BERRY after 67 minutes.

National North: A JOSH HANCOCK penalty was sufficient to secure victory for Radcliffe at South Shields. The culprit was sent off, and Shields finished with 9 men.

JOSH AMIS secured Warrington's 2-0 home win in the 90th minute - visitors Hereford had been down to 10 men from midway through the first half.

NPL Division 1 West: A 95th minute MASON FAWNS penalty rescued a point in a 1-1 draw for Mossley at home to Wythenshawe Town.

Robins loanee OWEN GERMAN opened the scoring for Witton Albion at Newcastle Town, and they went on to win 1-2.

TUESDAY'S SCORES

• Dagenham & Redbridge 2-2 Eastleigh
• Forest Green Rovers 3-1 Ebbsfleet United
• Maidenhead United 2-2 Oldham Athletic
• Rochdale 2-1 FC Halifax Town
• Tamworth 0-0 Yeovil Town
• York City 3-1 Barnet

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Club Chairman, Shahid Azeem, accompanied by Shots Foundation Manager, Jamie MacAllister, and Rushmoor Borough Council Armed Forces Champion, Nadia Martin, were presented the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award by Lord Lancaster and the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire aboard the HMS Warrior in Portsmouth.

This makes Aldershot Town Football Club the very first football club in the entire football system to be awarded for our work with the military, armed services, veterans and families. This is a very proud moment for the club and many thanks to all the staff, players and management, with so much good work carried out by the Shots Foundation in particular.

Aldershot Town was the first football club to sign the military Corporate Covenant back in 2014 and led every club in the National League, North and South to do so. We are forever indebted to our armed services".

22 October 2024

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

The Hartlepool Mail says that "Lawrence wants the next Pools manager to help get the best out of the current squad... following a miserable run of just one win in seven games...

Pools are searching for their 15th permanent manager in nine years and it seems as though the role has become a bit of a poisoned chalice...

Less than 20 years ago, Pools were 10 minutes away from promotion to the Championship...

The club has considerable potential and one of the league's most committed and dedicated fan bases while Dave Challinor showed just what can be achieved when supporters, staff and the playing squad are all pulling in the same direction...

The incoming manager will inherit a squad with plenty of talent but a group low on confidence following a bruising start to the campaign".

Lawrence believes that "We've got a deep enough squad, the owner has provided a perfectly good budget... It's just a question of getting the most out of those players".

COLTS BEATEN

Altrincham remain bottom of the Division, with a single point from four fixtures.

ALTY PLAN CONCERTS AT THE JDS

The letter adds that "The proposed concerts will feature headline performances by multi-million record selling artists alongside having the ability to support grassroots musicians and local performers".

The Club says that these events "will bring world-class artists to the heart of Altrincham, aiming to attract thousands of music fans from the local area and beyond".

The intention is to "involve the community every step of the way" and, to that end, the Club is holding "a consultation open evening" at the ground next week. The overall intention is "to not only bring world-class entertainment to the area but also to boost our local economy and enhance community spirit".

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 20-year-old, who made his EFL Championship debut for the Canaries against Middlesbrough in March, has become Ian Culverhouse's latest recruit at the Jakemans Community Stadium... having been allocated squad number 14.

Bristol Rovers "is delighted to confirm that Kofi Shaw has signed a new contract with the Club.

Academy graduate Shaw has impressed in the opening stages of the 2024/25 campaign, making five competitive appearances in all competitions...

Having signed his new contract, the midfielder will now continue his development at Yeovil Town... on loan until January 2025.

Shaw said... 'I’m looking forward to continuing to show what I can do and using the loan as a catalyst to eventually come back to Bristol Rovers and get in our first team on a more regular basis... I get to go out on loan now which I know will be a big benefit for my development. I’m looking forward to continuing to show what I can do and using the loan as a catalyst to eventually come back to Bristol Rovers and get in our first team on a more regular basis'.

Teenager Shaw made his senior debut for Rovers on the final day of the 2023/24 season...

A maiden Sky Bet League One start came for Shaw away to Peterborough United in September, taking his number of first-team appearances up to five for the season so far"

Eastleigh "announce the signing of Dominic Gape on a short-term deal!

Gape, 30, came up through the ranks with our neighbours, Southampton. He spent 11 years in their youth system before spending a further three years there after signing a pro-deal.

The midfielder made his Premier League debut for them in 2014... In the 2016/17 season, Gape was loaned out to Wycombe Wanderers and... went on to spend seven more seasons with the Chairboys, making appearances in the Championship and League One... Whilst with Wycombe, Gape made over 200 appearances across all competitions...

Gape began last season with Sutton United, before moving to Northampton Town in February".

Troubled Wealdstone admit that they were "comprehensibly beaten by Yeovil Town 3-00... with the Stones failing to score for the seventh time this season.

Matt Taylor made three changes to the side that progressed past Gosport Borough in the FA Cup last Saturday. Alex Dyer returned from international duty, while Adrian Mariappa and Jadyn Mundle-Smith were back from suspension...

It was the Glovers that broke the deadlock through McGavin in the 26th minute...

The Glovers were quick out of the traps in the second-half... Four minutes later, the impressive Jarvis rose highest to direct Dom Bernard’s cross past Howes with a superb header...

In the 58th minute... the Glovers bagged their third goal of the afternoon...

[Manager Matt] Taylor rang in wholesale changes, bringing on five fresh players" but the game ended 0-3."

21 October 2024

VIEWS FROM THE TECHNICAL AREA

With sixteen shots, but only five on target, according to the NL Paper, Altrincham's failure to capitalise on early dominance cost them points on Saturday.

Right: A determined-looking Alty captain, Lewis Baines, leaves the pitch at half-time, followed by Alty's right-winger Kahrel Reddin who had a fine game.

Overall, the visitors Gateshead were very good value for their draw at the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday.

It was Carl Magnay's first league match in charge of The Heed and, after the game he told the NL Paper, "It's a good point away from home. I like Altrincham, they're a good team, but overall I think we could've won.

"I felt like we were in control for large periods, so it's disappointing to only come away with a draw.

"The lads were intense and selfless...

"There's definitely work to be done tactically but they're a good bunch of lads and we have a good culture here".

Alty's Neil Sorvel said that "It's always a tough game against them but we showed good character and deserved the point.

"We had a bit of a wobble late in the first-half and found ourselves one down from their only two efforts and that hurt us.

"But it's good to see a late goal go for us this time after three or four against this season".

WOMEN SHOW THE WAY FROM THE SPOT

After drawing 5-5 the shoot-out was won by Alty 4-3, away at Ellesmere Port Town Ladies.

Whilst Alty were playing their cup tie, in the league, Chester FC knocked Alty off top spot with a 3-1 away win at Wirral United.

A BUSY AFTERNOON AT THE JDS

• The warm-up saw two unexpected faces taking part
• Before the match, Alty were honoured to welcome two Paralympian gold and silver medallists
• At the interval, Alty's leading appearance maker took part in a presentation ceremony to the MND Charity, the Darby Rimmer Foundation.

Further details of all of these events are below...

LOCAL HEROES

The couple wore their gold and silver medals as they were interviewed, pitchside, by Brian (pictured, above).

STUART'S GENEROSITY

Two of Stuart's team-mates at Altrincham, Mark Maddox and George Melling were both afflicted by Motor Neroene Disease (MND).

At half-time on Saturday, Altrincham FC press and media officer Brian Flynn oversaw a presentation ceremony, with Alty director Neil Faulkner, who organised the testimonial, and a representative of the Darby Rimmer MND charity. They are pictured with Stuart himself.

The Darby Rimmer Foundation is named after the former Liverpool, Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers footballer Stephen Darby and his close friend and British Forces' veteran Chris Rimmer.

"Stephen and Chris both have Motor Neurone Disease and have created a Foundation to create awareness of MND, to fund and assist research into the illness with the quest of finding a cure for the illness, to raise funds and offer grants to those with MND, as well as creating a network to help provide information and emotional support network for those diagnosed with the disease".

WARM-UP SURPISE 1: ISAAC MARRIOTT

However, on Saturday, it was good to see that Isaac was fit enough to kick a football (right) as he "warmed up" with Justin Donawa (see below).

25 year-old midfielder Isaac was Altrincham's captain before his injury and he has made 88(+4) appeaarnces so far since joining Alty from Bradford (Park Avenue) "for an undisclosed fee", a move announced on Christmas Eve 2021.

He became an ever-present starter for the final sixteen games of the 2021-22 campaign.

A pre-season injury in summer 2022 meant that Isaac missed the start of the 2022-23 season and it was league game 18 before he started a game, on 8 November 2022. However, he soon re-established himself as a key figure in the team and was rewarded with a two-year contract extension, announced at the end of March 2023.

On 22 July 2023 it was announced that James would be the Altrincham team's vice-captain for the 2023-24 season.

His last league game was in March 2024 and he has been sidelined since with his ACL injury.

WARM-UP SURPISE 2: JUSTIN DONAWA

That followed a 2023-24 season for Justin that was interrupted by injuries and international duty for Bermuda.

Nevertheless, Justin performed well when he did play and was also a versatile member of the squad in being able to play as a right-back as well as a speedy right-winger.

Unfortunately, he never started more than two successive league games for Alty last season, making a total of just 10(+11) appearances over the season.

Despite his limited appearances, he weighed in with a commendable three goals in those limited appearances.

This season Justin has been seen several times in the Directors' Box, watching Alty matches, often with his wife and baby as welcome guests.

On Saturday his rehabilitation went a stage further when he took part in some aspects of the warm-up (as seen, left) and he also sprinted up and down the pitch several times.

Hopefully, he will soon be able to prove his fitness to resume his Altrincham career.

Now 28, Justin was signed by Altrincham in a move announced on 23 June 2023, having turned down a contract renewal at Solihull Moors a club that he had joined in 2020.

Injury and international absences with Bermuda limited his appearances in the early part of 2023-24 and on 17 February 2024 it was announced that he had gone on loan for a month to Chorley.

He duly returned to Altrincham in March 2024 but sadly he suffered a bad ankle injury at Ebbsfleet in the penultimate fixture of the season.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 23 OCTOBER

It is not an auspicious date for Altrincham, who have not won any of their last eight fixtures on 23 October. Their last win on that date was back in 1979; a 1-0 win over Redditch United who were then in the top-flight of national non-League football in the inaugural season of the Alliance Premier League.

For details of all previous Altrincham games on 23 October, see Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett's Through the Years

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE MIDWEEK FIXTURES

The fixtures can be seen here

20 October 2024

ALTRINCHAM 2-2 GATESHEAD

Above: Alty defend their goal in the second half.

Match report here

AFTER THE GAME

Speaking of players who started he said of loanee Jake Bickerstaff (right), he was "superb in the first half". As for Liam Humbles he was "outstanding" all of which shows how strong the squad is.

Kahrel Reddin, he asserted, had "his best game for us" and, once again, Charlie Olsen was "outstanding".

Phil was "satisfied we got a point, but disappointed with the chances we created" that we did not convert.

He appealed for the fans to be more vocal on Tuesday night as he felt they were "a little bit quiet today".

NEXT: HARTLEPOOL UNITED

Pools sacked manager Darren Sarll last week and appointed Lennie Lawrence as caretaker boss.

On Saturday, Hartlepool were on the road at Maidenhead United, where they drew 1-1.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Championship: With visitors West Bromwich Albion a goal up, Oxford United brought OWEN Dale into the action after 84 minutes. They snatched a point with a 92nd minute equaliser.

When Millwall substituted DUNCAN WATMORE after 65 minutes there was no score, but visitors Derby County went ahead - they led only briefly, the match ending 1-1.

League One: Both TOBY MULLARKEY and JUNIOR QUITIRNA started for Crawley Town at Reading. Junior was substituted after 84 minutes as they lost 4-1. :

League Two: SONNY ALJOFREE (right) played the full game for Accrington Stanley as they beat visitors Barrow 1-0. ELLIOT NEWBY came off the bench for the Cumbrian side in the 62nd minute, and was booked in added time.

CONNOR JENNINGS was booked as Tranmere Rovers reached half time at Bromley with the game goalless. They went ahead after 75 minutes, and after CHRIS MERRIE came on after 80 minutes they almost immediately increased their lead. Bromley did manage to reduce the arrears in the 96th minute.

National League: JOSH LUNDSTRAM was substituted by Oldham Athletic after 76 minutes, but REAGAN OGLE played the whole game at Sutton United as they won 1-3.

Having been booked in the first half, TYRESE SINCLAIR scored York City's second goal against struggling Ebbsfleet United after 73 minutes. After he was substituted 7 minutes later the Minstermen struck twice more to win 4-0.

National North: ASHLEY HEMMINGS both opened and completed the scoring for Kidderminster Harriers as they hit 3 without reply at Needham Market.

LUKE BURGESS opened the scoring for Southport as they won 1-2 at Scarborough Athletic.

NPL Division 1 West: SEAN WILLIAMS (right) rounded off the scoring as Bootle despatched visitors Stalybridge Celtic 5-2. Celtic's second goal was scored by substitute GREG WILKINSON who beat the returning TONY THOMPSON from outside the box. TOM HANNIGAN was also in the Bootle lineup.

A MASON FAWNS penalty earned Mossley a 1-1 draw after they had trailed at Chasetown.

City of Liverpool led twice at Wythenshawe Town, DANNY MITCHLEY notching the second, but had to settle for a 2-2 draw.

NPL Premier: Still missing OLLIE BYRNE, FC United only named 4 substitutes, including GEZ SITHOLE, at Bamber Bridge. The hosts included ex Robin LIAM BROCKBANK, and Robins loanee LUCAS WEAVER - and Lucas struck twice as Bridge romped home 4-0, with all the goals coming before half time.

After visitors Workington had come from behind twice, JACK REDSHAW clinched a 3-2 victory for Hyde United from the penalty spot in added time.

NPL Division 1 Midlands: ZAK GOODSON emulated ASHLEY HEMMINGS by scoring first and last as Quorn won 0-3 at Coleshill Town.

19 October 2024

ALTRINCHAM 2-2 GATESHEAD

Right: Team mates queue up to congratulate Tom Crawford on his goal from the spot

But the hosts failed to convert their dominance into any goals from open play and were stunned by a 32nd minute equalizer when Butterfield fired home a fierce low shot from 23 yards.

And it got worse, eight minutes later, when referee Copeland yet again ignored what seemed a clear foul to allow the ball to come to Oseni who, from the left, fired across Ross and found the net off the base of the far post (40 mins).

The second half saw a much improved performance from Gateshead as Alty laboured to create any clear chances. Finally they levelled when a looping cross from Jones on the left dropped into the goalmouth where Newby got the ball over the line in a bit of a scramble.

However, rather then the hosts pushing for a winner in the six added minutes, it was Gateshead who pressed for the decider as Alty brought on Banks to shore up their defence.

