NEWS ARCHIVE
December, 2024
31 December 2024
NEW YEAR'S DAY: ROCHDALE
On New Year's Day, weather permitting, ninth-placed Altrincham take on sixth-placed Rochdale. Dale have five more points from two fewer games than the Robins.For those unable to attend in person, the match will be streamed by DAZN.
The sides last met on Tuesday, 6 February, the fixture having moved from January when the orginal date found the JDS pitch waterlogged.
Alty won the rearranged game 3-0 as they reversed the 3-0 defeat that they had suffered at Spotland earlier that season.
The hosts took the lead in the 44th minute when a fine shot from the left by Eddy Jones was pushed onto the post by the keeper, only for Amaluzor to net the rebound.
Two goals in as many minutes settled the outcome. Isaac Marriott won the ball in midfield and, via Conn-Clarke, the ball reached Linney, right of goal, from where he scored smartly (66 mins).
Just two minutes later Marriott was again involved as he set up Conn-Clarke to score his 17th league goal of the season.
ALTRINCHAM: 1. 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.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that, on Monday night, in League Two, ALISTAIR SMITH put in a full shift as AFC Wimbledon beat visitors Gillingham by the only goal of the game.
NEW YEAR'S EVE AND DAY MATCHES
Tuesday 31st December 2024- Solihull Moors 2-0 Tamworth
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Oldham Athletic "announce the signing of Sam Taylor on loan from Tranmere Rovers until 30 January.
Taylor is a product of the Tranmere academy...
'I'm buzzing to be here, this is a huge club and there's a great chance to help my development as a player'he said. ... 'I'm a player who likes to drive forward, get fans off their seats, and get people excited so I hope there's plenty of that in my time here'.
Sam made his debut for Tranmere in October 2022 in a 5-3 defeat against Leeds U21s in the EFL Trophy and went on to make seven appearances in the season.
In February 2023 he joined Northern Premier League Division One West side Bootle on loan for the rest of season, making nine appearances and scoring one goal.
The 2023/24 season saw Sam gain more game time for Rovers, playing 25 times in all competions, scoring three goals. This campaign, game time has been limited and he joins Latics looking to kick start his campaign. Manger Micky Mellon... said 'Sam is someone I know very well, I know what's he capable of and his attributes so I'm delighted to bring him here@".
Southend United Head Coach Kevin Maher says "every team in the National League has their strengths and his side will need a strong performance to come away from Cressing Road [Braintree] with the three points to start 2025.
Maher believes he will go into the game with a confident squad of his own, following a convincing 4-0 win over Ebbsfleet United in final game of 2024...
'Braintree had a recent change in manager and watching their game away at Dagenham & Redbridge on Boxing Day they played ever so well. I’m sure they’ll be buoyed by that and will take great confidence from it.
'You can see their threats and they’ve got some dangerous players in forward areas...
'What a year', Maher reflected... 'It’s been 100 miles per hour since it’s [the takeover] happened. I think we’re in a good place now to really move forward as a football club...
'We’ve had periods this season where we’ve put in good performances and not followed it up as well as we should’ve done. We’ve got to do that, making sure the standards remain high. It’s important training transmits to the pitch and adding points to our performances.'”
Woking "kick off 2025 with the visit of Maidenhead United...
Neal Ardley has picked up four points from his opening two games as boss, having seen his side score more than once in back-to-back league games for the first time since August. However, his options will again be limited with just Cian Harries and Tunji Akinola available as central defenders, whilst Ben Wynter, Max Dyche, Timi Odusina and Dan Moss all remain sidelined.
[It is] the first of three consecutive home games in a week, and four games in ten days in total...
Alan Devonshire could bring up ten years of service at York Road in May, provided he continues to keep Maidenhead United punching above their weight in the National League. Favourites for the drop every season, the Magpies keep their heads above water courtesy of a few big scalps, in which a former EFL club will be ‘Devonshire’d’ and his side will survive relegation...
Max Kilman’s transfer to West Ham banked his former club a serious windfall of the multi million pound transfer fee, but their plans to use it to depart the relic that is York Road have been scuppered by the local council".
30 December 2024
NEXT: ROCHDALE
Altrincham face Rochdale on New Year's Day.
From the Crown Oil Arena comes news that "Ethan Ebanks-Landell has suffered a setback in his injury rehab, Jimmy McNulty has confirmed.
The skipper tore his hamstring in our win at Yeovil Town back in August and was due to be out of action until at least the New Year.
'It’s not great news on the captain, unfortunately,' confirmed McNulty. 'He’s had a setback in his rehab, which has knocked him a few more rungs down the ladder... and will eat up most of Ethan’s season, unfortunately...
'He’s here game in, game out, helping out in different capacities, helping me in so many ways. He continues to contribute to help his teammates'".
ALTY OLD BOYS
Grantham Town have announced that there is a "New Manager for Grantham Town FC as we welcome NATHAN ARNOLD, effective from January 1st!...
With Nathan’s dynamic leadership and deep understanding of football, fans can expect innovative strategies and an invigorated team spirit on the pitch."
Arnold joined Altrincham for 2019/20 but after 2(+1) appearances in the first five fixtures, he left the club by mutual consent.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Forest Green Rovers "were denied all three points following a late Tamworth equaliser to draw 1-1 at The Lamb Ground on Boxing Day.
Steve Cotterill named three changes from his side that drew with Aldershot Town on Saturday seeing Liam Sercombe return to the starting XI alongside Joe Quigley and Tom Knowles...
Rovers did finally take the lead on 38 minutes when McAllister shrugged off a defender before cutting onto his right foot to rifle an effort home off the underside of the bar...
Tamworth started growing late in the second half... In the second minute of additional time, Tom Tonks’ long throw was headed home by Dan Creaney to salvage a point for the hosts.
Despite the draw, Rovers extended their impressive National League unbeaten run to 12 games".
A dominant Maidenhead United performance rounds off 2024 with three goals and three points under the lights. Shawn McCoulsky grabbed a brace while Reece Smith ensured the points remained in Berkshire scoring in the closing minutes.
A chilly afternoon at York Road started brightly for United...
A dominant first half-hour was capped off by a goal from Shawn McCoulsky...
Wealdstone came out strong in the second-half and drew level, when Max Kretzschmar played a looping ball over to Alex Reid who lifted his shot over Craig Ross.
Within moments of Wealdstone drawing level, United retook the lead and it was that man Shawn McCoulsky again...
The visitors were reduced to ten men as substitute Craig Eastmond was sent off for a rash challenge on Reece Smith.
With ten minutes to go United wrapped up all three points through an assertive finish from Reece Smith".
Sutton United "confirm that Charlie Waller has returned to parent club MK Dons following the conclusion of his loan spell.
The 19-year old arrived at the VBS Community Stadium at the start of August, the fourth loan spell of his short career so far, and has been an ever-present under Steve Morison, featuring 25 times in all competitions.
The 22-year-old previously joined St Albans on a one-month loan deal at the start of October, highly impressing during his spell with the Saints.
Deon joined back up with the Stones first team at the start of November, coming straight back into the starting XI in the 2-0 win away at Aldershot Town.
The towering centre-half scored his first Stones goal in the 2-0 win against Derby County U21s in the National League Cup."
29 December 2024
Above: Altrincham players are seen standing respectfully during the pre-match minute's silence which followed the proclamation of the annual Roll of Honour to commemorate those connected with the Club who had died in 2024. The event was equally respectfully marked by the Halifax players and supporters.
Alty have yet to win an away game in six attempts this season against any of the top fourteen clubs.
Last season, Dale won the corresponding fixture 3-0 in a midweek match whose kick-off was delayed by traffic problems and kicked off twenty minutes late, at 8.05pm.
We open 2025 on New Year's Day at Rochdale (3pm), with tickets for the Vanarama National League clash at The Crown Oil Arena available online to Alty fans here...
We're also on the road to Eastleigh on Saturday, January 18th for a second away game next month...
Our Isuzu FA Trophy clash with Barnet, which doubles as our first home game of 2025, takes place on Saturday, January 4th (3pm)...
General admission tickets are available to buy online. You'll also be able to pay on the day at our cash turnstiles.
Wealdstone (Jan 11th), Maidenhead United (Jan 14th) and Forest Green Rovers (Jan 25th) in the Vanarama National League PLUS Wolverhampton Wanderers u21s (Jan 28th) in the National League Cup all visit The J.Davidson Stadium later in January".
Fans on social media have voiced their opposition to the extortionate prices, which will see home supporters charged as much as £42 to watch the biggest game in their club's history.
Children under 17 years of age will be forced to pay £34 for a ticket in the main stand, while those under 10 will need to shell out £29. Fans above the age of 66 will also need to pay inflated fees, with main stand tickets priced at a whopping £37.
Tamworth have faced a significant backlash as a result of the pricing system, with fans accusing them of excessive greed and fleecing their own supporters.
Details of the pricing are on Tamworth's X account.
Bassey’s career includes 17 years at AFC Wimbledon where the club rose from non-league to League One. His time there included two spells as caretaker manager and 5 promotions in total.
After leaving in Summer 2019, Bassey had spells as interim head coach at Barnet and Portsmouth".
28 December 2024
Their opponents, AFC Fylde report that "A brace from Kairo Mitchell and a rebound strike from Harvey Gilmour cancelled out Gavin Massey’s opener.
Rochdale applied plenty of pressure in the early seconds of the game as Ben Winterbottom was called into action on a number of times to cut out some dangerous crosses.
But with just four minutes on the clock, it was Fylde who found the breakthrough from a set-piece. A corner from the right saw a short goal-mouth scramble before Gavin Massey stabbed the ball home".
Soon after the hour mark, the visitors made it three as Mitchell tapped home...
The Coasters... fell to a second defeat against Rochdale this season".
The victors included two ex-Alty men in LOUIS POTTS and ADAM PORTER, whilst SAM HEATHCOTE was a used substitute for the Silkmen.
A colossal figure within the history of our Club and non-league football more widely, Peter joined The Silkmen in March 1986.
Overseeing a Northern Premier League treble-winning season in 1987, Peter went on to lead his side out at Wembley two years later.
A genius in masterminding cup upsets, Peter was an enigmatic figure who paved the way for our promotion to the Football League in 1997 under Sammy McIlroy.
Peter leaves a vibrant legacy and will remain engrained in the hearts and minds of so many of us forevermore.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Peter's family at this incredibly sad time".