So the points were shared which was probably a fair outcome but it was a game in which Alty should have pressed home their dominace of the first half-hour but failed to do so.

Worryingly for Altrincham goalkeeper Ethan Ross suffered a shoulder injury and played the last 35 minutes plus added time seemingly less than fully fit.

Match report here

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 2-1 Eastleigh
• Altrincham 2-2 Gateshead
• Boston United 0-1 FC Halifax Town
• Dagenham & Redbridge 4-0 AFC Fylde
• Forest Green Rovers 2-1 Braintree Town
• Maidenhead United 1-1 Hartlepool United
• Rochdale 0-1 Southend United k.o. 5.30pm
• Solihull Moors 4-3 Barnet
• Sutton United 1-3 Oldham Athletic
• Tamworth 3-2 Woking
• Wealdstone 0-3 Yeovil Town
• York City 4-0 Ebbsfleet United

TODAY: GATESHEAD

It will be the first league test for the new Gateshead manager Carl Magnay, following his appointment in place of Rob Elliot, who moved on to manage Crawley Town. Like Alty, The Heed also bowed out of the FA Cup in disappointing fashion. In their case they lost at home, 1-3, to lower ranked Hednesford Town on Tuesday night.

As for Altrincham, ahead of today's game, Phil Parkinson told the Altrincham FC website, "The recovery after Tuesday night's extra time game is extra important this week. The lads were mainly doing work off their feet on Thursday and we'll be as prepared as we always are for another tough weekend assignment."

PHIL PARKINSON AFTER SOLIHULL

For Alty TV, Brian Flynn spoke to manager Phil Parkinson after Wednesday night's FA Youth Cup match in which Altrincham defeated Chester FC Youth. Phil watched that match and volunteered that goalkeeper Louie Fallon (right) was "a standout performer" who is "outstanding with his feet".

As for the first team's defeat in their FA Cup replay at Solihull, Phil felt it was "the best performance I've seen from us this season" but "we didn't finish them off".

He explained the absence of Ollie Crankshaw, saying that Ollie needed to be handled carefully as he returns from his long layoff whilst, another absenteee, Jake Bickerstaff has had a "start-stop" spell at the club. However, he felt that "Matty Kosylo was superb" when he came on as a substitute.

By way of a change, Alty were set to visit a kryo-chamber before Saturday's game after the tiring effects of the extra-time game in midweek.

He added that he hoped that the improved performance at Solihull will prove to be a turning point for performances this season.

Phil also gave an injury update, telling us that Jake Cooper will be back in a training "in a week or two", and that Elliot Osborne should return to training next week.

However, Isaac Marriott remains "about three weeks" from returning to training".

On a happier note the Alty boss said of loan signing, 19 year-old Charlie Olson (above, left), "What a player!... We have a real cracker on our hands".

ALTY OLD BOYS

League Two : Despite his troubles, outlined here yesterday, RYAN COLCLOUGH played the first 67 minutes for Chesterfield at Newport County. Unusually, it wasn't JAMES BERRY who replaced him - he was left warming the bench as the Spireites triumphed 0-3.

Polish Ekstraklasa : With their game at Lechia goalless at half time, Legia Warsaw withdrew MAXI OYEDELE and went on to win 0-2.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Andy Whing’s attack has been bolstered with the arrival of the 19-year-old forward... Adu-Poku rose through the Hornets’ youth ranks since his arrival in 2018...

'Andy (Whing) introduced me to himself, the coaching staff and I’m excited to get going', [said the player].

'I like to say I’m very direct, take the ball forward and create opportunities for the team'...

The young forward has had loan spells with Kings Langley and most recently, Maidstone United".

At Barnet "Bailey Hobson’s loan from Chesterfield has been extended until January.

The 22 year-old midfielder originally joined the Bees on a month’s long loan deal from Chesterfield in September.

He’s featured six times so far this season for the Bees with all games resulting in a win.

Bailey will now remain in a Barnet shirt until the new year!"

Also Barnet has issued a two-line statement that goalkeeper "Jordan Gillmore has left the club by mutual consent.

We would like to thank Jordan for his efforts in a Barnet shirt and wish him well for the future!"

Southend United confirm "the signing of goalkeeper Zach Jeacock on loan from Lincoln City!

Jeacock had spent his whole career on Birmingham City’s books before joining Lincoln this summer and now arrives at Roots Hall initially until January...

Jeacock said... 'It’s a massive club with a big fanbase and loads of history, so when it came up, I really wanted to get down here and get involved'...

The 23-year-old was the youngest ever player to sign for Birmingham back in 2009 and was initially an attacking player before switching to goalkeeper at the age of 14. Jeacock made four league appearances for the West Midlands outfit...

The ‘keeper spent time out on loan with Stourport, Gloucester and Salford. He ended up having two spells with Gloucester, making 41 league appearances... He signed for Lincoln on a two-year deal in July and has made four appearances for them this season".

18 October 2024

ALTY YOUTH DRAW CARLISLE

Matches are scheduled to be played by 2 November 2024.

SOLIHULL REPLAY HIGHLIGHTS

Match report here

ALTY YOUTHS' PROGRESS

There is a brief match report here

NEXT: GATESHEAD

In the corresponding league game last season, Alty lost 2-3 on 23 March, 2024.

For that match Alty were without left-back Eddy Jone s(ill) and, with Isaac Marriott reduced to watching the game on crutches, Alty were further weakened by striker Regan Linney apparently being only fit enough for a cameo from the bench.

However, they started well enough with Newby putting them ahead after 16 minutes, following a misheader by Jobe. And it remained, deservedly, 1-0 at the interval.

Above: Alty celebrate their opening goal.

In a mad seven minutes early in the second half three goals made the score 2-2. First ex-Alty man Dinanga (inevitably) was on hand to score an equaliser from close range after good work from Brown and a superb on-the-line clearance by Jake Cooper had dropped for him (50 mins).

Next came the goal of the match as Wilson set Mooney running inwards from the right wing before the wiger launched a superb shot into the far corner of the net to restore the Altrincham lead (53 mins).

But, just after Kosylo had seen an effort cleared off the line at one end, Gateshead levelled at the other through Evans who seized on a headed clearance by Cooper to score (57 mins).

Gateshead had the better of the second half with Altrincham failing to create much before substitute Adom scored literally seconds after coming on to the pitch as, again, a Cooper header fell for him to volley home (73 mins). Alty never looked like recovering despite the introduction of Linney and they could have no complaint at the final score.

ALTRINCHAM : 29. Ethan Ross, 17. Justin Donawa, 15. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines (c), 2. Lewis Banks, 8. Elliot Osborne, 19. George Wilson, 11. Justin Amaluzor, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 7. Matty Kosylo, 30. Alex Newby. Subs: 9. Regan Linney, 14. Dior Angus, 16. Sam Roscoe, 44. Dan Mooney, 26. Mitch Hancox .

THROUGH THE YEARS: 19 OCTOBER

Details of all previous Altrincham games on 19 October ae to be found in the Through the Years data of Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Colclough, 29, of Clowne, has been charged with one count of section 20 GBH without intent.

This follows an incident in which a man was allegedly assaulted at the Red Lion in Church Street, Brimington, on January 27 2024."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Maher was appointed as Shrimpers Head Coach on 20 October 2021...

The gaffer said.... 'We’ve got all the fundamentals in place, and to go 15 months in an embargo and still end up in a play-off spot tells you how the recruitment went...

'I think we’ll take a lot of stopping once we get going with everyone pulling in the right direction'".

In the FA Cup he added, "You always want a big one and it don’t come much bigger than Charlton. It helps that it’s local and we’ll have a big crowd".

"The Head Coach also previewed the trip to Rochdale...'They’re a different challenge. They’ve started ever so well and they’re really fluent in how they play... Last year there we did well to come back into it but we’ll be going there to perform to our maximum.'”

At Eastleigh "announce that Malachi Dotse has joined Isthmian League South-East Division side, AFC Croydon Athletic on a short-term loan.

The 19-year old striker departs for The Rams on a one-month loan deal".

Meanwhile, from Wealdstone we learn that "After extensive pitch drainage works this summer, Phase 2 of the improvement scheme commenced at Grosvenor Vale this morning.

This crucial stage of the project will see the installation of a new drainage chamber, along with upgraded pipework and a state-of-the-art water pump dedicated to removing water from the pitch more efficiently. The new system is designed to pump water away from the playing surface at a rate of 6 litres per second, or 21 cubic metres per hour, significantly enhancing our ability to maintain the pitch in top condition.

The work is expected to take three days and will be fully completed before our upcoming home fixture against Yeovil Town on Saturday. These works were made possible thanks to a generous donation from one of our supporters, to whom we are very grateful".

Yeovil Town "confirm Raphael Araoye has returned to Bristol City after being recalled from his loan spell.

The 19-year-old arrived in August and has made 6 appearances during his time with the Glovers".

York City "are excited to announce the signing of forward Luca Thomas on a youth loan agreement from Championship side Leeds United.

Having trained well with Adam Hinshelwood and the squad recently, the forward joins up with The Minstermen officially...

Thomas is comfortable either down the middle or out wide, and penned an extension in the summer with Leeds United...

So far in Premier League 2 this season, the recently turned 20-year-old has netted six goals and setup one in five games".

17 October 2024

ALTY YOUTH REACH ROUND ONE

Right: Harrison Howells

They now go into the hat for the First Round Proper, at which stage EFL clubs join the competition.

Report to follow

NEXT: GATESHEAD

Alty announce that "As a football club, we at Altrincham have always been proactive in our support of equality, diversity and inclusion, and we will be demonstrating it again this coming weekend.

A Celebration of Inclusivity is the title we are bestowing on Saturday's Vanarama National League fixture with Gateshead at The J.Davidson Stadium, and we are aiming to make it an occasion that underlines our steadfast belief that matchdays at Moss Lane are an experience to be enjoyed by all....

In association with Altrincham FC Community Sports, and with Paralympics medal-winning cyclists and Robins fans Neil and Lora Fachie in attendance, we will be celebrating all we do for inclusivity on an afternoon that will include fundraising for our women's team.

Community manager Simon Dow commented 'We are delighted that we will be able to welcome participants from across our disability sports programme to Saturday’s game... We firmly believe that anyone should be able to participate in our programmes and not feel excluded if they have a disability or additional need.'”

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Hartlepool Mail confirms that "Darren Sarll's tumultuous tenure as Hartlepool United manager is over after just 15 games... after Pools were dumped out of the FA Cup by National League North side Brackley on Tuesday evening.

Sarll leaves Pools having managed just four wins from 15 games, with the club stranded in 16th in the National League.

Almost from the moment of his appointment in April, Sarll's time at the helm was characterised by controversy.

He replaced popular manager Kevin Phillips in contentious circumstances, with the former Sunderland and England striker steering Pools clear of the relegation zone and meeting the target the board were alleged to have set him of finishing the campaign with 60 points. It seemed at the time like a bizarre decision...

Phillips had all the glamour and allure of a former England international and Premier League top scorer but none of the airs and graces...

The straight-talking Sarll arrived with an unremarkable record, having done a decent enough job at Stevenage and led both Yeovil and Woking to the National League play-offs but later found it difficult to build on those initial successes....

Pools made a bright start to the campaign... Pools struggled with discipline and received four red cards in the opening 10 games... skipper Luke Waterfall was setting the wrong sort of example and was sent off twice in his first four appearances...

Former Rangers boss Graeme Murty, who is now in charge of Sunderland under-21s, has been linked with the vacant role while the likes of Pete Wild, Paul Simpson and Jonathan Greening have all been mentioned".

16 October 2024

ALTY TEST FOR TWO NEW BOSSES IN A ROW

Not only are Altrincham's next two matches home games (Saturday and next Tuesday) against these two teams from the North East but also Alty could be the first league opposition of two new management teams in the space of four days! Hopefully "new manager bounce" proves not to apply in either case.

In a three-line statement, following a 3-1 defeat at Brackley Town in the FA Cup, Hartlepool United stated that their "Board can confirm that they have today parted company with Manager Darren Sarll.

Lennie Lawrence will take over manager duties in the interim supported by the existing football staff.

A further update will follow in due course".

ALTY OPPONENT BECOMES ENGLAND ASSISTANT BOSS

Footnote: In the coincidence department, both Darren Sarll (see above) and Anthony Barry have connections to Alty's rivals Yeovil Town as Barry played for them and Sarll managed The Glovers.

ALTY OUT OF FA CUP

In Tuesday's replay at Solihull they wasted several decent chances to take the tie before a woeful penalty shootout saw them miss three out of the four spot-kicks that they took.

In the preceding 120 minutes, they went behind after 12 minutes when Labadie scored from a Bostock freekick, conceded by Wilson who was booked.

Alty began to settle midway through the first half and deservedly levelled through Olson from a Newby cross after 31 minutes.

In the second half Alty took the lead, just after the hour mark, when Crawford poked home another Newby cross, following a short corner. They stayed ahead till the first minute of added time when Jamey Osborne equalised.

The score remained 2-2 after extra time before the game went to penalties. Taking the opening kick, Linney shot over the bar, Nuttall converted (just), Crawford hit the post and Newby had his effort saved with the Moors converting all three of their kicks to win 3-1.

Report to follow

SOLIHULL MOORS : 1. Laurie Walker, 2. James Clarke (c), 3. Joe Newton, 5. Alex Whitmore, 12. Marcel Oakley, 14. Bradley Stevenson,15. John Bostock, 16. Oliver Tipton, 17. Joss Labadie, 23 Finley Howell, 25. Kian Ryley. Subs: 4. Jamey Osborne, 7. Jack Stevens, 8. Sam Bowen 10. Conor Wilkinson 13. Aaron Flahavan, 6. Kyle Morrison, 18. James Gale

ALTRINCHAM : 1. Ethan ROSS, 2. Lewis BANKS, 31. Charlie OLSON, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 3. Eddy JONES, 19. George WILSON, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 20. Kahrel REDDIN, 11. Justin AMALUZOR, 10. Alex NEWBY, 9. Regan LINNEY. Subs: 14. Matty KOSYLO, 15. Liam HUMBLES, 16. James JONES, 21. Max HAYGARTH, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 24. Joe NUTTALL, 30. Harvey RANDLE (gk)

• Alty Cup Match Line-Ups 2024/25
• Alty Player Statistics 2024/25

NEW BOSS FOR NEXT OPPONENTS

Gateshead have announced that Magnay and coach Liam Bridcutt, who played together in Chelsea's under-21s, will be the new management team following Rob Elliot's move to Crawley Town.

Magnay made 122 appearances for Gateshead and has recently served as coach at the International Stadium.

But Magnay got off to a poor start as the Heed suffered defeat at home to Hednesford Town, losing 1-3 in their FA Cup replay on Tuesday.