While chips were a bargain £4, the facilities were less impressive. However, you did get your shoes washed for free as part of your visit, whether you liked it or not...
As the second half started, it became apparent that Alty were down to ten men. Concerned for the disparity and lack of any confirmation over the public address, we called out a report of a missing person to a passing policeman at the front of the stand. They, to their credit, saw the humour in the situation, and went along with it".
The club would like to put on record its thanks to Ben for his almost two years in charge of Dagenham & Redbridge FC and in particular the two FA Cup victories against Crewe Alexandra and AFC Wimbledon which lined up a visit to Millwall in the 3rd round next month.
Assistant Manager Lewis Young has been put in temporary charge of the team whilst the selection of a new manager takes place.
No time scale has been put on this recruitment process, but rest assured this will start immediately.
Kyrell Lisbie put Iron ahead on 19 minutes... Six minutes later and Iron doubled their lead when Chay Cooper netted at the back post into the far corner.
Pereira pulled a goal back two minutes before the interval for the hosts, but hopes of a Dagenham comeback were laid to rest early in the second half.
First Cooper netted his second of the game on 49 minutes ...- and then Lisbie matched that with his second just before the hour to make 4-1...
A wicked deflection off Louie Annersley in time added on brought the score back to 4-2 for the home side, but Iron were worthy winners."
We picked up a third win in five games with Oli Coker, Aribim Pepple and Gus Scott-Morriss on the scoresheet, and after the final whistle, Head Coach Maher said 'I’m delighted with the result and the performance as well...
'I thought we played ever so well and looked like ourselves and what we’ve been like...
'We work on sustaining pressure in the final third and we haven’t always been great at that in all honesty but taking the shot at the right time is the most important thing'...
'I thought Cav, Noor and Oli Coker in midfield were all outstanding. That engine room was a big highlight'".
27 December 2024
He felt the "tunnel" incident which resulted in the red cards for Matty Kosylo and Halifax manager Chris Millington was disappointing. He will look at video evidence of the incident.
Parkinson stated that "second half, the boys were superb to play 45 minutes with ten men".
It was "a well-earned draw against a resilient Halifax team", the manager concluded.
He confirmed that George Wilson (right) has picked up a knee injury, which forced him off in the first half, and which could mean that he misses game time but that is subject to a scan.
Kosylo was sent off after a brawl in the "tunnel" as the teams left the field at half-time. Halifax manager Chris Millington was also, reportedly, red-carded during the interval.
Right: Matty Kosylo pictured before kick off against FC Halifax Town.
The opening quarter of an hour was reasonably entertaining before stoppages for injuries to Alty's George Wilson and Halifax's Cooke, arising from separate incidents but simultaneously treated, broke up the flow of the match. That lengthy stoppage was soon followed by the same two players briefly resuming before both had to be substituted during another protracted stoppage.
The rest of the half, which had started nearly four minutes late, and was then subjected to eight added minutes at its conclusion, was as scrappy an encounter as witnessed at the JDS all season. In the first-half period of added time, Newby went down in the box but referee Aspinall, who made a number of strange decisions, booked Newby for alleged simulation, a device he also employed in the second half against a Halifax player, Waters.
With many spectators unaware of the red card at the interval, Alty started the second half with only ten men after Kosylo's off-field dismissal. Halifax applied pressure but a series of excellent defensive blocks and wayward shooting meant that Ross was limited to a couple of decent saves before it was ten-man Altrincham who ended the game as the attacking force.
Match report here
Both sides were forced into early changes following injuries: Max Wright replaced Jamie Cooke for the Shaymen, whilst Isaac Marriot took the place of George Wilson.
Following a fast start to the affair, the game fell into somewhat of a lull for much of the first half...
Halifax were totally dominant throughout the second half, but Altrincham defended resiliently"
They lie sixth in the table, four points ahead of Altrincham with two games in hand.
OWEN DALE was absent from the Oxford United squad as they beat visitors Cardiff City 3-2.
Bristol Rovers withdrew JOEL SENIOR after 74 minutes with the score at Exeter City standing at 1-1, so he couldn't really be blamed for their 3-1 defeat.
Mansfield Town raced into a 0-3 half time lead at Peterborough United, which contributed to three substitutes including CHRIS CONN-CLARKE coming on for the hosts at the start of the second half. There were no further goals.
Wigan Athletic brought JOE HUGILL on in the 85th minute as they won by the only goal at Rotherham United.
Despite missing a penalty, Wycombe Wanderers comfortably spoiled CARL PIERGIANNI'S afternoon by winning 0-3 at Stevenage.
League Two : MARCUS DACKERS was credited with the assist for the game's only goal as Morecambe won at Carlisle United to climb off the bottom of the table at the expense of the hosts
RYAN COLCLOUGH was missing from Chesterfield's squad in the 0-2 defeat at Fleetwood, while they substituted JAMES BERRY after 84 minutes.
National League : Although CONNOR TEALE put in a full shift, Boston United were unable to overcome the handicap of playing the whole second half with 10 men, and visitors Solihull Moors won 0-1.
Gateshead brought on LIAM HUMBLES after 79 minutes against visitors Hartlepool United, for whom LUKE WATERFALL put in a full shift while BILLY SASS-DAVIES was left on the bench as they went down 4-3.
National North: LIAM SALMON put Alfreton Town ahead at Buxton, but they lost 3-2.
DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY put Chester into an early lead, and they were three goals up inside the hour at Marine. The hosts rallied but still went down 2-3.
An early JORDAN HULME goal was in vain, as Radcliffe's home game with Chorley was abandoned (fog).
NPL Premier : AARON BENNETT put Lancaster City ahead inside 10 minutes at Bamber Bridge, and they eventually won by the odd goal in five.
JAMES HARDY was another victim of the fog - having given Ashton United the lead at Mickleover, and with his side cruising 0-3, the game was abandoned.
JOEL BAILEY scored the clincher as Witton Albion won 2-0 at home against Nantwich Town.
NWCL Division 1 North : BILLY HASLER-CREGG scored the fourth goal in Nelson's 6-0 home win over Garstang.
Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE was sent off for a second yellow card after 69 minutes as Linfield forced a goalless draw at Glentoran.
Welsh Premier League : JOEL TORRANCE (above, right) was credited with 5 saves as Bala Town forced a goalless draw at Aberystwyth. Meanwhile JOHN DISNEY captained Connah's Quay Nomads to a crushing 7-2 home win over neighbours Flint Town United.
The decision was made an hour before kick-off due to the worsening conditions at Boundary Park.
Turnstiles’ opening had been delayed until 4:30pm, at which point it was decided to postpone the match, which had been moved to a 5:30pm kick-off for enhanced DAZN broadcast.
City had sat atop the National League standings but have slipped to second thanks to Barnet’s 3-3 draw at home to Sutton".
26 December 2024
As for team selection, there has been no indication that any of the four players (Joe Nuttall, Justin Amaluzor, Eddy Jones and Ollie Crankshaw), who missed Altrincham's last fixture, at Woking, will be involved today.
Chris Millington’s side drew 1-1 with promotion chasing Barnet at the Hive last weekend...
Altrincham are 9th in the table, just a point below the Shaymen with six wins, four draws and 1 defeat on home soil which came when Eastleigh won 1-0 back in August...
Former Town men Matty Kosylo (above left) and Tylor Golden (above right) now play for Altrincham".
The two preceding matches both ended in a 2-1 scoreline; in 2022 Alty were the winners and, last year, the Shaymen emerged victorious.
That sequence is not the longest of successive years in which the same opposition has faced Altrincham on Boxing Day. Between 1972 and 1978 Alty played Macclesfield Town on six successive Boxing Days.
In 2022 FC Halifax Town were the first team from outside Greater Manchester to have faced Altrincham on Boxing Day since 2017 when The Robins travelled to Crosby on Merseyside to face Marine.
The furthest trips on Boxing Day in this millennium were in 2005 to play Kidderminster Harriers at Aggborough and, the year before, to face Stafford Rangers at Marston Road.
The longest distance Alty games on Boxing Day were in 1984 and 1985 when Barrow were the opposition, home and away in successive years.
Whilst Alty have never played in Yorkshire on Boxing Day, FC Halifax are not the first Yorkshire opposition on that day, as the Robins hosted Scarborough back in 1979.
Meanwhile former FC Halifax Town manager Pete Wild, who left Barrow at the end of last season, has been appointed the new manager at Fleetwood Town.
The 21-year-old has moved to the Somerset side in hope for regular first-team football, having started just one game in League Two this season.
The Glovers are managed by former Town boss Mark Cooper...
McGurk signed from Leeds United in Febuary earlier this year... He fell out of favour with manager Mark Kennedy who claimed that the young player needed to improve on the physical side of his game.
He found his way back into the team under Ian Holloway in November... but his game time has gone back to being limited as of late".
If you know of anyone, who was linked to the football club, who has passed in 2024, and you are not sure if the club is aware, please let us know by messaging Brian Flynn via the ‘Contact Us’ page on the club website".
The Halifax Courier reveals the "team made up of the best 11 players in the National League under 25, according to football analysis tool Wyscout.
For every position, there is a set of parameters that are taken in consideration in the final ranking.".
Perhaps surprisingly, three of the eleven players are FC Halifax Town men whilst Altrincham have no one who fits the criteria. The age limit rules out the likes of Regan Linney (27), Tom Crawford (25), Alex Newby (29) and Ethan Ross (27).
Alty's only players who are under 25, who have also started at least eight NL games this season, are Eddy Jones (aged 23) George Wilson (23) Jake Cooper (23) and Kahrel Reddin (20).
The three young players to watch out when the Shaymen visit, with their Halifax squad number, are no.5 Adam Senior, no.10 Jamie Cooke, and no.18 Florent Hoti.
The 22-year-old made the loan move from the Championship club back in early September and has impressed hugely for the Minstermen so far.
Fagan-Walcott started his youth at Norsemen FC... before stepping up to Tottenham Hotspur four years later... making his UEFA Champions League debut off the bench away at RB Leipzig.
The defender also spent time on loan at Dundee in 2021, a couple of years before... signing for Cardiff City... He was sent out on loan to Dunfermline...
The centre-back made his Championship debut against Burnley back in August.
Fagan-Walcott linked up with City ahead of our trip to Wealdstone, where he made his first appearance... Since then, he has notched seven clean sheets and played a total of 1,345 Vanarama National League minutes this season".