NEXT: FA YOUTH CUP

Entry costs just £3 for adults.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Tuesday's update from Phil Jordan informs us that in the FA Cup , the introduction of DAN MOONEY after 67 minutes with Boston United already two goals behind did nothing to prevent an unexpected exit from the competition as Gainsborough Trinity won the Lincolnshire derby 0-4.

It was also a disappointing night for Hartlepool United who fell to a 1-3 home defeat by Brackley Town after leading. BILLY SASS-DAVIES played the whole game, but LUKE WATERFALL was left on the bench .

Peterborough Sports had MICHAEL GYASI sent off for a second yellow card just after the hour, and visitors Rushall Olympic also had a man dismissed in extra time. The match ended goalless, and Sports were knocked out when they missed the last kick of an otherwise perfect shootout. Perhaps Altrincham should sign Olympic's spot kick experts......

Cymru Premier : There were only two shots on target in the entire game at Bala Town, both from JOHN DISNEY'S Connah's Quay Nomads, but JOEL TORRANCE saved them both to earn a clean sheet and a point for his shot-shy team.

UEFA Nations League: In Warsaw, Poland started badly, and visitors Croatia scored three times in 7 minutes midway through the first half. However, by the time MAXI OYEDELE came off the bench in the 62nd minute, his side had pulled two goals back - and six minutes later they equalised. Croatia held on for a 3-3 draw despite going down to 10 men after 76 minutes

NPL Premier : LUCAS WEAVER reduced the arrears for Bamber Bridge after visitors Stockton Town had gone into a two goal lead inside 20 minutes, but a red card and the resultant penalty strike were too much for Bridge to cope with, and the visitors made their way home to Cleveland with a convincing 1-5 victory.

NPL Midlands : ZAK GOODSON (above, right) scored the fourth goal in Quorn's 5-1 home win over Loughborough Students.

Cheshire Senior Cup : There was a clean sheet for DAVID PARTON as Congleton Town proved too strong for a Cheadle Heath Nomads team including HARLAN RODGERS-MORRIS, running out 3-0 winners.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Having used our facilities to train in the past, the England U21s returned... ahead of their Euros Qualifiers against Ukraine U21s and Azerbaijan U21s.

Friday saw England take on Ukraine U21 at the Vitality Stadium where, despite being one-nil down in the 87th minute, a James McAtee brace saw the Young Lions take all three points.

Their next game is on Friday night as they face Azerbaijan U21s at Ashton Gate.

The National League has announced "the recipients of the Manager of the Month awards... Our panel... ultimately decided York City manager Adam Hinshelwood had been honoured following an impressive month which saw the Minstermen unbeaten in six matches.

His team took 12 points from their six fixtures, which included wins against Wealdstone, Braintree Town and Solihull Moors. They conceded just one goal, meaning the club boast the tightest defence in the division by quite some way.

Hinshelwood, who took over towards the end of last season after leaving Worthing, says he wishes his team were better at turning draws into wins".

And also the Vanarama National League player of the month has been decided. "Few could argue Kairo Mitchell has been sensational so far this season and last month he really stepped up to keep Rochdale in an early promotion position.

He contributed to seven of the club’s 12 goals scored in September, and only AFC Fylde forward Nick Haughton has more involvements this campaign.

The in-form 26-year-old scored against Aldershot Town in the live DAZN game, hit two against Maidenhead United and added to his tally against Solihull Moors, Eastleigh, Hartlepool United and Braintree Town.

Mitchell struck 14 goals last season in what was his career-best goalscoring return – and he’s on track to smash that this time around".

Oldham Athletic "announce the signing of Kai Payne on loan until 11 November.

The 19-year-old was in the academy at Liverpool until the age of 13, where he then joined Wigan Athletic following a trial in 2018.

He signed his first professional contract in 2022... Payne went out on loan to local side Mossley...

'This is a massive club and I can’t wait to get started', Payne said... 'I’ve been working with my agent to get something done and Oldham came up and it was a no brainer.'...

His league debut came this season when Wigan beat Crawley 1-0 and Payne came on as a 58th minute substitute...

Micky Mellon said...'With injuries we’ve got at the minute it’s great to bring him in... Kai is one we’ve always wanted if he’s available... He’s a holding midfielder who will slip in and compliment what we already have'">

At Rochdale< "Jimmy McNulty confirmed after Saturday's game that Ipswich loanee Leon Ayinde will miss up to five weeks and Connor McBride between two to three weeks through injury.

Finlay Armstrong was also vacant from the travelling squad as he recovers from illness...

The injured pair missed the 4-1 win at AFC Fylde after both starting the draw at Ebbsfleet United the weekend before, with McBride scoring the opening goal that afternoon...

McNulty said 'Leon picked up a hamstring injury at Ebbsfleet, it’s a shame as I thought he was outstanding in that game, an excellent performance. “Connor picked up a groin injury in the same game, not as severe...

'We seem to be highly impacted by injuries at the moment, some really significant players are in the treatment room'...

The pair join an lengthy injury list, with Ethan Ebanks-Landell, Harvey Gilmour, Dan Sassi, Luke McNicholas and Devante Rodney also on the sidelines".

Southend United's "Match-winner Bim Pepple thanked the 339 fans that travelled to Eastleigh on Saturday...

Pepple replaced Macauley Bonne on 67 minutes and went on to score the winning goal at the death as we progressed to the first round proper...

Pepple said 'Obviously every player wants to start every game but, when I found out I wasn’t, my mind switched. When I come in, I need to show why I think I should be [starting]. It’s tough as a sub sometimes to get into the flow of the game. I had a couple of moments where I thought I could’ve done better but I got those out of my mind...

'To be fair, I kind of mishit this one [goal] ... I opened up and went to go into the far corner and it just came off my foot wrong. Luckily it’s gone in... The fans, they’ve been brilliant since I came in. I’ve been feeling the love and support...

'I used to wake up early in Canada to watch it[the FA Cup] with my brother and my family. I’ve been on the bench [in the FA Cup] three times but this is the first time I got on and thankfully I got a goal, so it feels good'".

15 October 2024

SOLIHULL MOORS 2-2 ALTRINCHAM
after extra time. Moors win 3-1 on penalties

Midway through the first half Altrincham belatedly began to settle, without initially causing danger to the hosts. But they got the reward for improved play when Olson's downward header from a Newby cross beat Walker to make it 1-1 (31 mins).

The half finished with four corners in a row for Altrincham in added time.

In the 61st minute Altrincham took the lead from a short corner. Newby took it to Reddin, received the ball back and his cross was netted by Crawford from close range.

However, after home pressure, substitute Jamey Osborne made it 2-2 in the first minute of added time to send the game into extra time.

After no more scoring in extra time, the game went to penalties.

Altrincham missed three of their four penalties taken; Linney hit his over the bar, Crawford hit the post and Newby's effort was saved. Their only conversion was by Nuttall and Walker almost saved that one too.

For tonight's FA Cup replay, Altrincham made two changes. Eddy Jones came in to replace Golden and Lewis Baines started his first match after injury, in place of James Jones. Both Golden and Jones moved to the bench.

Crankshaw, who finished the game on Saturday, was missing from the squad which played the original tie, whilst Haygarth came in on the bench in his place.

The Moors made three changes as Bowen and Wilkinson dropped to the bench and Tunnicliffe was left out altogether.

Newton, Labadie and Whitmore were all promoted from the bench to start.

Solihull named seven subs after only having six on Saturday, with new loan signing James Gale from Mansfield coming in along with Morrison.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Ethan ROSS, 2. Lewis BANKS, 31. Charlie OLSON, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 3. Eddy JONES, 19. George WILSON, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 20. Kahrel REDDIN, 11. Justin AMALUZOR, 10. Alex NEWBY, 9. Regan LINNEY. Subs: 14. Matty KOSYLO, 15. Liam HUMBLES, 16. James JONES, 21. Max HAYGARTH, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 24. Joe NUTTALL, 30. Harvey RANDLE (gk)

SOLIHULL MOORS: 1. Laurie Walker, 3. Joe Newton, 23 Finley Howell, 5. Alex Whitmore, 15. John Bostock, 2. James Clarke (c), 16. Oliver Tipton, 17. Joss Labadie, 12. Marcel Oakley, 14. Bradley Stevenson, 25. Kian Ryley. Subs: 4. Jamey Osborne, 8. Sam Bowen 10. Conor Wilkinson 13. Aaron Flahavan, 6. Kyle Morrison, 18. James Gale, 7. Jack Stevens.

EMIRATES FA CUP REPLAYS

Tuesday 15 October 2024

• Boston United 0-4 Gainsborough Trinity
• Brackley Town 3-1 Hartlepool United
• Gateshead 1-3 Hednesford Town
• Maidenhead United 3-0 Taunton Town
• Solihull Moors 2-2 Altrincham aet. Moors won 3-1 on pens

TONIGHT: SOLIHULL MOORS

If the result is undecided after 90 minutes there will be 30 minutes of extra time before, if necessary, a penalty shootout. You can follow the match on Radio Robins broadcasting on Radio Alty

Alty have not won an FA Cup tie since 2021 and that was against lower-ranked opposition, Southport. They last beat a team from the same level in 2019-20 season when they beat fellow National North side York City.

But it has been nine years since Altrincham last beat a higher ranked side in the FA Cup, that was Barnsley in 2015.

In contrast, Solihull Moors tell us that "Moors haven’t lost at this stage of the competition since 2015, and Andy Whing will be relishing tonight’s challenge with a potential home clash with National League South Maidstone".

Alty TV has exteded highlights of last Saturday's draw between Alty and Solihull Moors.

NEW BOSS FOR NEXT OPPONENTS

Gateshead have announced that Magnay and coach Liam Bridcutt, who played together in Chelsea's under-21s, will be the new management team following Rob Elliot's move to Crawley Town.

Magnay made 122 appearances for Gateshead and has recently served as coach at the International Stadium.

WEDNESDAY: FA YOUTH CUP

Tickets are just £3 for adults and are available here or at the turnstiles.

NEXT SATURDAY: GATESHEAD

After a fine start to the season, The Heed's results have become a little erratic and they now lie fourth in the National League table, eight points ahead of Altrincham.

Recently they lost manager Ben Elliot to Crawley Town, having lost previous manager Mike Williamson to MK Dons last season; he has since moved on to Carlisle United.

ALTY WOMEN GO TOP

The Alty starters were Caitlin Beaty, Elise Jones, Holly Lloyd, Natalie Lowe, Grace McArdle, Brianna Morrison, Abigail Morton, Annie Rose O'Donoghue, Emily O'Leary, Rhianna Pickering, and Kira Saycell. The goals came in a ten-minute spell through Elis Jones (56,61 mins) and subs titute Brogan Walsh (66 mins).

ALTY OLD BOYS

Dior began his career in non-league with Solihull Moors and spent his formative years traversing the Midlands, with spells at several clubs, including Leamington and Kidderminster Harriers. Dior’s most successful spell in terms of goal production came at Redditch United, which earned him a move to EFL side Port Vale,

Although he did play and score in the EFL for the Valiants, he spent much of his time on loan, first at Tamworth and then with Nuneaton Borough... A further loan spell at Barrow became a permanent move in 2019...

Dior left Barrow at the end of the January 2021 transfer deadline and signed for Wrexham...

Another transfer window move came in September 2022, with Dior joining EFL side Harrogate Town... and at the conclusion of the 2022/23 season, he joined Altrincham.

Following the conclusion of the 2023/24 season, Dior became Telford’s second new singing of the summer.".

Footnote: Dior made 18(+21) appearances for Altrincham last season and scored five goals.

ACADEMY MOVE UP TO SIXTH

The win lifted Alty to sixth in the division of thirteen teams, level on points with fifth-placed Chester FC.

14 October 2024

ALTY COULD FACE MAIDSTONE IN ROUND ONE

Altrincham and Solihull Moors meet tomorrow, now knowing that the reward for victory is a home tie against Maidstone United.

First Round Proper, to be played on Saturday 2 November, or adjacent days.

• Rotherham United v Cheltenham Town
• Barrow v Doncaster Rovers
• Worthing v Morecambe
• Boreham Wood v Leyton Orient
• Exeter City v Barnet
• Carlisle United v Wigan Athletic
• Tamworth v Huddersfield Town
• Hartlepool United/Brackley Town v Braintree Town
• Curzon Ashton v Mansfield Town
• Wycombe Wanderers v York City
• Bradford City v Aldershot Town
• Hednesford Town/Gateshead v Gainsborough Trinity/Boston United
• Burton Albion v Scarborough Athletic
• Tranmere Rovers v Oldham Athletic
• Rochdale v Bromley
• Walsall v Bolton Wanderers
• Grimsby Town v Wealdstone
• Bristol Rovers v Weston super Mare
• MK Dons v AFC Wimbledon
• Altrincham/Solihull Moors v Maidstone United
• Stockport County v Forest Green Rovers
• Reading v Fleetwood Town
• Stevenage v Guiseley
• Northampton Town v Kettering Town
• Rushall Olympic/Peterborough Sports v Accrington Stanley
• Swindon Town v Colchester United
• Salford City v Shrewsbury Town
• Crewe Alexandra v Dagenham & Redbridge
• Port Vale v Barnsley
• Chesham United v Lincoln City
• Chesterfield v Horsham
• Southend United v Charlton Athletic
• Notts County v Alfreton Town
• Taunton Town/Maidenhead United v Crawley Town
• Harrogate Town v Wrexham
• Woking v Cambridge United
• Gillingham v Blackpool
• Tonbridge Angels v Harborough Town
• Sutton United v Birmingham City
• Newport County v Peterborough United

PP AFTER THE GAME

The Alty manager conceded that it was a "low-key affair", which was "really tight" and he expects the "same sort of game come Tuesday" in the replay.

Asked about the Moors' equaliser he conceded that it came about after "disappointing defending" from a long throw by Jamey Osborne. Alty had trained to deal with that threat but were unable to prevent the goal when it came to the real thing.

As for the late Ollie Crankshaw penalty claim, Phil said that "I need to watch that back... if he dived, he deserves a booking".

Charlie Olson (right) made his Altrincham debut and the Blackburn Rovers loanee centre-back "really impressed". The Alty boss added that the young defender has "a great character and temperament" and is a "winner". He revealed that "I've been very aware of him for a while".

Alty captain Lewis Baines was introduced in the closing stages, having missed the last seven National League games through injury.

Phil said that "my worst nightmare was Lewis coming on and breaking down" but "he had to come on" for the closing stages because of Olson's cramp.

For Tuesday's replay Phil is "desperate for the lads to take the shackles off... I expect us to be far more front foot" having "thrown down the gauntlet" to the players.

THE MOORS' VIEW

After scoring on his debut last week, Marcel Oakley wass awarded a start from the beginning; whilst Finn Howell started at left back. Both Jamey Osborne and Joe Newton were on the bench.

The hosts were awarded a penalty after Kahrel Reddin [Justin Amaluzor] was brought down in the area. Linney stepped up and converted from 12 yards to make it 1-0...