24 December 2024
The Shaymen currently have a one-point advantage in the NAtional League but a worse goal-difference by a four-goal margin.
A win for either side could propel them into the play-off places but defeat could mean a significant drop down the rankings. Four teams are within two points of Alty, though two of them (Yeovil Town and Sutton United) are playing each other on Boxing Day, so three places is the maximum drop.
Looking upwards, a win for Alty on Boxing Day could lift them three places if Solihull Moors and Rochdale lose on the day.
Rochdale's "Co-Chair Simon Gauge has penned [a] Christmas message to supporters.
'The last two Decembers have been particularly traumatic, as we began both months without the money in the bank to pay staff come that early December payday. Two years ago, we spent the month trying to secure loans by payday, with one being agreed the day before. Last year, personally, it was a month of dilemma waiting to see the results of the AGM/EGM and whether to put personal money into paying staff and keep the club going. We only wanted to do this if the judgement was that the money would buy the time to secure the right investment into the club.
'From a footballing point of view, two years ago we were struggling just outside of the relegation places in League Two and about to watch our rivals make major moves in the transfer markets – something we didn’t have the money to do – which saw them pull clear at our expense. Last year, we were in the midst of an injury crisis again without the funds to react and strengthen...
'Roll on a year and we are in a very different place. The right investment was secured, and we will all be forever grateful to the Ogden family, with their roots entrenched in Rochdale, for stepping forward and purchasing the club. We are now on a very different journey, building a club for generations to come... We are no longer plotting how to survive, but how we can succeed...
'We will enter the New Year with vigour to increase our commercial revenues and set about project 5,000 – to increase home attendances to that figure...
'There is [however] the problem of the pitch. It is extremely frustrating to postpone games, especially on Saturdays with good levels of forward sales. The problem will not go away. It was clearly not constructed as ordered when the refurb was done in 2020. There appears to be no written contract for the works prior to the contractor starting and with significant changes to the Board and staff in 2021, those directly involved in the pitch rebuild are no longer here. Therefore, our route to recourse is limited.
'We spent significant funds on the renovation in the summer, yet despite this, as the rain seems to get ever more plentiful in Rochdale, the drainage on the pitch seems to get worse. The game against Boston United, scheduled for last Saturday, was postponed due to significant waterlogging after just 6ml of overnight rain...
'The forecast is dry between Christmas and New Year, hopefully allowing the pitch to dry... and we will then be able to take action to try to ensure the New Year’s Day fixture can go ahead, as well as our FA Trophy tie the following Saturday. We are then planning to Dryject the pitch on the 6th January, which will hopefully assist in removing water away from the surface'".
He writes, 'Every opponent is up and around the play-off positions so it won’t be easy, it’ll be a real test of character for us'".
Pools are away at Gateshead on Boxing Day then at home to Oldham Athletic on New Year's Day before a trip to Barnet on 11 January 2025.
Following the Latics' 2-0 victory away to Braintree Town on Saturday (December 21), Rothwell greeted each one of the travelling fans as they left Cressing Road.
The club shared the video on its social media platforms... amassing millions of views across Facebook and X...
A comment on X read 'If only all football club chairmen acted in this way the game might be back in the right hands'... Rothwell has gained a reputation for his down-to-earth style of ownership, often travelling for away games and standing watching the games in the away end alongside supporters".
The 21-year-old was signed in the summer after his release by Norwich City and has since made four appearances for the Fleet in all competitions, including a recent National League debut against AFC Fylde.
The club wishes Dylan the very best for the future".
Southend United report that "With Boxing Day on the horizon, Kevin Maher is looking forward to the traditional festive fixture as we welcome Ebbsfleet United to Roots Hall.
Blues go in search of a response to the 3-0 defeat to York City, and Maher said 'You always get a big crowd in [on Boxing Day] – everyone’s been indoors for 24 hours so they want to get out and watch a game of football....
'There’s disappointment from the weekend, but... you’ve got to get over that quickl...
'For 65 minutes we’ve gone to a team who are full of confidence and been a match for them in certain areas and been competitive... We’ve got to do better at that'...
Ebbsfleet sit bottom of the Vanarama National League... Said Maher 'Anyone that comes to Roots Hall knowing that there’ll be a crowd of 7,000 or 8,000 will be up for it but we’ll have to deal with that, put on a performance and get a result'".
The 19-year-old arrived at the end of November and has made 3 appearances during his time at Huish Park netting once. Ed picked up an injury for Exeter City in their Premier League Cup fixture last week and now returns to St James Park".
Yeovil Town currently lie tenth, level on points with Altrincham but with a slightly worse goal difference.
23 December 2024
So, on New Year's Day 2025, it will be a trip to Rochdale rather than to The Shay for Altrincham's supporters.
Under the new fixture arrangements, Altrincham now visit Halifax on Easter Monday.
Gateshead coach Liam Bridcutt said, "Liam was brought to our attention a few months back. He's a player that can fit us rally well interns of his technical ability and his aggression on the pitch
"He's a really good player, a really good person, and that was a big thig for us. We're not just building a group full of really good footballers, we want to have a group that we enjoy working with day to day and who are really good people".
The boss was speaking after his side’s 2-1 defeat at Hartlepool United where he was only able to name five of the seven substitutes he is allowed which included goalkeeper MATT GOULD and teenager Ollie Hughes.
The Glovers had sold winger Dylan Morgan to National League South leaders Torquay United the day before the game, loanee James Plant has returned to his parent club Port Vale with an injury, and were without injured duo Alex Whittle and Sonny Blu Lo-Everton...
Cooper said 'It has been a brilliant year for the club, stable ownership and we have restored a bit of pride and we just want to keep going. We cannot compete with the top clubs (financially) but we have a bit of spirit as a club, the fans and players and we want to carry on rebuilding.'”
As for the match at Hartlepool, the game was even delayed for 17 minutes in the first half after Mr Jackson adjudged a bit of loose advertising hoarding on the away end posed too much of a safety risk – resulting in a couple of blokes lying on the roof to rip it free. A difference in interpretation of Health & Safety rules in the two decisions, it would appear.
Speaking about the match official, Cooper said... 'There was a bit of paper blowing in the wind, that is the first time I have ever seen the game stopped because of the ball hitting a tea cup and then giving them the ball to put in our box!".
A number of changes to the lineup were enforced due to the illness that had hit the Fleet squad earlier this week and with Dominic Poleon returned to the starting eleven, he found himself through the middle with a chance early on. ..
The Fleet coped well with Gateshead’s possession and Poleon’s runs on goal promised a little more in attack but the visitors took the lead just before the 20-minute mark...
Gateshead doubled their advantage just before half-time when they got away on the break and Craig Tanner was penalised for a tackle on Oseni just inside the area. It was greeted with disbelief by most inside the Kuflink Stadium as Tanner appeared to have halted Oseni with a perfectly legitimate foot on the ball and no Gateshead player appealed. But it was Hannant who stepped up regardless and converted from the spot...
Oseni was on hand just by the six-yard line to tap the ball home to make it 3-0 on 57 minutes.
Oseni then grabbed his second six minutes later... The Fleet did secure one late on when Tyler Cordner spread himself low from a ball out after a Tanner corner to send a powerful header past Mason and give the Fleet fans something to celebrate".
22 December 2024
At Woking on Saturday, despite creating numerous chances and winning multiple corners, Altrincham suffered their sixth league defeat on the road this season. That is the highest number of losses away from home of any club in the top 13 of the National League.
And they have conceded more away goals than any of the top 13 as well, underlining where the team's Achilles heel has been this season, especially when compared with a very good home record.
Match report here
With some justification he felt that "their keeper's been their man of the match".
However, the Alty boss was upset at some "poor comments from some of our [travelling] fans" after the match, referring to fans who had apparently questioned the team's effort.
The audio interview can be heard on the Altrincham FC website.
A superb breakaway led by Ward saw him feed the ball to Beautyman, who composed himself and slotted the ball through to Effiong. His first touch gave him all the momentum he needed to place the ball past Ethan Ross, who collided with Kosylo in the process...
Woking retook the lead with just eight minutes left in scrappy fashion. Gorman’s corner was headed by Effiong towards goal, and despite the initial effort being saved, Jermaine Anderson was barely a yard out to force the ball over the line...
Alty surged forwards in the second minute of seven in injury time, with substitute Lucas Weaver (left) forcing another brilliant save from Jaaskelainen at his near post. Somehow Altrincham didn’t score from the two corners that followed...
Weaver was then found superbly by a 30 or something yard crossfield pass, volleying just over with acres of space between him and anyone else in the game.
After surviving an avalanche of Altrincham pressure, Woking held on for a crucial three points".
Neal Ardley gave his view on the match to BBC Sounds.
"We had to ride our luck at the end", he admitted. "We had to soak up a lot of pressure" he concluded.
The midfielder made his Altrincham debut from the bench in that day's 4-0 win over Ebbsfleet United. Earlier, in the summer, he had featured for The Ammies against Altrincham in a pre-season friendly.
He had finished 2023/24 season on loan at Nantwich Town but had ten Salford City starts to his name including the opening fixture of 2024-25 season.
Despite fairly limited game time during the seven league fixtures after his arrival, his loan was extended for a further month as was announced on 11 October 2024 and, for a further period in November. He went on to be used sparingly and after he had accumulated 8(+5) appearances, it was announced on 21 December by Gateshead that he had joined them on another loan arrangement.
It was still goalless when Millwall brought on DUNCAN WATMORE after 88 minutes of their home game against Blackburn Rovers, but they eventually scored a 97th minute winner.
League One : JOEL SENIOR came on at the start of the second half as Bristol Rovers trailed visitors Wrexham, but they eventually earned a 1-1 draw
CARL PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage to a goalless draw at Blackpool.
Wigan Athletic led visitors Shrewsbury Town 2-1 when they introduced JOE HUGILL after 80 minutes, but had to settle for a 2-2 draw.
League Two : There was almost a full shift from ELLIOT NEWBY, but Barrow helped to run down the clock in their 2-0 home win over Fleetwood Town by withdrawing him in the 94th minute. However, both CONNOR JENNINGS and CHRIS MERRIE did play for the whole of Tranmere Rovers' 3-1 defeat at Doncaster Rovers.
KEVIN BERKOE was missing from the Salford City squad at Accrington Stanley. SONNY ALJOFREE played the whole game for the hosts, who lost 0-2.