In the second half, the Moors had a majority of the ball but could not break down the stubborn Altrincham defence...

On 71 minutes, the Moors equalised through Bradley Stevenson. A long throw in from Jamey Osborne was flicked on by Tunnicliffe towards Stevenson, before he controlled the ball and fired a shot past Ethan Ross into the far corner and make it 1-1."

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

Their previously most recent trip to the ARMCO Arena was on Saturday, 3 February, 2024 when Altrincham emerged the 0-1 winners of a Vanarama National League match.

With that result, Altrincham moved back to fourth in the National League.

Right: Pictured on Saturday against the Moors, neither James Jones (background) nor Kahrel Reddin were involved in Alty's last visit to Solihull.

Following a quick throw by Banks, Amaluzor fed Newby, whose shot took a deflection as it found the net to put Alty ahead (32 mins). Alty goalkeeper Gould was barely troubled in the first half.

Still ahead 1-0 at the hour mark, Linney twice went close to adding to the lead. In the final quarter Solihull made changes of personnel and formation and applied pressure which Alty withstood well to secure the win.

Only four of last Saturday's starters (Banks, Newby, Amaluzor and Linney) also started the match last February when the line-up comprised: 21. Matt Gould, 2. Lewis Banks, 15. Jake Cooper, 4. Lewis Baines, 3. Eddie Jones, 8. Isaac Marriott (c), 6. Elliot Osborne, 10. Chris Conn-Clarke, 30. Alex Newby, 11. Justin Amaluzor, 9. Regan Linney. Subs: 16. Sam Roscoe, 7. Matty Kosylo, 14. Dior Angus, 19. George Wilson, 44. Dan Mooney.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 15 OCTOBER

2016 versus Matlock Town Home FAC 4QR WON 3-1
• 2022 Gateshead Home FAC 4Q DREW 2-2
• 2024 Solihull Moors Away FAC 4QR

For details of all previous Altrincham games on Tuesday's date, please see Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett's Through the Years files.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Right: We see Jon Moran as the last of Altrincham's outfield players ahead of goalkeeper Andrew Dawber at home to Curzon Ashton on 27 August 2016. In the foreground are Fabio Bassangue and David Lynch.

After spending time with Crewe Alexandra as a teenager, Jon joined Nantwich Town, where he was nurtured by Phil Parkinson when he managed The Dabbers. He moved to Forest Green Rovers in summer 2016 but an ACL injury derailed his career.

Now 27 years old, he played for Altrincham in 2016, on a month's loan from FGR, before Phil Parkinson took over at Moss Lane the following season.

Jon joined Altrincham on a one-month loan from Forest Green Rovers on 25 August 2016. That spell ended in the third week of September, when he departed after making 5(+1) appearances for The Robins.

Subsequently, he had spells with Chester, Bradford (Park Avenue) and Stafford Rangers before rejoining Nantwich in March 2022. He tore his ACL again last year playing for Nantwich, an injury which has prompted his move into management.

FA CUP DRAW

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Yeovil had enough of the play to have killed off the fourth qualifying round tie, but with time almost up even hopes of a replay went up in smoke as Jack Cawley headed the winner from a right-wing corner.

Cooper told reporters 'Full credit to Chesham, they hung in there, didn’t they?... We had all the play, dominated the game. We had loads of play around the edge of their box, but we didn’t get opportunities to kill it off.

'We were really sloppy at the top of the pitch... We haven’t scored enough goals (all season). That’s another game where we haven’t scored. We scored one last week and we dominated the game, we had loads of chances – we scored one. We scored one the week before, scored none the week before that, we scored none today. We can only do so much'".

13 October 2024

ALTRINCHAM 1-1 SOLIHULL MOORS

Above: Regan Linney, far left, beat Laurie Walker from the penalty spot as Alty took the lead against Solihull Moors on Saturday.

Match report here.

The sides meet in a replay on Tuesday night.

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

Since 2020, in five seasons, Alty will have played six Fourth Round Qualifying ties or replays by Tuesday night, and won just once. That was against lower league opposition in Southport in 2021.

In 2020 they lost at AFC Fylde; in 2022 they drew at home to Gateshead before losing the replay and last year they lost at home to Oldham Athletic.

The draw for Round One takes place on Monday.

NEXT AT HOME: FA YOUTH CUP

ALTY OLD BOYS

In League One : Shortly after Crawley Town had been reduced to 10 men, JUNIOR QUITIRNA put them 2-1 up, but by the time they scored their 3rd visitors Shrewsbury Town had scored 4 times to clinch a 3-5 victory that allowed them to leapfrog their hosts in the table. However, both sides remain in the bottom four. TOBY MULLARKEY was booked in the second half.

League Two : The now expected substitution at Chesterfield saw RYAN COLCLOUGH replace JAMES BERRY after 64 minutes. Visitors Notts County snatched a point in 94th minute as David McGoldrick snatched up the rebound from his missed penalty to end the game at 2-2.

With visitors Bradford City a goal up at the break, Tranmere Rovers made a triple substitution at the start of the second half, including the introduction of CONNOR JENNINGS and the withdrawal of CHRIS MERRIE. It didn't seem to help as they lost 0-2.

FA Cup 4th Qualifying Round : CONNOR BRANSON was sent off while the tie at Farsley Celtic was level at 1-1 after 56 minutes, and visitors Kettering Town progressed to the First Round with a 93rd minute winner.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM scored Oldham Athletic's third goal as they knocked out visitors Halifax 4-2.

NPL Premier Division : Despite a goal from LUCAS WEAVER (which would have undoubtedly been helpful at the J.Davidson Stadium this afternoon) his Bamber Bridge side went down 3-2 at Basford.

National North : A very different afternoon for two former Altrincham strikers at Radcliffe, where the hosts had JORDAN HULME sent off right on half time while they were a goal up, and eventually lost 1-2 to visitors Warrington Town, for whom JOSH AMIS netted the winner.

NPL Division 1 West : Chasetown went in front on 88 minutes but their hosts, City of Liverpool, forced a 1-1 draw when DANNY MITCHLEY scored after 92 minutes.

MASON FAWNS scored the only goal in Mossley's home win over Witton Albion, who had OWEN GERMAN booked.

BYRON HARRISON scored from the spot twice as Nantwich Town thrashed visitors Trafford 6-0.

UEFA Nations League : It's just 18 months since he was on loan at Altrincham, and scored a memorable goal in a 2-2 draw at Oldham but, tonight in Warsaw, MAXI OYEDELE won his first full cap for Poland against Portugal. He played 66 minutes, coming off with his side trailing 0-2, and, although they reduced the arrears, they eventually lost 1-3.

12 October 2024

ALTRINCHAM 1-1 SOLIHULL MOORS

Right: Charlie Olson made his debut on loan from Blackburn Rovers.

Throughout the entire ninety minutes Alty failed to trouble the Moors keeper seriously except from the penalty spot when Regan Linney put Altrincham ahead in the 16th minute after a foul on Amaluzor.

Likewise there was little quality from the Moors until the second half when the introduction of Jamey Osborne prompted them to a better display. Whereas Alty's Ethan Ross was forced into five decent second-half saves, his counterpart Laurie Walker was untroubled.

The Moors equalised in the 71st minute through Stevenson, following a long throw from Jamey Osborne.

A last-minute appeal for a second Alty penalty of the match, when Crankshaw went down in the box, was met by a yellow card for the Alty man for simulation.

Match report here.

EMIRATES FA CUP FIXTURES

Fourth Round Qualifying Northern Section:

• 1 Rushall Olympic 1-1 Peterborough Sports
• 2 Tamworth 4-2 Macclesfield Town
• 3 Oldham Athletic 4-2 FC Halifax Town
• 4 Hartlepool United 1-1 Brackley Town
• 5 Farsley Celtic 1-2 Kettering Town
• 6 Altrincham 1-1 Solihull Moors
• 7 AFC Fylde 1-4 Rochdale
• 8 Scarborough Athletic 3-1 Chester FC
• 9 Biggleswade 1-3 York City
• 10 Harborough Town 1-0 Bury
• 11 Curzon Ashton 1-0 King's Lynn Town
• 12 Gainsborough Trinity 2-2 Boston United
• 13 Hednesford Town 1-1 Gateshead
• 14 Alfreton Town 1-0 Spennymoor Town
• 15 Kidderminster Harriers 0-1 Guiseley

In the southern section, ties involving National League clubs are:

• Aldershot Town 2-1 Bath City
• Barnet 4-0 Chelmsford City
• Braintree Town 1-0 Bishop's Stortford
• Chertsey Town 1-3 Sutton United
• Eastleigh 0-1 Southend United
• Forest Green Rovers 2-0 Weymouth
• Leiston 1-5 Dagenham & Redbridge
• Maidstone United 3-0 Ebbsfleet United
• Taunton Town 1-1 Maidenhead United
• Chesham United 1-0 Yeovil Town
• Wealdstone 4-1 Gosport Borough
• Woking 2-1 Slough Town

TODAY: SOLIHULL MOORS

The First Round Proper, at which stage EFL 1 and 2 clubs enter the competition, is to be played over the weekend of Friday 1st November to Monday 4th November.

If, as expected, Baines and Cooper remain sidelined by injury, Connor Teale can expect to start alongside James Jones in central defence. Having experimented with three at the back in midweek, it remains to be seen whether the management reverts to a back four, with Banks or Golden on the right and Golden or Eddy Jones on the left.

In midfield, Tom Crawford seems certain to start after his absence through suspension.

As for the wider matchday squad, Owen German and Joel Bailey warmed the bench at Braintree last time out but both have now gone back out on loan. However, Liam Humbles has had his loan contract renewed and Charlie Olson has arrived on a one-month loan so both seem likely to be involved today.

PHIL EXPLAINS HIS NL CUP SELECTION

He felt the game against Blackburn Rovers was "really entertaining" and he confirmed that "we played a different shape to accommodate (those) players needing minutes" on the pitch.

Alluding to the rules of NL Cup, Phil said that he had to start with Joe Nuttall rather than Lucas Weaver (right) who, it had been planned, would start the game. This seemed to be because Nuttall was involved in the last league game and Weaver was not and the rules of the Cup require participation in the cup matches of a certain number of such players.

He added that he had decided that he "wouldn't risk James Jones on Tuesday with Baines and Cooper out at the moment".

In the game Crawford emerged unscathed apart from "a little bit of a bruise". Referring to Tom he added "He's like a Rolls Royce out there, such an elegant footballer... He's a big, big player for us"

As for not loading the team on Tuesday with Academy players, Phil admitted that "our Academy players would be nowhere need the level of theirs", so we needed to play a strong team, regardless of the rules of the Cup requiring us to do so.

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 22-year-old goalkeeper puts pen to paper after leaving Huddersfield Town at the end of last season.

He began his career at Lambeth Tigers FC... before joining Surrey side Whyteleafe in 2016. In 2018, Bellagambi signed for the Huddersfield Town academy...

Giosue spent time on loan with the likes of Ebbsfleet, Brighouse, Hyde, Spennymoor and Salford City before leaving Huddersfield at the end of last season...

Goalkeeper coach Craig Holloway said 'He has great power and agility. A kid who wants to learn, who is technically sound'".

And there is also goalkeeping news at Rochdale where Dale "announce the arrival of former goalkeeper Josh Lillis who joins the coaching team. The 37-year-old joined the club in 2009 on an initial loan from Scunthorpe United, going on to join permanently in 2012.

The shot-stopper spent eight further years at the club... He joins after a spell at Barrow in which he developed from a player into a coach...

[Lillis said] 'I’m delighted to be back, it was an easy decision... I’m proud of my time at Dale and can’t wait to pass on my experience'... Lillis’s dad Mark took a similar route, going into coaching and is currently Scunthorpe United’s assistant manager".

11 October 2024

TWO IN, THREE OUT

Humbles has had limited pitch-time since arriving on loan from Salford City. In the seven league matches since his arrival he has accrued just over the equivalent of two full ninety-minutes on the pitch.

Meanwhile, "Liverpool-born 19-year old centre-back Olson, who skippered Blackburn Rovers under-21s in their opening National League Cup tie against Alty on Tuesday night, will further reinforce the Robins' rearguard" on loan till the end of November.

L. to R. Liam Humbles, Lucas Weaver, Owen German and Joel Bailey.

Phil Parkinson said of Olson "Even though he's still a young lad, he's actually old beyond his years, and when you speak to him, it's hard to credit he's only 19... He has a big, big future in the game".

Heading out on loan are three of Alty's players.

"Lucas Weaver is returning to Bamber Bridge after his initial one-month spell produced four goals for Brig" whilst "Owen German and Joel Bailey are both returning to Witton Albion after impressive initial spells with the Northwich-based club last month".

Phil Parkinson observed of Owen that "He's probably the closest to being ready for the National League. He just needs to keep believing and progressing, training hard and he could be a future Altrincham captain... At the moment it's about Joel's development. He's had a very advanced loan period for a first year pro, and made giant strides already with Witton. He's got a long way to go but we have a very definitive pathway for Joel".

"WE MUST BOUNCE BACK" SAYS PARKINSON

Alty responded with a much-improved showing at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night... with a penalty shootout win against Blackburn Rovers Under-21s...

[But] defeat at lowly Braintree... left the Alty boss seething.

He fumed 'I certainly didn’t see the performance coming, as the players had trained extremely well and everyone was really confident and focused going into the game. It just shows how football can shock you.

'Our biggest problem was having too many players below par... The players are very aware that their levels must improve going into next weekend".

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

With their midweek game on Tuesday being the National League Cup match against Blackburn Rovers under-21s, Altrincham's line-up on Saturday is likely to be much different from the eleven who started against Rovers. Indeed, only Tom Crawford is fairly certain of repeating his starting role rom that match.

Assuming that the centre-back pairing of Lewis Baines and Jake Cooper remains sidelined by injury, recent signing Connor Teale would seem to be a likely starter alongside James Jones at the heart of the defence. Whilst Ollie Crankshaw is returning to match fitness with three substitute appearances in the league so far, after his year-long injury absence, midfielder Isaac Marriott remains unavailable as he recovers from his ACL injury.

Up top, Joe Nuttall has yet to find the net this season in his 5(+6) appearances in all competitions, with Regan Linney (4 goals) and Alex Newby (3) leading the club's league scoring this campaign so far. But Alty have been far from prolific, having netted just 15 goals in 13 league fixtures.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 12 OCTOBER

According to Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data, the most recent home game on 12 October was a 1-0 win over Oxford United.

Left: Robbie Lawton, Anthony Danylyk and Shaun Densmore are the Alty players seen here in action against Oxford United in 2008.

In this match Altrincham secured their first-ever win over Oxford United and their fifth win in six league games to move to the heady heights of ninth in the Blue Square Premier table. The deciding goal, his 99th for the club and fourth in successive games, came from Colin Little after 64 minutes. He drove the ball home from 12 yards at the end of a ten-pass move which culminated in Elam's cross from the right by-line which evaded a defender, leaving Alty's marksman with a clear shot at the target.

Because Oxford had played last Thursday at Torquay for the Setanta TV cameras, this match had been put back 24 hours to Sunday at 3pm. This meant the game was played in bright sunshine rather than Saturday's rain and that 1,806 spectators turned up.

Altrincham: 1. Stuart COBURN; 2. Chris LANE, 4. Mark McGREGOR, 5. Greg YOUNG, 21. Shaun DENSMORE, 7. Robbie LAWTON, 16. Anthony DANYLYK, 3. Matt DOUGHTY, 19. Chris SENIOR, 9. Colin LITTLE, 18. Lee ELAM. Subs: 6. Kevin STREET, 14. Dale JOHNSON, 11. Warren PEYTON, 12. Joe O'NEILL, 15. Alex MEECHAN.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP NEWS

Here, Tom is seen with Owen German, the two having both had the misfortune to see a red card in recent matches.

Next up for Altrincham in the National League Cup on 19 November is the visit of Manchester United's under-21s to the J. Davidson Stadium.

By the complexity of the National League Cup, United also play clubs who are not in the same Group B as Altrincham. Consequently, Manchester United News reports that this week "Victor Musa came off the bench to score the winning goal as Manchester United’s Under-21s beat Forest Green Rovers 3-2 in their first National League Cup game.

The youngsters made a shaky start to the match as they conceded their first goal within the opening three minutes, with experienced attacker Christian Doidge finishing expertly from a tight angle...

However, the visitors soon regained their composure and levelled the scores through Malachi Sharpe... Ennis then got in on the act as he arrowed Habeeb Ogunneye’s pull-back into the top corner to put United 2-1 ahead.

Forest Green restored parity. Harvey Bunker’s effort from the edge of the box hit the target after a slight deflection off [ex-Alty loanee] Jack Kingdon.

United controlled the second half, but their winning goal arrived only after head coach Travis Binnion introduced several players off the bench. Victor Musa made an immediate impact after leaving the be

nch as he latched onto Ethan Williams’s crossfield pass and fired home the winner... United were missing several key players due to youth international duty, including Toby Collyer, Harry Amass, Ethan Wheatley and Jack Fletcher.

They will now take on Altrincham in the National League Cup before fixtures against Oldham Athletic and Rochdale.

After a four-game group phase, the two top-ranked teams will progress to the quarter-finals that will be played in early February".

YOUTH CUP DATE

The Third Round Qualifying tie will take place at The J.Davidson Stadium on Wednesday, October 16th with kick-off at 7:30pm".

As with the last round against Warrington Town, admission prices are a bargain £3 over-18s and £1 under-18s."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

A left-sided defender, Chicksen came through the MK Dons youth setup, joining Brighton & Hove Albion in 2013. Spells with Charlton Athletic, Bradford City and Bolton Wanderers followed... before signing for Notts County in September 2020.

Chicksen...[made] 133 appearances and scor[ed] 12 goals... He joins the Cards having made three appearances across league and cup this season".

From the Portsmouth News we learn that "a former Pompey player’s prized career lifeline has been cut after just 47 days. Kieron Freeman was snapped up by Hartlepool in the first week of the season after an agonising nine months without a club.

The 32-year-old was handed a short-term deal in August and, encouragingly, was thrown straight into the National League club’s first-team, going on to make seven appearances and claim one assist at right-back...

That was until collecting an injury against Ebbsfleet...

However, upon his return to fitness and expiry of his contract earlier this month, boss Darren Sarll surprisingly elected not to extend the ex-Sheffield United and Derby man’s stay".

10 October 2024

ROVERS' REPORT

After a 3-3 draw over ninety minutes, Altrincham won the penalty shoot-out against Blackburn Rovers U-21 team on Tuesday, the National League recorded the result as a 4-3 win, which accorded the Robins two points! Blackburn Rovers report on how, on Tuesday night, the "Under-21s came from behind three times to earn a 3-3 draw away to Altrincham.

Right: Lewis Banks carefully places the ball on the penalty spot before beating goalkeeper Barrett to put Altrincham 2-1 up in the shootout against Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

Stritch and Brandon Powell both saw their penalties crash against the crossbar, as Altrincham claimed the extra point.

Rovers still have games against Rochdale, Oldham Athletic and Forest Green Rovers to try and do enough to progress to the knockout phase of the new competition.

Ahead of the game, Rovers made 10 changes to the side that picked up its first Premier League 2 points of the campaign with a win against Leicester City on Friday night, with captain Charlie Olson the sole survivor.

Tom Atcheson and Kristi Montgomery, who both starred in Marine’s 1-0 victory over Radcliffe at the weekend, came into the Rovers XI, whilst first year scholars Frank Vare and Leatherbarrow were part of an Under-21s matchday squad for the first time.

The hosts had former Rovers striker Joe Nuttall leading the line".

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

This time last year (2023) Altrincham fell at this first hurdle on the Road to Wembley, losing 0-1 at home to Oldham Athletic.

The survivors from the starting eleven for that defeat, apart from injured duo Jake Cooper and Lewis Baines, are Ethan Ross, Lewis Banks, Eddy Jones, Elliot Osborne, Justin Amaluzor and Alex Newby.

That was the second season running that a home draw at this stage had led to Altrincham's exit at the first hurdle. In 2022 Alty drew at home to Gateshead before losing the replay on Tyneside. Gateshead had also beaten Alty in a replay, on that occasion at Moss Lane, in the First Round in 2021.

An away tie at AFC Fylde accounted for Alty at the 4QR stage in 2020.

So it is five years since Altrincham won two rounds in the competition, reaching Round Two in 2019 before losing narrowly to Portsmouth.

TUESDAY SCORE

• Tamworth 2-1 Gateshead

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The towering forward joins the club with a wealth of National League experience under his belt already, having played for six current National League sides, as well as spells for both Wrexham and Stockport County, whilst still in the division.

Birmingham born, Reid began his youth career in the ranks of Aston Villa before signing for League One side Fleetwood Town in 2017, after spells with Walsall, Swedish side Ange IF and Solihull Moors.

Reid would spend the 2017/18 season out on loan in the National League. He began the season with Wrexham... before going on loan to Solihull Moors... He would then join League Two side Stevenage Town, but only feature 11 times. Whilst at the Boro, Reid would have loan spells at AFC Fylde, Ebbsfleet United and Dagenham & Redbridge... <> p> The best goalscoring period of the 29-year-olds career would come in 2020 when he joined Stockport County... Reid scored 18 goals in 54 games before going out on loan to the Moors once again.

He spent the start of the 2022/23 season on loan at Solihull Moors, before completing a move to Oldham Athletic in November 2022".

Dagenham & Redbridge report that "Dion Pereira has been named for Antigua and Barbuda’s latest squad and Alfie Terry has been named in the Thailand u20 squad.

Dion will join the Antigua and Barbuda squad for their CONCACAF Nations League doubleheader against the Dominican Republic at home on the 12th and away on the 15th.

Alfie will look to make his Thailand u20 debut in their upcoming international fixtures".

Forest Green Rovers "announce a brand-new partnership with plant powered healthy snack brand Other Foods.

Officially launched across London in 2019, Other Foods' mushroom range is available in more than 500 stores in Europe within their first 12 months of trading... ending boring unhealthy snacks with whole food plant based options.

As the first company to offer 'mushroom on-the-go' in the UK, we’re excited to team up with a snack brand that is great in taste, packed with nutrients, completely vegan and gluten free!

They focus on mushroom and artichoke as their main ingredients to provide the perfect on-the-go nutrition..

Head of Commercial at FGR Paula Brown said 'It’s a fantastic achievement to partner up with one of the most exciting brands on the food market right now'".

Hartlepool United "confirm Kieran Wallace has joined Tamworth on a short-term loan deal.

The midfielder joined Pools in July 2023 and played 23 times for the Club last season.

After undergoing surgery for a thigh injury in the summer, Wallace appeared in the Durham Challenge Cup for Pools last month and now heads out to Tamworth to build up his match fitness".

The BBC reports that "Southend United believe other clubs should follow their lead after joining forces with an independent governance specialist to ensure future sustainability.

The partnership with Indigo is believed to be the first in UK football and follows a takeover by a consortium headed by Australian businessman Justin Rees in July...

'We think that by uplifting transparency, communications and governance, our supporters will feel comfortable about how the business is being run,' chief executive Tom Lawrence told BBC Essex".

ALTRINCHAM 3-3 BLACKBURN ROVERS U21 (PL2)
Altrincham won shootout 6-5

Right: Connor Teale made his first appearance at the JDS for Altrincham against Blackburn Rovers' PL2 side.

In the match itself, Altrincham led three times, only to be pegged back each time. The Robins had fielded an eleven in which six players had started at least one National League game this season. But, apart from Tom Crawford, none of the other five had started more than four times.

783 spectators had taken advantage of free entry to this match and it took Altrincham only eight minutes to take the lead when the busy Kosylo's effort was half-blocked but looped over the keeper, Barrett.

Blackburn had chances to level but failed to do so until after the break when Mafoumbi tapped home after a team-mate had got to the bye-line left of goal (47 mins).

An excellent low shot from 25 yards by Tom Crawford, captain for the night, restored Alty's lead (55 mins).

Stritch made it 2-2 when he scored from a rebound after a team-mate had hit the post (79 mins).

Alty led for a third time in the 84th minute when Weaver was set free and, as he got round the stranded keeper, he looped the ball skilfully into the net from 30 yards.

Blackburn substitute Leatherbarrow made it 3-3, netting just inside Randle's left upright (88 mins).

And so to the evening went to penalties to determine the winner of the additional point available in this competition.

Crawford and Banks converted their kicks before Blackburn hit the bar, leaving Alty 2-1 ahead. It became 3-1 when Newby scored, then 4-2 after Eddy Jones had done the business too.

With Alty then 4-3 ahead Kahrel Reddin saw his effort saved and Blackburn regained parity at 4-4. Kosylo and Weaver made it 6-5 before Powell hit the bar to hand Altrincham the shootout victory.

Match report here

NEXT IN NL CUP

All are home games and admission is free for Altrincham season ticket holders, £7 for 18s-and-over and £2 for under-18s.

NEXT: SOLIHULL MOORS

Alty lie ahead of the Moors by virtue of a one-goal superiority in goal difference, minus two versus minus three.

Matches against Solihull have recently tended to be high-scoring, with five of the last eight meetings witnessing one team or the other scoring four goals or more. No draws have been recorded in those games, with the Moors have a clear advantage of five wins to Alty's three. However, the pendulum seems to have swung with all three wins coming after five defeats.

• WON Sat.3.2.24 Solihull Moors 0-1 Altrincham (gate 1,388, scorer Newby 31)
• WON Sat.25.11.23 Altrincham 6-1 Solihull Moors (2,041, Dackers, 14, Amaluzor 41,76, Conn-Clarke 43, Newby 52, Linney 90[+5])
• WON Sat. 25.2.23 Altrincham 4-1 Solihull Moors (2,275, Sinclair 11,36, Linney (pen) 45, Hulme 55)
• LOST Sat. 3.9.22 Solihull Moors 5-1 Altrincham (1,422, Bennett 36)
• LOST Sat. 29.1.22 Solihull Moors 5-0 Altrincham (2,090)
• LOST Tue. 26.10.21 Altrincham 1-2 Solihull Moors (3,683, Baggley 15)
• LOST Mon.3.5.21 Solihull Moors 4-0 Altrincham (Behind Closed Doors)
• LOST Wed. 11.11.20 Altrincham 0-2 Solihull Moors (Behind Closed Doors)

The last visit of Solihull Moors to the J. Davidson Stadium was a clash of the giants as we see in this image of, left to right 6'5" Sam Roscoe, 6' James Jones and 6'7" Marcus Dackers. Also in the Alty line up for the February 2024 clash was 6'5" goalkeeper Ethan Ross. Pictured also was Solihull's Mark Beck who is 6' 5" tall.

ALTY OLD BOYS

CARL PIERGIANNI again found himself on the wrong end of the result, Stevenage again losing at Peterborough United, this time 2-0.

AFC Wimbledon had built a three-goal lead at Crawley Town by the time JUNIOR QUITIRNA came off the bench to join TOBY MULLARKEY in the 68th minute, and the hosts had reduced the arrears from the penalty spot when ALISTAIR SMITH came on for the visitors just 8 minutes later. Crawley pulled back to 3-3 in the 87th minute, but Wimbledon snatched a 3-4 victory in the 6th added minute.

In the NPL Division 1 West Mossley's 0-3 win at Trafford featured a MASON FAWNS penalty.

There was a clean sheet for Congleton Town's DAVID PARTON as his side won 0-2 at Bootle. TONY THOMPSON returned in goal for the hosts, while TOM HANNIGAN and SEAN WILLIAMS also featured.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 12 October

In their last eight fixtures on Saturday's date, 12 October, Altrincham have won just once in 37 years. That was a 1-0 home win on 2008 against Oxford United.

For the full details, see Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett's Through the Years data.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Starting his career in the ranks at Southampton, Phillips worked his way up from non-league before his major breakthrough at Watford and then Sunderland... going on to represent England... in the Euro 2000 squad...

After retiring from football in 2014, Phillips began his coaching career with Leicester City as assistant first team coach and coaching roles at Derby County and Stoke City followed before the former European Golden Shoe winner took over as Manager of ambitious South Shields in January 2022. After winning the Northern Premier League with the Mariners in his second season, he moved on to National League in 2023 where he managed Hartlepool... He had a successful stint at the Pools, achieving 1.63 points per game... Despite this, he was released at the end of the season and has been seeking the right opportunity since".

>At Maidenhead United "Thierry Latty-Fairweather has extended his tenure with the Magpies until January 2025.

Latty-Fairweather joined the Magpies on a one-month loan in August from York City. So far this season, the defender has started seven games before an injury at Tamworth left him on the sidelines.

He returned to the Minstermen last month, but has re-signed with the Magpies until the New Year.

'What motivated me to extend was the general buzz around the place; everyone is so friendly, and so welcoming,' said Latty-Fairweather. 'I’m just playing games as well, helping me improve as a player...

'I feel like I’ve definitely improved on my defending. At York, we’ve had the ball a lot more, so I wouldn’t have to worry about defending as much. But now, I’ve to really focus on my defending, winning individual duels, aerial duels; I feel like I’ve developed upon that a lot'".

8 October 2024

TONIGHT: BLACKBURN ROVERS U-21

With free entry tonight courtesy of sponsorship by Longworth & Taylor Ltd, it will be interesting to see how the attendance compares with other ties which have already been played (see below). Last Tuesday Alty played their CSC match against Vauxhall Motors at the J. Davidson Stadium, which attracted 307 spectators.