A full shift from MARCUS DACKERS couldn't prevent Morecambe losing 0-2 at home to Bromley. MARCUS DINANGA remains hors de combat for the South London club, and it will be 3 months next week since he was injured during the 1-1 draw at home to MK Dons.
National League : REAGAN OGLE played the whole of Oldham Athletic's 0-2 win at Braintree Town, but JOSH LUNDSTRAM was substituted after 77 minutes.
MILES WELCH-HAYES played the whole of Maidenhead United's 1-0 defeat at Eastleigh.
Hartlepool United captain LUKE WATERFALL was booked during their 2-1 home win over Yeovil Town. BILLY SASS-DAVIES was left on the bench for the hosts, as was MATT GOULD for the visitors (he has still to make his senior debut for the Somerset club).
KENNEDY DIGIE played for the whole of Tamworth's 1-2 win at Sutton United.
TYRESE SINCLAIR was withdrawn after 62 minutes by York City with their home game against Southend United still goalless, but 14 minutes later they wrapped up a 3-0 win.
National North : A goal from JONNY MARGETTS earned King's Lynn a 1-1 draw at Chester.
ASHLEY HEMMINGS put Kidderminster Harriers ahead against visitors Southport, and they went on to win 2-0.
NPL Premier Division : LIAM BROCKBANK scored the equaliser for Bamber Bridge as they drew 1-1 at Hyde United.
HAYDEN CAMPBELL scored Leek Town's opener in a 4-1 home win against Basford.
NWCL Premier Division : JOHN JOHNSTON scored twice for Irlam, who came back from 4-0 down after 40 minutes to draw 4-4 at Abbey Hey.
Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE was part of the Linfield defence which kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet in a 1-0 home win over Glenavon.
Welsh Premier League : Although there was no clean sheet for JOEL TORRANCE in Bala Town's 3-1 home win over Barry, it is worth noting that he has only conceded 19 goals in 19 games this season.
Earlier this year, a previous deal to build 1,300 homes in apartment blocks failed to pass due diligence over fears the plans were not financially viable...
Daniel Cowan, the Labour leader of the council, said... 'This will deliver much needed low-rise family housing. The other benefit is that it unlocks potential for the football club'.
A consortium led by Australian businessman Justin Rees completed a takeover of the club this summer after a deal with former owner Ron Martin was agreed.
Mr Martin had previously hoped to relocate the Shrimpers to Fossetts Farm, but consortium Custodians of Southend United (COSU) had previously confirmed the club would remain at Roots Hall, their home since 1955...
Cowan said 'Without this deal the club may not exist'.
21 December 2024
Altrincham started well and won five corners in the first quarter of an hour. However The Cards did strike the post through Vincent (9 mins).
The hosts settled as the half developed but the interval was reached without any score.
In the 57th minute, Woking took the lead with a counter-attack following an Altrincham corner as Effiong netted. Both Ross and Kosylo were injured in the process of Woking scoring but they carried on after treatment thiugh Ross was limping.
Altrincham equalised in the 71st minute when Linney was set running and fed Newby who made it 1-1.
Woking regained the lead with a scrappy goal from a corner, Anderson being credited with the goal after an initial Effiong effort was blocked by Ross (82 mins).
In the seven added minutes at the end of the ninety, Alty wasted chances to equalise for a second time with Reddin and Weaver the culprits.
Match report here
He may look to change a few things, but considering training on Tuesday was taken by Director of Football Jody Brown and performance coach Craig Mackail-Smith, drastic change isn’t expected just yet...
In-form striker Regan Linney has... 14 goals in 16 games for the Robins thus far, a tally already better than the 13 he managed last season. At 27 years old, he could be a target for EFL clubs come January but with Alty only being defeated twice in 16 games, his goals could help keep Parkinson’s side in and around the playoff picture.
Back in August 2015 when Alty visited Woking, and before the teams exchanged handshakes, Alty's Michael Rankine shook hands with his own team-mates, even though he had already met them for the two previous games that season!
It is on the road, however, where Alty have struggled. 12 points from 11 away games represent a key reason as to why they are clinging onto the playoff places as opposed to firmly in and around the promotion picture. With Forest Green, Barnet, Halifax and Rochdale all to play in their next eight in league and trophy, crunch time is nearly here for Altrincham, and they will hope that three points at the Laithwaite can take the pressure off before the visit of Halifax and a trip to Rochdale in their two festive fixtures...
Last season, Alty were victorious in August 2023 by a 3-2 scoreline at the Laithwaite, before a crucial game in March saw Ricky Korboa secure all three points with a breakaway goal at the death up in Altrincham to win the game 1-0.
Since 2005, the sides have faced off 21 times, with Woking winning ten times, Alty seven times and four draws".
That means there are also two clubs that Alty are yet to meet; they are FC Halifax Town, who are Alty's Boxing Day opponents. The other team yet to face the Robins is Rochdale who play Altrincham on New Year's Day.
So far, Alty have played eleven games at home and eleven away but the points haul is contrasting. Six wins and four draws have earned them 22 points at the J. Davidson Stadium, whilst just 12 points have accrued on the road, from three wins and three draws.
Despite that disparity in points, the goals scored at home and away are more or less equal; 19 at home, 17 away. But defensively, whilst only eight opponents' goals have been witnessed at Moss Lane, more than twice as many, 20, have been scored by Alty's hosts this campaign.
By the halfway point last season Altrincham lay sixth after 23 games, this season they are currently seventh after 22 matches.
In 2023-24 they had amassed 38 points from 23 fixtures compared with this season's 34 from 22 matches to date. They had scored 44 times by the midway point last season compared with 36 from 22 contests this season, and they had conceded 32 times after 23 fixtures, compared with 28 from 22 in the current campaign.
16 points had been earned away from home last season by the midway point and 20 goals had been conceded on the road.
York have picked up 28 points from a possible 33 at home, scoring 30 goals in that time, but Maher’s team hold an impressively solid record on the road, conceding just 10 times in our 11 away trips and losing only three of those games...
Maher said... 'They’ve scored a lot of goals and they’ve got a forward who’s in great form and who we know well in Ollie Pearce. It was impossible not to look at his record last year. We had him on the radar but the timing wasn’t great in terms of when we were looking. Credit to him for what he’s done in this league which is no surprise. They’re really well coached and they have a good brand of football...
'Having games on Boxing Day and New Year’s Day is something that we’ve always done and all I’ve known really... It gets you out of the house because otherwise I’m stuck indoors meant to be doing jobs I don’t do!...
'We want to be higher in the league, of course we do... There’s a lot of stuff that we know we’re doing well, but we know we’ve got to improve. We’re top of the league for the most crosses and there are a lot of stats that say we’re getting into the right areas. We’ve maybe got to be a bit braver in the final third.'”
And now, just 11 years later, Barnet reported that "Barnet FC Chairman Anthony Kleanthous, AndArchitects and planners WSP hosted a press conference at The Hive Stadium regarding the Club’s plans to build a brand-new stadium in the Borough of Barnet...
AndArchitects presented updated drawings and designs to the press, as well as the new proposed location of where the stadium will be built.
The Club held two public consultation sessions to the local community back in November at the Tudor Hall in Barnet with a high attendance including local residents, dignitaries and Barnet FC supporters... The proposed location of the new stadium has been relocated to the south side of Barnet Playing Fields in an area that will better suit the school and local community...
The new stadium will have a capacity of 7,000 and features a medical scanning centre and community facilities... Local residents will retain nature-based views. [One] side will also be sunken [sic] into the soil, so the height of the stand only reaches a single story {sic]. This is the same for the south stand. The north and west stands will be the main hubs of the architecture and will feature the entirety of the football club operations. These stands will be out of view of local residents from the east and south sides of the land.
The Club are pleased to announce that the plans will be submitted to Barnet Council by the end of this year".
The 25-year-old arrived on an initial month’s loan in October, which was extended in November. The forward has scored three times in 10 appearances since his debut at York City.
This will be the No.28’s third permanent spell in Kent having previously played for Dover Athletic and Welling United before joining Halifax in 2023".
FC Halifax Town add that "Cosgrave made 44 appearances for the Shaymen but joined Ebbsfleet on loan in October 2024".
The 26-year-old initially joined Rovers back in January 2023 from Swansea City and spent 18 months with the club..
Last season, Garrick returned from a serious injury in March under boss Steve Cotterill...
Cotterill said 'Sometimes in life you need a bit of a break and I feel Jordon needs that. He played very, very well for me at the end of last season. He's also a great lad; I enjoyed his company and I feel it's a good decision to get him back."
"We have come a long way in a short time despite the facility challenges we face, with an aging ground and the significant need we have for additional astroturf and associated community facilities. All of which we had planned to address through the new stadium at Braywick.
There should be no doubt that Council’s decision last year to withdraw support for our proposed move to Braywick has had a profound and negative impact on the club...
The money we are receiving from the Max Kilman transfer was an unexpected windfall which, in truth, has come at a vital time, providing the club with much needed financial support for the next 3 to 4 years...
All connected with the club recognise that our York Road ground is unfit for purpose in terms of facilities, terracing, changing rooms and ground-grading requirements...
We recognise that Braywick is not an option at this time, so we are once again actively looking for suitable, privately owned, alternative locations to build the facilities our fantastic club both needs and deserves. Our commitment remains to keep the club in Maidenhead. To be clear, we are not looking for public money to fund these facilities, simply a willingness at a local level to help us find a solution which enables us to deliver a new community sports facility...
My commitment to achieve a positive long-term future for the club is unwavering but if a solution cannot be found in the medium term I will have to consider passing the club on to another custodian."
20 December 2024
A trademark Linney finish in only the 10th minute was enough to give his side a hard-fought 1-0 win against Sutton United, as the Robins climbed into sixth place and their star frontrunner took his goals tally for the season to 15.
'Regan is doing what we expected him to do... We’ve got one of the best marksmen in the division in Regan, and we knew that if we gave him the right service, he would propel us up the table, which is what he is doing.
'But it’s no one-man show. He is being assisted by all his team-mates, particularly the lads behind him, like Alex Newby (right), who was a stand-out against Sutton... and when you consider Alex’s contribution, he’s right up there with Regan in terms of top players in the division'".
In the narrow win over Sutton United, Parkinson observed that 'Everyone could see we were a bit more direct. They are one of the best pressing teams in the division, so we bypassed that and played a bit higher up, and we did it superbly'".