NLC results so far:

• Ebbsfleet United 2-2 WBA (Ebbsfleet won 5-4 on pens), gate 213
• FC Halifax Town 1-2 Newcastle United, gate 292
• Oldham Athletic 2-1 Stoke City, gate 455
• Woking 2-2 Brighton & Hove Albion (B&HA won 4-3 on pens), gate 227
• Boston United 3-4 Leeds United, gate 467
• Dagenham & Redbridge 5-5 Tottenham Hotspur (Tottemham won 5-3 on pens), gate 184
• Maidenhead United 2-0 Fulham, gate 210
• Gateshead 1-0 Middlesbrough, gate 253

Teams that win a shoot-out earn two points and the defeated team earns one for the drawn game.

The club's first teams have met in a cup competition in the past. In the 1973/74 season Alty secured a goalless draw at Ewood Park in front of 8,564 spectators in the FA Cup Second Round Proper. But Rovers won the replay 2-0 at a packed Moss Lane, where 5,021 spectators were present.

NEXT SATURDAY: SOLIHULL MOORS

The Moors enjoyed a late 2-3 away win at Oldham Athletic last Saturday following three matches without a win.

Solihull Moors reported that debutant "Marcel Oakley scored the winning goal on his debut...

Andy Whing named an unchanged lineup... This means that Sam Bowen and Jack Stevens start on the wings, with Bradley Stevenson partnering Conor Wilkinson in attack.

On the substitutes bench, Marcel Oakley is immediately put into the matchday squad after signing for the Moors yesterday. We also see the return of James Gale to the subs bench...

In the second half, the hosts started the better side... 51 minutes in, the Moors took the lead with Jack Stevens scoring...

[On 78 minutes], the hosts found an equaliser after Otis Khan’s corner was put in the perfect position for Mark Kitching to score from close range and make it 1-1...

81 minutes in, the Moors retook the lead through substitute James Gale... In the third minute of stoppage time, the Moors scored a third goal with Marcel Oakley opening his account on his debut...

Three minutes later, Oldham scored a second goal with Lundstram having the loose ball in the penalty box, before flicking the ball over a Moors defender and volleying a low shot into the far corner to make it a nervous finish...

Moors starting XI: Walker, Tipton, Clarke, Tunnicliffe, Newton, Bostock, Osborne ©, Bowen, Stevenson, Stevens, Wilkinson. Subs: Flahavan, Oakley (Bostock 63), Labadie (Wilkinson 86), Howell, Ryley, Holmes, Gale (Stevenson 69)

DEFEAT FOR THE WOMEN

It resulted in a 2-0 defeat away to Stockport County Ladies at Stockport Sports Village.

The Alty starting eleven was: Caitlin Beaty, Elise Jones, Holly Lloyd, Natalie Lowe, Grace McArdle, Brianna Morrison, Annie Rose O'Donoghue, Emily O'Leary, Rhianna Pickering, Kira Saycell and Tayla Simms.

Alty now lie fifth in the nine-strong league but they have played one or two more games than the clubs below them.

ALTY PROGRESS IN FA YOUTH CUP

In front of a crowd of 368, Vlad Shtyhlian scored both of the Alty goals.

NO CHANGE FOR THE RESERVES

ACADEMY STAY TENTH

ALTY COLTS' COMEBACK

They now lie seventh in the ten-club division.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Wakely impressed in his five appearances on loan from Wycombe Wanderers at the beginning of 2023/24 but his season-long loan deal was cut short by a serious injury sustained at Barnet. He was released by Wycombe in May and now at full fitness, he becomes the latest signing announced under new boss Harry Watling.

The 6ft 4in defender spent the early stages of his career at Chelsea...He had loan experience with Basingstoke Town while also playing for Brighton and Leicester City U23s before he moved to Wycombe on a two-year deal in 2021".

7 October 2024

NEXT: BLACKBURN ROVERS UNDER-21S

That last meeting was a pre-season friendly on 2 August 2008, refereed by Anthony Taylor, when Altrincham won 1-0 in front of 350 spectators.

Right: Anthony Danylyk and Robbie Lawton in action against Blackburn Rovers' Josh O'Keefe who was later to play for The Robins.

A well-struck 20-yard shot by midfielder Anthony Danylyk secured this victory against a young Blackburn Rovers' reserve side. But Alty had to survive two firm strikes against Stuart Coburn's uprights in the second half. Chris Denham limped off before half time whilst Dale Johnson, who warmed up and was named on the team sheet, took no part in the game. Chris Senior also sat out this game, injured.

The visitors did not include any "big names" due to their simultaneous first-team fixture at Wolverhampton. However, Brown, Kane and Gallagher were three of their starters who were listed on the club website as first-team squad members for Rovers, whilst seven others were reserves and one, O'Connor, was an academy player.

Substitute Grant Hanley went on to make almost 200 appearances for Rovers and a similar number for Norwich City as well as earning 55 Scottish international caps.

ALTRINCHAM : 1. Stuart COBURN, 2. Robbie LAWTON (capt), 4. Chris LANE, 5. Mark McGREGOR 3. Matt DOUGHTY; 7. Alex MEECHAN, 6. Kevin STREET, 8. Anthony DANYLYK, 10. Lee ELAM; 11. Chris DENHAM, 9. Colin LITTLE. Subs: 10. Dale JOHNSON, 13. Andy RALPH, 14. Joe O'NEILL, 15. Richard BATTERSBY, 16. Warren PEYTON.

BLACKBURN ROVERS : 1. Jason BROWN, 2. Callum O'CONNOR, 3. Tony KANE, 4. Brian HODGE, 5. Gavin GUNNING, 6. Jon BATEMAN, 8. Josh O'KEEFE, 9. Alex MARROW, 10. Paul GALLAGHER, 11. Andy HAWORTH. Subs: 12. Rostyn GRIFFITHS, 13. Gunnar NIELSEN, 14. Martin McCUBBIN, 15. Grant HANLEY, 16. John LOWE.

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP FIXTURES

• Blackburn Rovers (Tuesday, October 8th)
• Manchester United (Tuesday, November 19th)
• Stoke City (Tuesday, December 3rd)
• Wolverhampton Wanderers (January 28th)

Admission to the Blackburn game is free to all spectators. The other games are free for Altrincham season ticket holders, £7 for 18s-and-over and £2 for under-18s.

ALTY OLD BOYS

THROUGH THE YEARS: 8 OCTOBER

Altrincham's last game on that date was two years ago when Dorking Wanderers were the visitors and Alty won 4-1.

Full data on previous games on 8 October is to be found in Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett's Through the Years files.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Jovan Malcolm scored a second-half winner for Gateshead, while Micah Obiero and Jack Wells-Morrison had chances for the visitors.

The Stones remain one off the bottom of the table".

Wealdstone boss Matt Taylor was "brutally honest in [his] assessment .. [of a] game that saw Taylor's side fail to convert a number of big chances once again...

Said Matt Taylor ' At half-time it was hard for me to say anything negative to the players because we created some unbelievable chances but, again, I'm sat here talking about missing chances and not winning games so that's the disappointing thing for me...

'Let's be perfectly frank, open and honest, were missing Sean Adarkwa, Craig Eastmond, Jaydn Mundle-Smith, Adrian Mariappa and Max Kretzschmar. All five of those are in the team'...

'I can't be disappointed in the players' overall performance. We've now lost two in five, two of those we were winning into injury time, I'm aware of the issue and we are trying to fix it...

'We are a good team and once we have fit and available strong group we are capable of achieving something this season'" he concluded.

In the Hartlepool Mail we read that "Mani Dieseruvwe came off the bench to score a hat-trick as Hartlepool United overturned a two goal deficit to beat in-form Sutton United 4-3.

Pools looked down and out - and, in truth, manager Darren Sarll appeared to be skating on thin ice - after goals from Jayden Harris and Ashley Nadesan fired Sutton into a 2-0 half time lead.

Sarll had, again, left Mani Dieseruvwe and Joe Grey on the bench but sent both men on during the first half and, together with fellow substitutes Nicky Featherstone and Anthony Mancini, the pair changed the game as Pools engineered a remarkable turnaround.

The impressive Luke Charman pulled one back from Grey's cross before a quickfire brace from Mani Dieseruvwe put Pools in front...

Pools [had] managed just four points from a possible 18 in a miserable September... Yet Sarll opted to stick with the same shape, a diamond in midfield, with Nathan Sheron at its base and Adam Campbell at its head... It was the second game in a row that the under pressure manager named an XI without a single league goal between them so far this season".

6 October 2024

"WORST OF THE SEASON FROM US"

Right: Phil Parkinson and Neil Sorvel have plenty to think about following Saturday's performance at Braintree.

Amongst his comments the Alty manager said "Today's performance was the worst of the season from us and probably Braintree’s best from what I’ve seen of them. I certainly didn’t see the performance coming, as the players have trained extremely well this week and everyone was really confident and focused going into the game.

"Our biggest problem was too many players playing below par. I really think we missed [suspended] Tom Crawford’s experience and composure in the midfield and [injured] Jake Cooper's physicality and ability to win defensive duels at the back.

"The lads didn’t look up to the level everyone expects from us... It was a really low quality, poor game and we massively contributed to that. Braintree's keeper had nothing to do and Ethan only faced a couple of attempts on his goal..

"We’re still only three points off the play-offs... We’ll get some valuable minutes into lads who need it midweek against Blackburn Rovers".

BRAINTREE TOWN 2-0 ALTRINCHAM

Braintree, with only six goals from 12 previous league fixtures, secured a well deserved victory and were not flattered by the two-goal margin.

Match report here.

NEXT: BLACKBURN ROVERS U21

In fact, their fixture list does not show any of their NLC commitments.

Entry to the match on Tuesday is free of charge, thanks to sponsorship by property specialists Longworth & Taylor.

Recent results for the Rovers in Premier League 2, in which Rovers lie 25th out of 26 teams, are:

• Blackburn Rovers U21 3 Leicester City 2
• Newcastle United U21 2-0 Blackburn Rovers U21

In the Central League, the latest result was Carlisle United 0-5 Blackburn Rovers U21, whilst in the Premier League International Cup, Blackburn U21s lost at home to Lyon 0-2

The line up for their most recent game was: Michalski, Murphy-Worrell, Olson, Litherland, Beck, J. Edmondson, O’Grady-Macken, Bell, Biniek (Bloxham 76), Tyjon, Leonard (A. Doherty 76). Subs not used: Honor, Powell, Mafoumbi.

EMIRATES FA CUP 4Q ROUND

Tuesday 8 October

Third Round Qualifying replay:

• 15 Biggleswade Town v Alfreton Town

Saturday 12 October

Fourth Round Qaulifying:

• 1 Rushall Olympic v Peterborough Sports
• 2 Tamworth v Macclesfield Town
• 3 Oldham Athletic v FC Halifax Town
• 4 Hartlepool United v Brackley Town
• 5 Farsley Celtic v Kettering Town
• 6 Altrincham v Solihull Moors
• 7 AFC Fylde v Rochdale
• 8 Scarborough Athletic v Chester FC
• 9 Biggleswade v York City
• 10 Harborough Town v Bury
• 11 Curzon Ashton v King's Lynn Town
• 12 Gainsborough Trinity v Boston United
• 13 Hednesford Town v Gateshead (live on BBC Sport)
• 14 Biggleswade Town or Alfreton Town (playing Tuesday) v Spennymoor Town
• 15 Buxton or Kidderminster Harriers v Guiseley

ALTY OLD BOYS

Championship: DUNCAN WATMORE was substituted after 66 minutes of Millwall's goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion.

League One: CARL PIERGIANNI returned to his roots as Stevenage visited Peterborough United, but it wasn't a happy return as they lost 2-1.

TOBY MULLARKEY (above, right) played the whole of Crawley Town's 1-0 defeat at Wycombe Wanderers, while JUNIOR QUITIRNA was withdrawn after 73 minutes.

League Two : Visitors Cheltenham Town were a goal up at half time at Barrow, but ELLIOT NEWBY was credited with the assist as the hosts equalised 3 minutes of the restart, and went on to win 2-1.

Walsall were 2-1 up at Chesterfield when the hosts introduced both RYAN COLCLOUGH and JAMES BERRY after 63 minutes. The match finished in a 2-2 draw.

A full shift from ALISTAIR SMITH (right) couldn't prevent AFC Wimbledon losing by the only goal of the game at Salford City.

National League: DAN MOONEY came off the Boston United bench after 84 minutes at Barnet, where his team lost 3-1 after being ahead at half time.

After they had thrown away a two goal lead at Ebbsfleet United, Rochdale withdrew KYLE FERGUSON after 79 minutes. The game ended 2-2. Tamworth were also two goals ahead at Halifax, but KENNEDY DIGIE and his colleagues eventually fell to a 3-2 defeat.

And yet another side to squander a two goal advantage were Sutton United, who went down 4-3 at Hartlepool United, who had LUKE WATERFALL booked - he and BILLY SASS-DAVIES played the whole match.

A 96th minute JOSH LUNDSTRAM goal came too late for Oldham Athletic who went down 2-3 at home to Altrincham's FA Cup opponents Solihull Moors. REAGAN OGLE picked up a yellow card.

FA Trophy: After DIOR ANGUS had given them a first half lead, AFC Telford substituted him after 72 minutes with the score at 1-1, and were forced to penalties by visitors Cleethorpes Town. After the regulation kicks the sides remained tied at 3-3, but Telford eventually squeezed through 5-4.

Hyde United captain JACK REDSHAW and his colleagues were unable to beat DAVID PARTON in the Congleton Town goal, and were eliminated 1-0.

BILLY HASLER-CREGG (left) and LIAM BROCKBANK were in Bamber Bridge's starting lineup at Guiseley. Billy was substituted just before the hour with the tie still goalless, but the veteran Simon Grand headed the only goal of the game after 70 minutes. Liam was withdrawn after 88 minutes.

JEROME WRIGHT started at Shawe View as Trafford took on Ashton United, whose lineup included JAMES HARDY. Both players found the net, but it was the visitors who took the spoils 2-5.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Formerly of Birmingham City, Oakley has put pen-to-paper on a short-term deal with Solihull Moors.

The 21-year-old spent time on loan with Arbroath and Queen’s Park in the Scottish Championship where he made over 30 appearances for both sides.

Oakley made his senior debut for Birmingham City in an EFL Cup fixture at 18-years-old against Colchester United, where he scored the only goal of the match".

5 October 2024

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• AFC Fylde 5-2 Aldershot Town
• Barnet 3-1 Boston United
• Braintree Town 2-0 Altrincham
• Eastleigh 1-3 Forest Green Rovers
• Ebbsfleet United 2-2 Rochdale
• FC Halifax Town 3-2 Tamworth
• Gateshead 1-0 Wealdstone
• Hartlepool United 4-3 Sutton United
• Oldham Athletic 2-3 Solihull Moors
• Southend United 0-2 Maidenhead United
• Woking 1-1 York City
• Yeovil Town 1-0 Dagenham & Redbridge

NEW SIGNING

The 21-year old has been without a club since leaving EFL League Two Fleetwood Town in the summer...