The BBC outlines the situation.
Former Dagenham & Redbridge vice chairman Johnson leads the Cardinal Football Group, and is also a member of the ownership group at Minnesota United, who play in Major League Soccer.
Owner Drew Volpe said the next step was to hold a general meeting of current shareholders before the deal is completed...
Volpe said.. 'Whilst I will no longer be a majority shareholder, I will retain a stake in the club and my support and passion for this great club will remain unchanged'.
Volpe, who took over Woking in 2021, had been within weeks of putting the club into administration having invested more than £3m of personal capital, he told the BBC in July.
A loan of £600,000 from Volpe's parents had ensured the club could begin the current National League season, he had said".
That result pushed Altrincham down from third to fourth in the Group B table, on goal difference.
As outlined here earlier this week, only the top two clubs in each group qualify for the knockout stage of the competition. Alty's final group-stage match is at home to Wolverhampton Wanderers on 28 January, 2025.
He originally joined Town back in September 2024 and made 11 appearances for the Club".
Meanwhile FC Halifax Town also "have announced that Frankie Sinfield has joined Hyde United on loan".
The Bees raced into a four-goal lead with barely half an hour played before Dominic Poleon grabbed a late consolation for the visitors...
He said 'I thought in the first half, we were scintillating. There were some fantastic performances, collectively and individually, and some fantastic goals'...
'We were brave in our play and in what we do. I thought our finishing was good, but not in the second half. I thought our finishing in the second half was really poor'...
'I thought (Rhys) Browne’s goal as a team goal was so collective. There must have been about 20-odd passes, all forward passes and forward movements. Lots of good phases and a great finish from Browne,' he said.
'Shelton’s goal is a worldie. It’s an instinctive volley. A fantastic finish and a great goal... We’re happy with our points total and what we’ve returned from the 22 games we’ve played. We’ve got 47 points, so that’s where we want to be'" he concluded.
19 December 2024
In a statement Woking announced "the appointment of Neal Ardley as its new first team manager.
Jody Brown, Director of Football, [said of Ardley]... 'The diversity of his journey illustrates his flexibility, his promotions and playoff achievements tell us that he can take us to where we hope to be one day, and his battles with relegation and team rebuilding processes are all invaluable experiences that he’ll have learned from..'
'He brings a pragmatism to improve our current position, but also the principles and coaching philosophy to be able to help us evolve into what we want to be in the future'...
His first game will be on Saturday at home to Altrincham".
Footnote: Woking is the fourth National League club that Ardley has managed since 2018. He spent two and a half years at Notts County, joining them before they were relegated in 2019 to the National League.
He was sacked in March 2021 with the Magpies off the promotion pace. Three months later he joined Solihull Moors guiding them to third place and the play-offs where they lost to Grimsby Town in the final. He left at the end of the following season by mutual consent after a mid-table finish.
Three months of unemployment ended with his appointment as the manager of York City but he was sacked, six months later, as the Minstermen diced with relegation. Now, nine months later, he takes over at Woking, a club in a similar predicament, just a point above the relegation zone.
The site includes a pitch, stands, a commentator's box, a 7,000sq/ft clubhouse, a car park, changing rooms and an "overgrown" training pitch.
Flixton FC, formed in 1960, was dissolved in 2012 due to low match attendance and revenue.
The Valley Road ground has since continued to host non-league and Sunday teams, including Northwich Flixton Villa and Unicorn Athletic.
The pitch, measuring 120 yards by 70 yards, is one of the largest in the country...
[Auctioneer] Eddisons' director Andy Thompson said 'The ground is in a fantastic location, in a peaceful spot close to the River Irwell, but also close to the Trafford Centre, the M60 and M62, and in an area with great schools and amenities, so there is certainly potential for redevelopment, subject to planning.
'Alternatively though, the site could also become a thriving community sports facility in the hands of a buyer who was able to invest and of course, the ground still holds memories for fans of the Lions, as Flixton were known'".
Above: Alty line up at Valley Road in 2015 as they prepare to face tenants Northwich Victoria in 2015.
Altrincham's last competitive match at Valley Road was (probably) their 4-0 defeat to Northwich Victoria in a Cheshire Senior Cup Round Two match played on Tuesday, 13 January, 2015. Josh Amis, later to play for Alty, scored two of the goals.
At the time Valley Road was the home of Jim Gannon's Northwich Victoria. For the match Altrincham rested players with niggles and injuries and gave opportunities to fringe and reserve players to display their skills.
ALTRINCHAM: 1.Josh Samberg, 2. David Brown, 3. Ryan Goodwin, 4. Elliot Messam, 5. Tom Clarke, 6. Dino Jones, 7. Shaun Arrowsmith, 8. Ryan Barry, 9. Louis Potts, 10.Joel Swift (capt), 11. Connor Sutton. Subs: 12. James Campion, 14. Craig Goulden, 15, Laurence Taylor, 16. Max Pouncey, 17. Iwannis Stouppis
The group says their plans are far from being finalised but hopes a not-for-profit company will operate the stadium and focus on its upkeep and commercial development, allowing the two clubs to focus on their sporting activities.
They said 'At a Calderdale Council Cabinet meeting in January, the option of disposing of the Shay Stadium as part of a package of cuts to save £7m was discussed... The cost-saving proposals were approved, which would see the Council look to relinquish their responsibilities for the management of the stadium, saving £161,000 a year...
'We believe a not-for-profit company is the best option for the future of the Shay Stadium... We also have the longer-term ambition of giving the clubs greater commercial opportunities to increase revenue, particularly on a matchday...
The stadium runs at a significant deficit which needs to be addressed whilst new commercial opportunities are explored'" concluded the group.
The club hope every fan who attends their big Boxing Day match with Wealdstone will bring someone with them.
They’re so determined that nobody comes alone than the Magpies are giving a free ticket with every one purchased.
As part of their partnership with sponsors CALM, the Campaign Against Living Miserably, they have been backed to make it a busy day full of festive cheer down at York Road...
The club said... 'Loneliness can be an invisible burden, especially during the holidays. It affects mental health, well-being, and quality of life, but it’s something we can all take steps to combat'...
The offer also extends to supporters of Wealdstone and the north west London club are delighted by the idea and told their supporters about the warm invitation".
Their recent record in the Vanarama National League, away from home, is:
Woking's recent record is:
And, on Tuesday, Phil reports that in the National League, the game at Rochdale was still goalless when KENNEDY DIGIE came off the Tamworth bench in the 65th minute, but his side were down to ten men by that stage.
NPL Premier Division : Although JACK REDSHAW gave them a 5th minute lead at Gainsborough Trinity, Hyde United eventually lost 2-1.
Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE (right), having been absent from the Linfield squad with injury since August 30th, returned in their 3-0 home victory over Coleraine on Saturday. Although he was booked this evening (Tuesday) at Dungannon, he contributed to a second consecutive clean sheet as his side won by the only goal.
Tuesday 17 December 2024
Vanarama National League News
Isuzu FA Trophy Round 3
Town scored more than one goal in a league game for the first time since early October last weekend and manager Millington says Saturday’s victory in Hampshire was evidence that he has good enough forward players at his disposal...
'I think some of the criticism they have to deal with is unwarranted', he said. 'Without a doubt there are goals in this side. Billy Waters has got a decent track record, I believe Jamie Cooke will become a very, very prolific striker...
'We know Zak Emmerson's finishing ability. He's struggled with injuries and being able to deal with the physical demands of National League football but he's starting to get there...
'And we've got others, Max Wright weighs in with a number of goals each season, we'd expect Flo Hoti to weigh in with a number, Andrew Oluwabori scores goals',Millington told the Halifax Courier".
17 December 2024
In that game, Altrincham seized an early lead as Kosylo (left) got forward up the left and his cross was converted by Linney with a low shot across the keeper (6 mins).
The lead was shortlived. After a foul by James Jones, Boateng's freekick was relayed by Taylor for Cuthbert to drive home to make it 1-1 (16 mins).
With Woking now well on top, it got worse for Altrincham when, following a throw, a cross from the left was impressively flick-headed across goal and into the far corner by Grego-Cox (29 mins) to make it 2-1 to The Cards.
But Altrincham soon equalised when Linney did well on the left to lay on a goal for Kosylo whose sidefooted effort found the upper reaches of the net to make it 2-2 (38 mins).
So the interval score was 2-2.
Alty started the second half well and regained the lead in the 48th minute. Kosylo fed Eddy Jones on the left and he in turn fed Linney, who cut in and smashed the ball into the far corner to make it 2-3.
The visitors hung on reasonably comfortably until the end to secure a fine win.
Now 23 years-old, George was announced as a new signing on 24 June 2023, with manager Parkinson stating that he would go out on loan for the 2023-24 season at National League North level. The Alty manager described him as a "box to box midfielder" though earlier in his career he had been a right-back.
That loan never happened as George impressed his manager sufficiently to stay at the JDS and, despite injury, make 27 appearances in his first season at the club.
An injury sidelined him after his second Alty appearance in September 2023 before he returned to action in late November and established himself as a regular starter until red-carded near the end of the season.
Before joining Coalville in summer 2022 on a season-long contract, George had played for Loughborough University and for third-tier Swedish club Ljungskile SK.
This campaign he has already made 22 appearances, 13 of them starts, bringing his total to 30(+19) appearances in Altrincham colours. He has three goals to his credit.
In the interim, the Group B table shows Altrincham lying third of the eight teams with five points from their two games (one win and one penalty shoot-out win). However, several other teams have games in hand.
Only the top two teams from each group advance to the knockout rounds. Clubs do not play others who compete in the same league and non-League clubs are always at home.
The knock-out stages are not regionalised. Total prize money is £1 million, which is only distributed to National League clubs.
He said 'It’s probably two points dropped. We had chances in the second half, but the first half was a bit scrappy with a lot of second balls. We got to their final third quite a lot but we were too safe in that aspect...
'They’re a good side and well coached but we’ve got to try and take those moments... We're pleased with a clean sheet of course, but we want to score goals at home'...
It’s our third consecutive goalless draw against the Pools... Maher added 'They’re a solid side and on a good run. The game needed a goal to open it up'".
16 December 2024
He believes that Justin Amaluzor (right) and Ollie Crankshaw will be back in contention by late January whilst Joe Nuttall should be available "in a week or two".
Justin has missed the last seven league matches, whilst Ollie returned briefly from a season-long absence with injury and made three substitute appearances in the National League and 2(+1) cup appearances but has not been in a league squad for the last nine games.