A tall, commanding centre-back, Connor is a welcome addition to Alty's defensive options...

Connor started out in Leeds United's Academy... before moving to Fleetwood and making his League One debut... on the final day of the 2022-23 season.

He played 12 times for Fleetwood in all and had successful loan spells with Marine, Curzon Ashton, Farsley Celtic and Alfreton Town over the course of two seasons, prior to ... gaining more valuable experience with Scottish Championship side Arbroath in a loan deal that ran from last February until the end of the 2023-24 campaign".

Should he start on Saturday he will be the 19th player to start an Altrincham league game this season and the 26th to be named in a National League squad.

TODAY: BRAINTREE TOWN

With Tom Crawford missing the game through suspension, George Wilson (right) is a potential replacement, the midfielder having come through ninety minutes in the Cheshire Senior Cup on Tuesday night, following his injury lay-off which has cost him a start in the last six games. In fact, he has only started one NL game this campaign but has been a used susbtiute in six other league fixtures.

Wilson spent much of last Tuesday's game playing out of position at centre-back following Owen German's early red card.

It remains to be seen if any of the other nine first-team squad members who featured in the CSC in midweek will be involved at Braintree. None of the starters last Saturday against Tamworth were involved at all in the CSC match, whilst six of the seven substitutes last Saturday played some part against the Motormen. The exception was Joe Nuttall who was a used substitute at Tamworth but not in the squad at all on Tuesday night.

It seems that centre-back Jake Cooper will be sidelined for some time, though the nature of the injury he suffered last time out has not been revealed. In his place, Alty have signed loanee Connor Teale, as reported above.

Braintree may be in twentieth place but they have conceded only 13 goals. At the other end of the pitch only six goals have been scored by The Iron in their twelve matches, the lowest total in the entire division.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Welsh Cymru Premier: JOEL TORRANCE was on the wrong end of two goals as Bala Town lost at home to Haverfordwest. It was a happier evening for JOHN DISNEY, as Connah's Quay Nomads comfortably beat visitors Aberystwyth 3-0.

FA Trophy : SAM HEATHCOTE and DONTAI GABIDON were in Macclesfield's starting lineup at City of Liverpool. Dontai was substituted just before the hour mark with the tie goalless, but the Silkmen got a firm grip on the tie in the final quarter to win 0-3."

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The 27-year-old arrived at the Kuflink Stadium in the summer and has featured five times for the Fleet in the National League.

Recently promoted to the National League South as Isthmian champions, Daryl McMahon’s side are currently in 15th place".

Footnote: Phillips played in the Fleet's back line when they visited Altrincham on 7th September.

Solihull Moors manager "Andy Whing discussed Saturday’s away trip to Boundary Park...

Last time out, Solihull secured a point on the road at Dagenham & Redbridge...

Andy Whing admits... 'Preparations have gone well. After a really tough week last week... now we’re getting lads back from injury...

'I thought the performance against Dagenham was a million times better, we looked like us again in how we want to play and have our identity back'...

Oldham are unbeaten in their last eight outings...

'They’ve got bags of experience in the team and loads of fire power which is why they’ve only lost once this season. They haven’t conceded many goals either'" said the boss.

The Head Coach said: “It was great to see Tahvs [Tahvon Campbell] on the bench last week... he’s a really important player for us... Galey [James GAle] is pretty much back in training now so will hopefully be available. Warbs [Matt Warburton] and Whitmore hopefully will be back in training next week'" Whing concluded.

Also at Solihull, the club "has cancelled their women's football team's match this weekend after their management and coaching staff resigned...

The women's team said they 'endured conditions that no team, at any level should be expected to tolerate'.

They claimed the club provided 'ill-fitting kits', no 'transportation for games hours away' and 'no guaranteed pitch to play midweek fixtures'.

The players claim the club tried to charge them £2,600 to use their men's pitch for an upcoming match".

Meanwhile, the Moors' opponents, Oldham Athletic have announced "the signing of Kane Drummond from Chesterfield on loan until 5 January.

The 23-year-old started his career at Liverpool’s academy...

He said, 'The move came about quite quickly, I spoke to the gaffer on Monday and was sold on the project here instantly...

'I’m really excited to work under Micky, his experience speaks volumes. I like the way he plays and I feel it suits my game really well.'

In the summer of 2019, Kane joined Warrington Rylands... Macclesfield came calling for Kane’s services in November 2022, and he joined the club for an undisclosed fee...

On 9 May 2024, Drummond joined newly promoted League Two club Chesterfield on a one-year deal, after rejecting a new contract from Macclesfield.

Manager Micky Mellon [said]... 'Paul Cook is an old mate of mine so I’m thankful for their trust... He can play in wide areas and he play up-front. He’s blessed with pace and work rate, the fans will love him'Q.

News of the nascent National League Cup comes from Woking where just 227 spectators turned out to watch their club draw 2-2 against Brighton U21s, with the visitors winning 4-3 on penalties.

As expected Woking's "team was heavily rotated with just four players keeping their places, as Ollie Webber made his debut in goal. Jacob Jones returned to the side after not featuring in September, with Dale Gorman captaining a midfield with no changes made to it...

Brighton broke the deadlock after 33 minutes...

Brighton started the second half strongly... Ruari McConville doubled the Brighton lead after being found by Ifill at the back post...

In the 90th minute... the ball was played to substitute Jamie Andrews, who drilled his strike into the bottom corner to give the Cards hope.

Woking salvaged a draw in the last minute of the game when Andrews’ free kick was glanced in by Dion Kelly-Evans, an unlikely goalscorer and an unlikely result considering the score was 2-0 after 89 minutes.

The game then went to a penalty shootout, with the winner getting an extra point... Tom Leahy’s effort was well saved by Cahill to give Brighton a 4-3 win on penalties. They take two points, Woking take one".

4 October 2024

ROSS'S VIEW ON CSC

Ross (pictured, right) spoke to Erin Carroll for Alty TV after the game.

He praised Matty Kosylo for his hardworking example to the younger players and he also paid tribute to George Wilson who had to play at centre-back for most of the game when Owen German, himself a stand-in at centre-back, was sent off in the sixth minute.

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

Although they only returned to the National League this season, this is Braintree's eighth season at National League level.

The Iron first reached the national level for 2011-12 season and, subsequently, they enjoyed five top-14 finishes before being relegated in 2017 when finishing 22nd of the 24 teams.

Having finished sixth in the South division the following season, they were promoted through the play-offs, only to go straight down again after a single season in the National League. They almost suffered a double relegation when lying second bottom in the South in 2020 at the point that Covid curtailed the campaign.

But by 2024 they had finished fifth and were promoted back to the National League, again through the play-offs.

So they have only faced Altrincham twice previously. Strangely both previous visits to Braintree were for the final match of the respective season.

On 25 April 2015 Braintree Town won 4-2 and on 30 April 2016, they triumphed 3-0 as Alty's relegation was confirmed.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 5 OCTOBER

Details of all of Alty's previous fixtures on 5 October are to be found, courtesy of Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett, in their Through the Years data.

The match against Grimsby in 2021 was a Tuesday night affair played in front of 2,882 spectators, including 1,251 in the away section, at an ultimately sodden Moss Lane.

Above: Grimsby Town and Altrincham take to the field in August 2015.

Altrincham came back from three goals down but were unable to get an equalizer against an impressive Grimsby Town. The Mariners took a 27th minute lead when Hannigan's headed clearance was seized upon by the visitors and Bapaga rifled a rising shot into the roof of the net.

Heavy rain poured down at the interval and through most of the remainder of the game.

In the 48th minute, Hannigan tried to dribble out of defence but lost the ball. The ball was then played into the box from the Grimsby right. Mullarkey, (later to join Grimsby) stretching, did well to divert the ball towards his own goal where Thompson did equally well to prevent an own goal, as he dived at full stretch to his right. But the ball ran loose for Taylor to make it 0-2.

Then a superbly worked goal, twice involving the impressive McAtee, culminated in Clifton scoring to make it 0-3 in the 55th minute.

Moments later, Bapaga then got himself stupidly sent off through a second yellow card for blocking a throw-in and the rest of the game saw Alty launching wave after wave of attacks at the ten men.

Mooney then scored a fine goal, after a one-two with Hancock, to make it 1-3 (65 mins). And when Moult bundled the ball home from a Colclough corner (74 mins), Alty looked capable of a remarkable comeback. But a mixture of slowing the game down and solid defending allowed the ten men to hold on to the three points.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 24. Joel SENIOR, 25. Toby MULLARKEY, 5. Tom HANNIGAN, 16. Brad JACKSON, 28. Dean FURMAN, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. Dan MOONEY, 11. Ryan COLCLOUGH, 10.Josh HANCOCK, 9. Marcus DINANGA. Subs: 2. Shaun DENSMORE, 15. Matty KOSYLO, 23. Tom PEERS, 17. Ben PRINGLE, 27. A-Jay LEITCH-SMITH .

ALTY NEW BOYS

The only Academy player to start the game was left-back Lucas Edwards. Lucas had made his mark two years ago when playing for the Reserves at the age of just sixteen.

Left to right: Lucas Edwards, Sekouba Kamara, Harvey Randle, Oscar Cooper, Remi Raymond and Isaac Mannion

Goalkeeper Harvey Randle played the entire game and kept the score down with several excellent saves. Harvey had previously been on the bench for nine National League games.

The second half saw defender Oscar Cooper, as well as Remi Raymond, Sekouba Kamara, Remi Raymond and Isaac Mannion all play their part as second-half substitutes.

Another potential debutant, Academy goalkeeper Max Beddow (right) did not get onto the pitch.

ALTY OLD BOYS

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Romoney Crichlow, born in Luton, began his football career at Enfield Borough... In 2017, he signed with Huddersfield Town... [and] gained valuable experience through loan spells at Bradford, Hartlepool United, and Welling United in 2019 and 2020.

Crichlow made his senior debut for Huddersfield on 5 September 2020... In the 2021–22 season, Crichlow joined Swindon Town on loan, before being recalled by Huddersfield in January 2022 and immediately sent on loan to Plymouth Argyle for the remainder of the season.

He [had]... another loan spell in the 2022–23 season, this time at Bradford City...

In June 2023, Crichlow signed a two-year contract with Peterborough United".

3 October 2024

ALTRINCHAM 1-3 VAUXHALL MOTORS

Altrincham fielded a starting eleven which included ten players who had been assigned first-team squad numbers, but only four of whom had started a National League match this season. They were Wilson, Haygarth and two loanees in Humbles and Bickerstaff, with a total of just nine league starts across all four of them. The bench comprised five youngsters.

The sixth-minute dismissal of Owen German for a foul on Kevin Ellison gave Alty a difficult task.

Match report here.

Right: Owen German walks from the pitch after his red card in the sixth minute against Vauxhall Motors.

NL CUP NOW FREE ON TV

• Ebbsfleet United v WBA - gate 213
• FC Halifax Town v Newcastle United- 292
• Oldham Athletic v Stoke City - 455 (48 away)
• Woking v Brighton & Hove Albion - 227
• Boston United v Leeds United - 467
• Gateshead v Middlesbrough - 253

Attendances are likely to fall even further with the announcement by the National League that "the group stage fixtures will be available to watch free of charge for all supporters on National League TV...

It couldn’t be much easier to watch. Head to nationalleaguetv.com and register for a free account – and you’re all set!

Return to nationalleaguetv.com on matchday, where coverage will begin from 30 minutes before kick-off. Just tap the ‘Watch Live’ button for your match of choice from the front page of the site, or from the Schedule page.

Any fixtures broadcast in the National League Cup group stage will be available to watch on National League TV free of charge. No need to purchase a package – just register for an account to watch".

Footnote: Given that matchday income was mentioned as a selling point for the Cup, as it would be retained by the National League hosts, it is difficult to envisage how this will amount to much especially as all the games are midweek, floodlit affairs, with their attendant operational costs. At Altrincham, the first match, next Tuesday, against Blackburn Rovers U-21s is free for spectators thanks to the generosity of property specialists Longworth & Taylor.

ALTY'S RETAIL BOOM

The article goes on to point out the improvements made to the Club's retail offer, such that "Today, supporters are able to purchase season tickets, match tickets, hospitality, sponsorship, loyalty memberships, player sponsorship and retail all from the same website.

Don't delay, make your order for merch, tickets, hospitality or sponsorship here and we'll announce our lucky winner very soon".

VANARAMA NATIONAL NEWS

Demetriou decided to call time on his Southend playing career recently after eight years at Roots Hall, making 260 appearances in all competitions... and now the 36-year-old takes up a position on Kevin Maher’s backroom team, assisting the Head Coach and Head of Football, John Still, in player recruitment and match preparation...

Kevin Maher said: “It was important that we kept someone with Jason’s knowledge and understanding of the club around. We lost people this summer with experience, so it was important that we kept some about. Jason’s going into a coaching career that he wants to start off and we felt there was a need for an area that he can add to...

Arriving in Essex from Walsall in 2016 after also playing for Leyton Orient and for two clubs in Cyprus, Demetriou quickly became a fans’ favourite for his committed performances".

ALTRINCHAM 1-3 VAUXHALL MOTORS

They suffered a blow after six minutes when Owen German saw red for hauling back Kevin Ellison (right) as he advanced into the "D". Kev, at 45 years of age, was making his first appearance against Alty at Moss Lane since leaving the club in 2001 for Premier League Leicester City.

Goalkeeper Harvey Randle, who has been on the first-team bench in recent games, kept Alty in the contest but he could not prevent Ellison from heading home a curling cross to give the Motormen the lead (23 mins).

Max Haygarth equalised after 39 minutes, scoring off the underside of the cross-bar, after an Alty advance on the left.

Vauxhall deservedly retook the lead when Ellison scored again (63 mins) and with Alty limited to intermittent counter-attacks, the visitors sealed the game with a third goal. This came from a corner on their right to which an Alty defender dangled a leg and turned the ball into his own net (86 mins).

In added time Weaver won but failed to convert a penalty to underline a disappointing night for the Robins.

Alty could not complain at the result against a Vauxhall side which sits on top of the NPL First Division West and which fully merited the win.

Report to follow

FREE ENTRY TO NL CUP

Property specialists Longworth & Taylor Ltd have agreed to sponsor the tie with Blackburn Rovers under-21s in a gesture that has enabled the club to offer free entry as we launch our National League Cup campaign at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday October 8th, kicking off at 7.30pm...

Peter Longworth, from the Altrincham-based property group, said 'This new competition offers a great opportunity for all the squad to play against the rising talents of Premier League 2 teams, and we are very much looking forward to it - Come On You Robins!'...