As for Joe, he has missed the last two league fixtures.
Longstanding supporter and contributor to the Alty Fans forum, Ray Sant has sadly passed away.
As Pete Hughes posted on the Forum, Ray "travelled from Shrewsbury for every home game and took in a good number of away trips also all over the country.
"Ray was at peace and surrounded by family when he passed after being struck down with short but acute illness. He did manage to come up for the Southend game to say some personal goodbyes and see his beloved Alty whilst he could still manage the journey.
"As a man who wasn't for fuss, he didn't make much mention of his condition".
And the Robins' Review on Saturday dedicated a page to Matthew Lamey, a lifelong Altrincham FC fan who "was a regular attendee at Moss Lane for 40 years. Even after relocating to Ireland, he jetted back to watch his beloved Robins".
Matt sadly died recently in a car accident, at the age of 46, on his way to work.
Congratulations to all the winners!
'I thought the players were excellent for large periods of the game, we started extremely well and the game plan to press them high worked,' sa Matt Taylor.
Micah Obiero had the Stones ahead after just four minutes, before Max Kretzschmar smashed home, 30 minutes in, to double the advantage.
'We scored two goals, looked comfortable away from home to a team that I believe with the players they have that will be in contention for automatic promotion come the end of the season...
'Unfortunately we conceded goals that were avoidable either side of halftime, however the players response to this was very good and we had chances to go back in front. We made individual errors that have ultimately cost us in this game and we have been punished.'
The defeat was only the third time in the club’s history they have played at Boundary Park against the Latics, winning the previous two fixtures".
15 December 2024
As the players prepared for their Christmas "do" in Dublin this weekend, the NL Paper quoted the Alty boss as saying "The boys acted out the game plan superbly. We were very direct today".
Left: Alty captain Lewis Baines, pictured against Sutton, will be reaching for a deserved real pint today, rather than one on a hoarding, during the players' Christmas "do" in Dublin.
As well as Altrincham's squad, the players of Radcliffe (no doubt including Jordan Hulme) and Oldham Athletic were reportedly booked on the same flight to the Republic of Ireland!
Parkinson went on to tell the NL Paper, "Sutton are one of the best pressing teams in the division. Our momentum was good apart from the last few minutes when we were defending a lead.
"Our keeper hasn't made a save and their goalkeeper has made at least two outstanding stops".
The manager concluded that "I didn't feel, in previous games, we had been aggressive enough and it was imperative that we won our 50-50 battles today and I think we did that more often than not".
In contrast, a sanguine Steve Morison was interviewed after the game on the club's YouTube channel.
The Sutton boss admitted "We made a mistake early and they punished us. Thereafter we huffed and puffed but didn't have enough for an equaliser...
"The pitch was difficult but they dealt with it better".
Pictured, right, during the game,is Regan Linney who now has 14 league goals from 18(+4) National League appearances. Ten of those goals have arrived in his last six league matches.
Match report here.
Steve Morison’s side struggled to produce enough quality in the final third with substitute Nana Boateng perhaps creating their best opening just after the hour-mark, and while Jack Sims keeping the score down with two superb stops in the second half, the U’s couldn’t do their bit at the other end of the pitch...
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An inch-perfect pass from deep sent Linney through on goal who made no mistake from a few yards out.
Linney would then go close to a second moments later as he attempted to catch Jack Sims off his line, but the U’s number one was equal to his effort from distance...
Altrincham had controlled much of the ball throughout the first half...
In pursuit of a leveller, Steve Morison opted to change shape shortly before the hour-mark when Nana Boateng was introduced in place of Sivi, with his backline shifting across and joined by Besart Topallaj to create a back four...
This wasn’t enough to see Sutton over the line though, with Altrincham keeping a strong last line of defence to condemn the U’s to a first defeat in six outings".
After a 4-0 thrashing on Saturday at Gateshead who also missed a penalty, one of three they conceded, Woking sacked their manager on Saturday evening.
On the field on Saturday, Woking travelled to Gateshead where the Limerick Leader tells us that
"Luke Hannant scored two penalties and missed another late on as promotion-chasing Gateshead thumped Woking 4-0 in the National League.
Hannant gave fourth-placed Gateshead an early lead when he slotted in from the spot after just six minutes.
Gateshead doubled their advantage in the 15th minute through Tyrelle Newton and Hannant made it 3-0 from another penalty on the half-hour.
Owen Oseni scored Gateshead’s fourth three minutes into the second half and Hannant spurned the chance of a hat-trick when he sent a late penalty high over the crossbar.
They remain bottom of the division.
OWEN DALE got a rare start for Oxford United, but, by the time he was substituted in the 72nd minute, visitors Sheffield Wednesday had sealed a 1-3 victory.
JOEL SENIOR (right) was withdrawn at St.Andrew's by Bristol Rovers 66 minutes into their 2-0 defeat by Birmingham City.
All the goals in Peterborough United's 4-3 home win over Crawley Town had been scored before they brought on CHRIS CONN-CLARKE after 63 minutes. TOBY MULLARKEY played the full game for the Sussex team.
League Two : KEVIN BERKOE was another substitute to miss out on the scoring action, only joining the fray in the 81st minute of Salford City's 3-0 home win over Notts County.
CONNOR JENNINGS was credited with the assist for Tranmere Rovers' winner in a 2-1 home win against Harrogate Town; both he and CHRIS MERRIE played the whole game.
RYAN COLCLOUGH left the action after 66 minutes at Carlisle United, where Chesterfield unusually didn't replace him with JAMES BERRY. During the 12 minutes before James did come on, the Spireites scored the clincher and won 0-2.
MARCUS DACKERS was a 62nd minute substitute for Morecambe. Already trailing at Cheltenham 3, they went on to lose 2-0.
ELLIOT NEWBY came off the Barrow bench after 72 minutes at Walsall, but his side had already conceded the game's only goal.
REAGAN OGLE (right) was another to see a yellow card as Oldham Athletic came from two goals behind to see off visitors Wealdstone 3-2. JOSH LUNDSTRAM was substituted in the wake of the 80th minute winner.
There was a clean sheet for Hartlepool United at Southend United, where LUKE WATERFALL skippered them to a goalless draw.
CONNOR TEALE played the full game for Boston United in their 1-0 defeat at Forest Green Rovers.
National North : The only goal in Hereford's 1-0 win over visitors Chorley was scored by YUSIFU CEESAY.
Warrington Town led at Peterborough Sports, but eventually went down 3-1, the second of those goals being a MICHAEL GYASI penalty.
NPL Premier Division : JAMES HARDY scored Ashton United's third in a 1-4 victory at Morpeth Town.
NPL Division 1 West : SEFTON GONZALES (right) opened the scoring in Clitheroe's 4-1 home win over Newcastle Town.
NPL Division 1 East : JAMES WALSHAW'S winning run as Ossett United manager ended with a 0-3 home defeat by Garforth Town.
NPL Division 1 Midlands : ZAK GOODSON scored the final two goals as Quorn won 0-5 at Coventry Sphinx. They are now 12 points clear of nearest challengers Worcester City with a game in hand.
NWCL Premier Division : Irlam player-coach JOHN JOHNSTON rounded off the scoring in a 5-1 home win over South Liverpool.
FA Vase: LEWIS BILLINGSLEY scored the fourth as West Didsbury & Chorlton progressed 5-1 at the expense of visitors Silsden.
14 December 2024
And tonight (Saturday) came news that "Woking has parted company with Head Coach Michael Doyle and assistant Ben Turner with immediate effect.
We thank them both for their contribution to the club, in particular last season in helping the club avoid relegation.
Plans are in place to move forward as quickly and efficiently as possible".
Woking lost 4-0 at Gateshead today and lie just a point above the drop zone.
Above: Both 20 year-old centre-back Charlie Olson and 23 year-old midfielder George Wilson played well against Sutton, though both picked up yellow cards.
In a match of relatively little goalmouth excitement but plenty of endeavour, a tenth-minute trademark goal by Regan Linney separated the sides. Alty went up two places to sixth whilst Sutton dropped four places to eleventh.
Sutton started the game well before Linney drove infield from the left and hit a low shot across the keeper into the far corner of the net to make it 1-0.
Though play was largely end to end the keepers had relatively little to do, with Sims the busier of the two.
Match report here.
Altrincham are also unbeaten in eight league matches at home.
After a huge change of personnel following relegation from EFL2 in 2024, Sutton took some time to adjust to their new level, winning just twice in their opening eleven National League games.
However, since then, they have won seven of their last eleven National League games, a sequence in which, curiously, they also lost three on the trot in October.
Since that wobble, they have not conceded at all in winning three games on the run and picking up a goalless draw, last time out, at FC Halifax Town.
As for personnel, both Tyler French and Will Davies have been involved in all but one of Sutton's NL fixtures this season. Davies, with six goals, is their leading scorer.
Whether any of those players have recovered for today's game is unknown.
Meanwhile, Sutton United boss "Steve Morison has provided a squad update ahead of Saturday’s trip to Altrincham.
Josh Coley missed the trip to Halifax on Tuesday and is set to remain absent this weekend with an ankle knock...
On a more positive note, Will Davies could make his return... The U’s number nine had to have stitches after a clash of heads saw him withdrawn early against Ebbsfleet, but has made the trip up to Greater Manchester.
Longer-term absences include Alex Kirk and Jayden Harris, who continue to step up their recoveries from respective LCL and Achilles injuries."
From that common starting point at the end of the 1999/00 season, both clubs have had many ups and downs; Sutton dropped levels twice (2008 and 2024) and rose levels three times (2011, 2016, 2021) to reach EFL2 before returning to the National League.
Similarily, Altrincham between 2000 and now have suffered three relegations (2011, 2016, 2017), and four promotions (2005, 2014, 2018, 2020)!
So if the 2000 relegations are included, the two clubs have experienced a remarkable fourteen changes of league in 25 seasons!
Left: First-half action from the match.
The meeting at Moss Lane in 2000 was a Nationwide Conference league match played before a disappointingly small crowd of 889 people. Altrincham started the fixture in twelfth place after having garnered seven points from their last three games and havinf been defeated only twice in their previous 19 League games!
Sutton arrived at Moss Lane occupying bottom spot, despite trouncing Altrincham 3-0 on their own ground on 11 September.
In the match, Altrincham equalled their biggest winning margin of the season with a 3-0 triumph over bottom-placed Sutton.
However, their joy was tinged with disappointment at the sending off of captain, Chris Timons, a few minutes before the end of the match for the second of two fairly innocuous bookings.
The win lifted Altrincham to their highest league position of the season but, ironically, this was to be their last win of the season, with eleven matches remaining, as they slid to join Sutton in being relegated at the end of that campaign.
Right: Alty captain Chris Timons leaves the field after his red card as debut-making Wayne Hulston waits to come on in place of Andy Morrell.
Altrincham had had nobody sent off between August 1999 and 4 December when Simeon Hodson got his marching orders in controversial circumstances at Dover. Then Jason Gallagher walked for a late tackle at Northwich; Gary Talbot was rightly sent off at Stevenage for a last-man foul; Mark Maddox (bizarrely) and Phil Power (quite justifiably) were red-carded in the Macmillan Trophy against Telford (8 February) and, in this game with Sutton, Timons saw red for two fairly trivial fouls.
That meant that Danny Adams of the regular defensive unit remained to suffer the indignity of the early bath. In fact, Adams himself had only returned to the side for this match with Sutton after serving a one-match ban for bookings, a ban which broke his run of 97 consecutive first-team outings. Other team news included the return of leading scorer, Kevin Ellison after five matches out with a leg injury. Suspensions to Leroy Chambers, Steve Hawes and Phil Power ruled them out of consideration.
Altrincham were also without numerous other players through injury (i.e. two goalkeepers, Coburn and Greygoose; striker Gavin Price, midfielders Burke and Crowe and centre-back Maddox). A rare (eighth) start was given to Richard Landon, who had found the net 9 times in the Conference despite his restricted opportunities.
ALTRINCHAM: 1. Key; 2. Hodson, 3. Adams, 4. Timons (capt), 5. Talbot; 6. Goodwin, 7. Gallagher, 8. Russell, 9. Morrell, 10. Landon, 11. Ellison. Subs: 12. Lovelock, 13. Senior, 14. Kielty, 15. Hulston, 16. Skelton
And with 12 Vanarama National League games for less than the price of nine, there's never been a better time to give the gift of Altrincham football.
You get THREE bank holiday fixtures, EIGHT Saturday games and ONE midweek encounter, including two local tussles - FC Halifax Town on Boxing Day and the Good Friday visit of Rochdale - plus the Non-League Day matchup with high-flyers Barnet on March 22...
An Altrincham FC half-season ticket represents excellent value for money, with savings as high as £70 compared to walk-up prices
(There are no physical cards issued for half-season tickets. All tickets are digital only)
Adults £170 | Concessions £141 | 12-17s £64 | 5-11s £32".
Kendall, who turns 24 on Sunday and joins from fellow Vanarama National League club Woking, was born in Eastbourne and spent five years in Queens Park Rangers’ academy before joining his hometown club on loan.
He netted 30 goals across a few spells for the Sports... The forward signed for Lincoln City in 2022... Kendall spent time out on loan at Sutton United, who were in League Two at the time, as well as Bromley and Dagenham & Redbridge.
He left Lincoln permanently in January of this year... signing for Woking... [He] played 35 league games for the Cards this calendar year, scoring seven goals.
Upon arriving in SS2, Charley said... 'I bring high energy and a goal threat; I like to wear the other team down and score as many goals as possible'.
Head Coach Kevin Maher added... 'Not only is he a talented striker, but the club have done well to get such a good deal for us'".
The Bees picked up three wins last month with a cold three points at Yeovil, a commanding win against Woking as well as an emphatic comeback turnaround at Dagenham. We also picked up two draws at home to Oldham Athletic and away at Hartlepool therefore picking up 11 points from 5 games.
'We need this to become a difficult place to play against us,' said Cotterill...
The significant investment in the playing surface in the summer has so far proved important...
'The pitch is first class and has enabled us to play the football we have this year...
Cotterill continued 'We know a few things have changed at Boston since we last met - Graham (Coughlan) will go in there and do a good job for them... He's chopped and changed a few formations - it's been difficult to get too much of a pattern as to what they will do so therefore our focus has been heavily on ourselves..
'The squad is a team. We had a few weeks ago (against Weymouth) where we were struggling, and down to five bodies on the bench with two not really being able to go on... but we're starting to look on the up'".
'With the strength and depth they have, they’ll be up there at the end of the season,' Taylor said. 'They’re athletic, powerful and technically very good... Nobody is giving us a chance and I quite like that. We’ve shown in our recent run of form that we can be a tough opponent for anyone'.
Wealdstone head into the match unbeaten in six league games...
'We need to start on the front foot, make it difficult for them and trust the players who can change games for us'...
Stones' season has been plagued by injuries, particularly to goalkeepers. Taylor confirmed that Jacob Adams is sidelined with a broken scaphoid, an injury picked up in training. Adams injury comes after previous setbacks to Archie Matthews and Sam Howes, leaving the Stones reliant on Portsmouth loanee Toby Steward for the visit to Oldham...
Taylor said... 'I’ve never experienced anything like it with goalkeepers in my 25 years in football'... Key forward Alex Reid is unavailable against his parent club, while Sean Adarkwa, Craig Eastmond and Mason Barrett remain on the sidelines".
13 December 2024
In the current millennium Altrincham first met Sutton United in 1999-2000 season, when both clubs had just been promoted and both promptly ended up being relegated. Their paths have since only crossed once till this season; that was in the 2020-21 campaign.
Right: The Golf Road turnstiles advertise the visit of Sutton United to Moss Lane on 4 March 2000.
On that occasion, Alty won 3-0 against a Sutton side which, at the time, lay bottom of the Conference despite having beaten Alty 3-0 at Gander Green Lane earlier in the season.
Just 889 attended the Saturday afternoon match at Moss Lane..
Since that meeting in 1999-2000, Alty have spent 12 seasons in the top-flight of non-League football, but have met Sutton only once, in 2020-21.
The reasons for the lack of encounters are that Sutton spent 19 seasons away from the top-flight of non-League between 2000 and 2024 (16 lower down at step 2 or 3 and 3 higher up in the EFL) whilst Altrincham, likewise, dipped into steps 2 and 3 in their total of 12 seasons outside the top flight since 2000.
Like Altrincham, Sutton drew an away game in midweek. In their case they secured a goalless draw at The Shay against FC Halifax Town.
The better side in the first half, U’s might have been frustrated not to be in front at the break, and although Halifax proved more of a threat after half time, any saves Jack Sims had to make were of the routine variety and the game always looked likely to end goalless.
With Will Davies still suffering the effects of his facial injury against Ebbsfleet and Josh Coley also sidelined following the heavy, unpunished tackle he suffered near the end of the game on Saturday, Lewis Simper started a league game for the first time since October and Ryan Jackson his first since mid-September, while Ashley Nadesan returned after illness to replace Davies in attack.
The first period was played mainly in the Halifax half, but clear chances for U’s were few and far between... Halifax had posed little threat during the first half, but Sutton had more defending to do after the break, and substitute [ex-Alty trialist] Tom Pugh, whose replacement of Billy Waters had not been met with universal approval by the home crowd, went close with a diving header...
Sutton: J Sims, R Jackson(sub J Sivi 74), C Waller, T French, H Muller, S Odelusi, J Wadham, L Simper (sub N Boateng 71), A Nadesan, F Barbrook, B Topallaj. Subs n/u C Okoli, H Ransom, D De Silva, E Vaz, S Roberts. Booked: Odelusi, Topallaj."
He is no stranger to Altrincham having reffed at the J. Davidson Stadium as far back as 2016.
Griffin said that while the money they received from the £40m sale of Max Kilman from Wolves to West Ham United had been a ‘god send’ it was not a solution to their financial problems...
Having consulted with expert advisors over the past 12 months, they’ve concluded that remaining at York Road in the long term isn’t viable...
The club plans to maintain York Road to keep its grade A status, however, redeveloping it in any significant way is simply too costly, while the location of the ground... make it unsuitable for development.
Having seen their proposed move to a new stadium in Braywick Park controversially blocked by the council last year, they are now in the process of identifying other suitable locations...
'We don’t want anyone’s money; all we need is a supportive council'" said Griffin.
The 23-year-old last appeared for Cheltenham Town in the EFL, while also enjoying a spell on loan in the National League with AFC Fylde.
He began his career at Rochdale, before earning a big move to Norwich City, later spending a loan period with Dutch club SC Telstar".
Iron extended their lead at the top of National League cup Group D to five points with an entertaining single-goal victory over visiting Premier Leaguers Nottingham Forest's Under 21s. The decider came just before the interval. Callum Powell setting up Tom Blackwell to score from close range.
The victory was Braintree's third win in three matches in the competition".
Pearce’s accolade means The Minstermen have been represented for three months consecutively now as manager Adam Hinshelwood scooped back-to-back Manager of the Month awards for September and October.
The forward bagged a brace on November 9th at home against Hartlepool United before netting a hat-trick against Yeovil Town two-weeks later.
Closing out the month on November 30th, the 29-year-old netted another brace against Maidenhead United.
With an xG of 8.51, our number ten is outperforming by almost double as he sits on 14 goal so far".
12 December 2024
Once again the manager laments the requirement to travel by coach on the day of the match, which he believes affected the team's performance.
A former Huddersfield Town product, a club he joined as a nine year-old, he was loaned to Larne in Northern Ireland in January 2019 before joining the Bradford club on loan in 2019-20 season. He made 25 appearances for the West Yorkshire club that season before returning to Huddersfield.
Before his spell in Northern Ireland with Larne, Isaac has also had loan spells at clubs which included Brighouse Town and Warrington Town.
Following his release by Huddersfield Town in summer 2020, he returned to Yorkshire and signed for Bradford (Park Avenue) where he had made fifteen appearances in 2021-22 before signing for Phil Parkinson at Altrincham.
However he completed ninety minutes just once in the first eight league fixtures of his Alty career, only actually appearing four times in that period. But, once he had regained fitness, 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. A serious ankle injury curtailed Isaac's appearances in March 2024 and a remedial operation ended his season prematurely as well as causing him to miss the opening weeks of the 2024-25 campaign.
It was league game 17 before his first inclusion in a league squad this season and last Tuesday's match at Wealdstone was his first league start of 2024-25. To date he has made 91(+8) appearances and scored two goals.
Unfortunately they lost 0-2 at home (Egerton Youth Club) to FC Halifax Town.