For Alty's subsequent group fixtures against Manchester United under-21s on November 19th, Stoke City under-21s on December 3rd and Wolverhampton Wanderers under-21s on January 28th, admission is free for season ticket holders, £7 for 18s-and-over and £2 for under-18s.

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

The Iron have not hosted Altrincham since 2015-16 season when the Essex club finished third and Altrincham finished third from bottom and were relegated.

The following season saw Braintree themselves relegated and this Saturday's clash is therefore the first reunion of the two clubs for eight years.

Braintree's Cressing Road ground is these days known as the Rare Breeds Meat Co Stadium. The Iron currently lie twentieth in the National League with both their victories to date having taken place at home.

They beat Aldershot Town 2-1 and FC Halifax Town 1-0.

AT BRAINTREE, THE LAST TIME

The match was televised live as much depended on it; a point was needed by The Iron to secure a place in the play-offs whilst nothing less than a win could help Altrincham survive, against the odds, in the National League. Even an Alty win would also require Halifax to lose and Guiseley to do no more than draw.

Michael Rankine clears the ball as referee Ollie Yates awards Altrincham a freekick in their own box at Braintree in 2016.

Braintree took a 17th minute lead when the impressive Akinola miscued a shot across goal and Cheek was on hand to convert from close range at the back post. Cheek made it 2-0 three minutes before the break when he converted a cross, following a fine run by Brundle.

Brundle added the third when he converted a cross after Akinola had got to the byline.

For Alty, Ryan Crowther was once again an absentee, along with the four long-term injured players, whilst goalkeeper Tim Deasy was again playing when far from fit and was unable to take goalkicks.

ALTRINCHAM: 17. Tim DEASY, 6. Scott LEATHER, 26. Marcus HOLNESS, 5. Luca HAVERN, 3. Adam GRIFFIN, 4. Jake MOULT (capt), 7. James LAWRIE , 20. Jordan SINNOTT, 15. Josh GINNELLY, 9. Michael RANKINE, 10. Damian REEVES Subs: 23. Callum WILLIAMS, 27. Adam SAVILL, 14. Josh O'KEEFE, 8. Simon RICHMAN, 12. Sam HEATHCOTE.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Championship: Millwall's DUNCAN WATMORE played the whole game at Cardiff City, but the hosts won by the only goal of the game.

OWEN DALE had managed only 85 minutes for Oxford United in 3 substitute appearances so far this season. Tonight he started for the first time in a 2-2 draw at Luton Town, but was substituted at half time.

League One: Crawley Town had six players, including TOBY MULLARKEY, booked as they fell to a 0-2 home defeat by Mansfield Town. JUNIOR QUITIRNA was left on the bench.

CARL PIERGIANNI lead Stevenage to a 1-0 home victory over Wrexham.

League Two: Midway through the second half at Bromley, Chesterfield brought on JAMES BERRY in place of RYAN COLCLOUGH. The scoring in the 2-2 draw was already completed by then. MARCUS DINANGA was missing from the Bromley squad.

With the game still goalless at Doncaster, Barrow withdrew ELLIOT NEWBY after 73 minutes, but 8 minutes later the hosts scored to take all three points.

MARCUS DACKERS lasted 83 minutes for Morecambe, who were a goal up when they withdrew him, but visitors Bradford City snatched a point with an 88th minute equaliser.

Having been booked 4 minutes earlier, Swindon Town's JEFF KING was substituted in the 28th minute with his side 1-0 down at Tranmere Rovers. The unfortunate CHRIS MERRIE conceded the own goal that led to the match finishing 1-1 - both he and CONNOR JENNINGS played throughout.

NPL Premier: ANDY DALES scored after 11 minutes to put Mickleover two goals up at Warrington Rylands, but the hosts recovered to draw 2-2.

FA Cup 3rd Qualifying Round Replay: Although they were forced to play the whole of extra time with 10 men after an added time red card, King's Lynn managed to hold on for a goalless draw against visitors Worksop Town, whose starting XI included SAM WEDGBURY, and then won the penalty shootout 4-3 to earn an away tie at Curzon Ashton.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS

• £500 cash | #295 | Helen Prole
• £75 cash | #125 | Malcolm Jackson
• Hospitality for Two | #215 | D. Johnson
• £25 cash | #15 | Geoff Morris
• Bottle of Alty Gin | #10 | Steven Foster
• Scarf & Team Photo | #201 | John Searle

Congratulations to all the winners!

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Barnet FC would also like to express our continued thanks for all the support received via the Bring Barnet Back campaign. It has been fantastic to see and it really shows how much this means to our supporters, as they have come together in their numbers and made some brilliant headway in their endeavours.

Anyone can get involved by visiting their website. The site has lots of information around this supporter-led campaign including ways to help and contact details.

We hope that we will receive the full support of the Council so that we can bring our incredible Club back to where it belongs and will update supporters again in due course".

The Bring Barnet Back campaign explains that "For 126 years, Barnet Football Club was at the heart of a thriving community. After over a decade away, it’s time to bring the club back home.

Barnet’s fully-funded new stadium at the heart of the town will bring an estimated £1.5 million a year into local shops and businesses, breathing new life into the town and community.

A collective of fans, residents and associations, Bring Barnet Back believes a new stadium means a new start for all of Barnet".

At Ebbsfleet United "Todd Kane becomes the second new addition since Harry Watling’s arrival as the Fleet announce the signing of the experienced defender.

The 31-year-old right-back has more than 180 Championship appearances under his belt and he arrives at the Kuflink Stadium after taking part in Stockport County’s League Two promotion success last season.

Fleet’s new addition spent 18 years at Stamford Bridge... Along the way he won the FA Youth Cup... and was part of the squad that travelled to the Blues’ successful 2012 Champions League Final.

While part of Chelsea’s reserve and Premier League 2 side, Kane experienced senior football on loan at various high-level clubs including Preston North End, Blackburn Rovers, Bristol City, Nottingham Forest, Oxford United and Hull City. He also played in the Netherlands top tier, with NEC Nijmegen and Groningen.

The defender signed on a permanent basis with QPR in 2019 where he spent two years in the Championship and then secured a further two with Coventry City. He has since had spells with Charlton Athletic and at Stockport last season".

Also at Ebbsfleet United "centre-back Anthony Stewart has signed on a permanent deal...

Stewart is another experienced and versatile defender who has played Championship and SPL football. The centre-back, who can also operate on the right side of defence, came through Wycombe Wanderers’ successful youth system to break into their first-team in 2011/12. It was the first of two spells at Adams Park, punctuated by time at Crewe Alexandra...

With more than 300 senior appearances in English football in all, the Fleet’s new recruit was able to add Scottish Premiership experience in 2022, signing for Aberdeen where he was named captain... He had two loan spells at MK Dons last season".

For the second time in a year Gateshead have lost their management to an EFL club. Following the loss of Mike Williamson last season to MK Dons, they have now seen his successor, Rob Elliott and his management team, depart for Crawley Town.

The Chronicle Live adds that "Rob Elliot’s successful one-year reign as Gateshead manager officially came to an end on Tuesday when he accepted an offer to take charge of League One strugglers Crawley Town.

The former Newcastle United and Republic of Ireland goalkeeper was initially named as interim manager at the International Stadium just over a year ago after former Heed boss Mike Williamson joined League Two side MK Dons.

Elliot, player assistant manager Louis Storey and Heed head of recruitment Luke Clark were forced into a mid-season rebuild of their squad after several loan signings were recalled by parent clubs and key forward Stephen Wearne followed Williamson to Milton Keynes...

Despite losing influential midfielder Ed Francis and last season’s top goalscorer Marcus Dinanga to Exeter City and Bromley respectively, Gateshead have started the new season in fine fashion".

1 October 2024

LINNEY EXTENDS HIS STAY

Manager Phil Parkinson said, "He is a proven goalscorer at this level, and I feel we are getting him in his prime, at a time where he is only going to get even stronger and score even more goals for Altrincham".

Regan himself reacted by saying "I'm delighted to have got this sorted out and to be able to concentrate on carrying on doing my best for the club".

Footnote: 27 year-old Linney joined Altrincham in February, 2023, for an undisclosed fee, from NPL side FC United of Manchester FC United, a club that he had joined in 2019 from Bamber Bridge for whom he made his debut in 2015.

The striker had made 133 appearances for FCUM and netted 61 goals before signing for the Robins. His debut came off the bench against Wrexham on 4 February 2023.

To date he has scored 27 times in 48(+19) appearances for Altrincham.

TONIGHT: VAUXHALL MOTORS

Left: Kevin in action at Hednesford in 2000

Kevin's last appearance for Altrincham at what is now the J. Davidson Stadium was (subject to confirmation) in a 1-2 home defeat to Worksop Town in a Unibond Premier League Match, played on Saturday, 27 January, 2001.

Should he appear, Kevin, who is now 45 years of age, will be more than twice the age (21) that he was back in 2001 for the above match, which must be a candidate for being the longest period between a player leaving Altrincham and returning to play against them!

After brief periods playing for Chorley and Southport, Kevin was acquired by Altrincham in 1999 for a small fee from Conwy United. A Liverpudlian, Kevin became the Club's leading scorer with 11 Conference goals in the first half of the 1999/2000 season and ended the season with 14 league goals in a relegated side. Indeed, despite injury, he started 48 games and came on as a sub in one, scoring 16 goals in all competitions.

At times that season he headed the News North West strikers' performance chart ahead of such figures as Andy Cole and Dwight Yorke. During 1999/2000 an offer of £130,000 from Preston North End for his services was turned down by Altrincham.

Affected by injuries during January and February 2000, he returned to the side in March, but was still less than fully fit. Despite this, he played for Manchester City Reserves on 28 March 2000 in their top-of-the-table Pontin's League clash with Port Vale. His form was only moderate in April and May 2000 due to not being fully fit but he soon established himself as leading scorer again in season 2000/01 with seven goals in his first ten matches. Kevin injured his knee at Droylsden (8 October 2000) but recovered to earn two trials at Leicester City, who signed him at the beginning of February, 2001 for a fee which could have risen to £100,000 depending on appearances for the Premier League side.

He became a regular for Leicester City Reserves but made a Premier League debut as a sub at Old Trafford just 7 weeks after leaving Moss Lane. He was sold to Stockport County in 2001, then played at Chester City where he had a loan spell at Scunthorpe before moving for six figures to Hull City in 2005.

Subsequent moves gave him a lengthy career in the EFL before reverting to non-League. His clubs included Tranmere Rovers, Chester City, Rotherham United, Bradford City (loan), Morecambe (where he made more than 350 appearances), Newport County, Warrington Rylands, City of Liverpool, Runcorn Town and now Vauxhall Motors.

SIX IN A ROW AT HOME

• CSC1 Tue. 1.10.24 7.45pm H VAUXHALL MOTORS
• NLC Tue.8.10.24 7.30pm H BLACKBURN ROVERS U21
• FAC4Q Sat. 12.10.24 3pm H SOLIHULL MOORS
• NLC Tue. TBC 7.30pm H MANCHESTER UNITED U21
• NLC Tue.3.12.24 7.30pm H STOKE CITY U21
• NLC Tue.28.1.25 7.30pm H WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS U21

NEXT SATURDAY: BRAINTREE TOWN

In their first 13 fixtures this season The National League computer has dealt Altrincham six matches against newly promoted or relegated sides, with five of those games being away fixtures!

With six new teams in the division this season there will be twelve matches against teams new to the division this campaign. So, after just over a quarter of the season Alty might have expected to face three or four of these clubs. In fact, they will actually have confronted all six "new" clubs by game 13.

And in the five games played so far this season against teams "new" to the division, Altrincham have won just once.

1. Sat.17.8.24 v relegated Sutton United, lost 5-0
2. Mon.26.8.24 v relegated Forest Green Rovers, lost 1-2
3. Sat.14.9.24 v promoted Yeovil Town, drew 0-0
4. Sat.21.9.24 v promoted BOSTON UNITED, drew 2-2
5. Sat.28.9.24 v promoted Tamworth, won 2-1
6. Sat.5.10.24 v promoted Braintree Town

TWO WINS FOR ALTY WOMEN

After their chastening defeat on the opening day of the season, the Women have improved in form, winning two of their next three fixtures.

These were, firstly, a 4-2 away win at Northwich Vixens on 15 September, followed by another away win, 3-1 at Wirral United FC Women on 22 September.

However, their home form has not matched that on the road as they lost 2-5 at home to Nantwich Town FC Ladies last Sunday. The results leave them third in the nine-club division, albeit thay are one of only two clubs to have completed four fixtures this campaign.

For the game against Northwich, the team comprised Ash Gilmore, Isobel Hilton, Elise Jones, Holly Lloyd, Natalie Lowe, Grace McArdle, Annie Rose O'Donoghue, Emily O'Leary, Rhianna Pickering, Katie Robins and Kira Saycell. The scorers were Saycell (1), Lowe (15), Lloyd (36) and McArdle (62).

Against Wirral, the side was Caitlin Beaty, Charlotte Bromley, Ash Gilmore, Elise Jones, Holly Lloyd, Natalie Lowe, Grace McArdle, Brianna Morrison, Annie Rose O'Donoghue, Rhianna Pickering and Kira Saycell.

The scorers were Saycell (15") and Jones (42").

For the home match against Nantwich, the starters were Caitlin Beaty, Charlotte Bromley, Elise Jones, Holly Lloyd, Grace McArdle, Brianna Morrison, Emily O'Leary, Rhianna Pickering,Kira Saycell, Tayla Simms and Brogan Walsh.

A POINT FOR THE RESERVES

U-19S' NARROW DEFEAT IN YORKSHIRE

Alty dropped a place to tenth in the thirteen-strong division.

COLTS DEFEATED

With one win from their three games this season, they lie seventh out of ten in the Development Division.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Those attending will join Ian's family, including son Neil, to "hear amazing stories about the life of !an Mellor".

Copies of Ian's autobiography "Spider" will be available for just £10. The event is free and is in aid of St Ann's Hospice.

As Barry Pikesley advised at the time of his death in May this year, Mellor made a solitary appearance for Alty in a 2-1 North West Floodlit League victory at Buxton on Wednesday, 15th October 1969.

The then 19-year-old Central League striker was signed on loan from Manchester City by Freddie Pye.

He made his debut at the Silverlands, with Mellor replacing the injured Johnny Worth. He was then recalled to play in City's 'A' team.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

BBC Radio Newcastle has been told the 38-year-old will join the League One club, having travelled down to West Sussex on Monday for talks.

Scott Lindsey left the Reds to join League Two MK Dons on Wednesday, [replacing former Heed boss Mike Williamson]...

Former Newcastle United goalkeeper Elliot and his assistant Louis Storey joined the Heed in October 2023 on a caretaker basis, before being given the roles permanently in June.

Elliot, 38, steered the club to a sixth-place finish in the National League last season... He has led Gateshead to fifth in the league with 23 points from 11 games so far this season...