The other Academy team, which competes as Altrincham U-19 in the National Football Youth League NW Championship 1, lost 5-2 away last week at Tranmere Rovers. However, they remain second in the table.
Their line up was Christopher Antoniades, Kian Gonzalez-Moghaddam, Charlie Hough, Ryan Knowles, Jacob Martin, Charlie Noble, Harry St Romaine, Jimmy Taafe, Nathan Taylor, Henry Watts and Noah Lavin. The bench comprised Jack Chandler,
Jacob Hill, William Knowles, Callum McCormack and Harley Renshaw.
The Alty scorers were Gonzalez-Moghaddam and Taafe.
Three years ago, on 14 December 2021, Altrincham lost 2-3 at home to Nantwich Town in a second round match in the Cheshire Senior Cup.
Nantwich Town, second-bottom in the Northern Premier League, deservedly won the game, twice coming from behind to lead 3-2 at the break.
Despite Alty's lead, the Dabbers were the better side and Cockerline deservedly levelled after 21 minutes when Gould failed to hold a Heath effort.
But then Altrincham struck again when Ben Pringle (right) scored a fine goal, finding the top corner from outside the box (32 mins).
A fine header by substitute Stair made it 2-2 (40 mins) before the visitors snatched the lead again in first-half added time as Cockerline scored after Alty has surrendered possession (45+2 mins).
Despite bringing on Colclough, Senior and Moult in a triple change midway through the second half, Altrincham laboured and failed to find an equaliser despite almost seven minutes of added time being played".
The club wishes to place on record our thanks to Harry for his efforts since joining in September.
Josh Wright will take the role of first-team manager going forward, assisted by David Kerslake".
Just the day before, Ebbsfleet United had revealed "A new arrival at the Fleet... is central midfielder Alex Aoraha on a 28-day loan from Championship side Queen's Park Rangers.
The highly rated 21-year-old is a London-born Iraqi international who has been at QPR since the age of 11... and he made his professional debut at Loftus Road in the EFL Cup against Norwich City last year."
Also on Tuesday, Ebbsfleet United had announced that "The Fleet have also brought exciting winger Kymani Thomas to the club on a development deal with the 21-year-old catching the eye in the Isthmian League this season.
As a teenager, the speedy, attacking talent impressed in the youth ranks at Dulwich Hamlet and Beckenham Town before playing senior football with Herne Bay... [and] for Ashford United.
He has since had spells with Walthamstow in the Isthmian North... A move to Isthmian North promotion contenders Waltham Abbey in September has seen Thomas... take his total to nine [goals]... in 18 appearances in 2024/25".
After Altrincham had started well, the hosts dominated the next twenty minutes or so and, during that spell, they took a deserved lead in the 20th minute. The goal arrived when Ross blocked a shot but the ball fell for Cesay to put his side ahead.
Linney's brace took his National League tally to 13 goals this season.
Alty's equaliser came out of the blue from a freekick thirty-five yards out. Newby's low shot was not held by the Stones' loanee keeper Steward and Crawford reacted the quickest to poke the loose ball into the net (34 mins).
After goalkeeper Steward's kick had been held up in the wind, Alty took the lead. The ball was worked to Linney, who cut in from the left to score with a characteristic low shot into the far corner to make it 1-2, an unlikely scoreline at that point on the balance of play (42 mins).
However Wealdstone made 2-2 in the 45th minute when they advanced up their right and Ashford played in Oldham loanee Reid who beat Ross, who was caught in no man's land.
Wealdstone were to largely dominate the second half but, early in the half, Alty got ahead once more, this time from the penalty spot when Golden was fouled. Linney converted to make it 2-3 (54 mins).
But the hosts deservedly levelled again when Reid headed home a cross from the right (74 mins).
Despite dominating much of the remainder of the game Wealdstone had to settle for a draw.
Match report here.
This will be Altrincham's first return league fixture of the season, having been thrashed 5-0 at Gander Green Lane earlier this season.
And the last time the U"s visited Altrincham, the Robins were again humbled as the visitors won 4-0 on their way to promotion to The EFL at the end of that 2020-21 season.
EFL Trophy : Stevenage, despite being a goal up at half time at Burton Albion, made three changes at the start of the second half, including the introduction of CARL PIERGIANNI. Although he was booked, he helped his side to a 0-4 victory.
JOE HUGILL was credited with the assist for Wigan Athletic's equaliser at Chesterfield, and scored the final goal of the game - but it was merely a consolation. RYAN COLCLOUGH had come on after 66 minutes at 1-1, but the hosts went ahead with a 78th minute JAMES BERRY penalty and went on to win 3-2.
CONNOR JENNINGS was booked as Tranmere Rovers went down 3-2 at Rotherham United, and was substituted in the 95th minute, though CHRIS MERRIE played the full game.
NPL Premier Division : ANDY DALES gave Mickleover the lead, but visitors Gainsborough Trinity came back to win 1-2.
NPL Division 1 West : Although SEFTON GONZALES scored the goal that gave Clitheroe a 0-2 lead, hosts Congleton Town fought back to win 4-2.
The gift appeal has been successfully run over the past couple of years, and with families still facing unprecedented challenges the club’s junior section is hoping to bring festive joy to as many children as possible within the community.
The Maidenhead United Juniors JustGiving appeal says... 'To bring some much-needed Christmas spirit, we would like your support to raise funds which we will then use to buy children presents for Christmas.”
So far, the club has raised £421, that's 21 per cent of its £2,000 target'".
YIKS is a support group for families of children and young people who have a disability and/or additional needs and live in the York area...
The City trio paid a visit to the Post-16 group, to learn more about one of the services that YIKS provide, and spend time with some of the young people who attend.
The lads helped the group make Christmas prints and cards and also took part in some colouring.
Cam John and Luca Thomas had a go at creating origami snowflakes, while Mo Fadera took on members of the group at table football and air hockey.
At the end of the session, the players handed out over 20 Gift Goal packages which had been purchased by York City fans".
We thank Magnus for his short stay at the Fleet and wish him all the best in the future. We also thank Oldham Athletic for their professionalism in the matter"
Just four days earlier, Ebbsfleet United had revealed that "Following a flu virus in the Fleet’s goalkeeper camp, with Mark Cousins and Dylan Berry both absent from training this week, we welcome Magnus Norman on loan from Oldham Athletic.
The 27-year-old keeper, who will stay with the Fleet for the remainder of the season, spent his early years in Fulham’s academy and gained senior non-league experience with Farnborough, Hayes & Yeading United and Southport. He made his EFL debut in 2018 on loan with Rochdale in League One before making a permanent move to Carlisle United for the 2020/21 season... before departing in 2022 to sign for Oldham Athletic.
The 6ft 4in keeper, who is a very commanding presence between the posts, has since made 45 appearances for the Latics".
S
A few days ago, following a 2-0 win over Derby County in the National League Cup, Wealdstone manager Matt Taylor told his club's website "I was delighted with the team's intensity today and performance levels"
In the match, "Henry Sandat opened the scoring with a well taken effort just five minutes into the game, his second goal in as many consecutive National League Cup appearances. Deon Woodman doubled the lead with an acrobatic finish midway through the second half...
[The manager said], 'Henry (Sandat) took his goal really well and I was impressed with him today. Deon (Woodman) as well has come in and scored a really good goal. I feel like we're creating a culture at the club where everyone in the squad is playing their part'...
There was a debut for Stones academy player Jeffrey Sekyere, who replaced Josh Grant with five minutes to go."
On Saturday, the Stones lost at Aldershot Town in the FA Trophy, having won the league encounter at the EBB Stadiun recently.
Wealdstone's leading scorer this season is Sam Ashford, with 6 goals in his 13 matches in the National League. However, as much a danger will be the on-loan Oldham forward Alex Reid who has three goals in six outings.
32 year-old Enzo Boldewijn is their only player to have been involved in every league game this season, staring all but one match but he was a used sub in that game. However, 31 year-old Jack Cook has had slightly more pitch-time this season than the Dutchman.
Sutton were relegated back to the National League after three seasons in the EFL.
So Sutton last visited Altrincham towards the end of 2022-21 season when the Surrey club trounced the Robins 4-0 at a unique 4.30pm kick-off time, on 17 April 2021.
The fixture between the clubs that season had been a complex affair from start to finish. Sutton had been due at Moss Lane on 9 January 2021 but the fixture was reversed owing to bad weather and concerns about its effect on the Altrincham pitch. So Alty went to Gander Green Lane that day instead of hosting Sutton. They drew 2-2 thanks to an added-time leveller from Connor Hampson.
Then the reverse game at Altrincham had its kick-off changed to 12.30pm to avoid a clash with the funeral of Prince Philip. However, as Sutton had already made arrangements to travel for a 3pm kick off, it was then agreed that the match would be played from 4.30pm.
In 2024-25, the Robins have been drawn at home in the Cheshire Senior Cup, FA Cup and FA Trophy Third Round, in addition to being handed four home games in the National League Cup.
Tonight's visit to Wealdstone is the latest away game in that sequence. Nevertheless Alty have won both of their most recent away trips on 10 December, gaining 3-2 victories at Blyth Spartans in 2016 and, at the other end of the country, at Maidstone United in 2022.
But prior to 2016 they had lost four times in succession on 10 December. The defeats were against Bishop Auckland (away), 2-5 in 1997; Colwyn Bay (away) 1-2 in 2002, Woking (home) 0-4 in 2005 and Gloucester City 0-2 in 2013.
We anticipate the final paperwork will be finished this week, allowing us to officially announce Cardinal Football Group as the new majority shareholder".
the BBC adds that "Owner Drew Volpe agreed to sell the National League outfit at the start of November and said the club was 'dead in the water' before US businessman Todd Johnson signed a purchase agreement to acquire a majority stake".
The 20-year-old joined the Owls ahead of the 2024/25 campaign following a successful trial period over the summer after competing in the non-league pyramid since he moved to England in 2020.
The goalkeeper... will wear the number 33 shirt".
The Irishman joined Wednesday on a short-team deal from non-League Berkshire club Binfield in the summer.
9 December 2024
The sides have never met previously in the FA Trophy.
It's a tough draw for Altrincham who have to face the joint leaders of the National League. Barnet won their Third Round match 2-0 at home to National South club Aveley.
The bad weather at the weekend means that a number of Third Round ties have yet to be played.
Those games are scheduled to be decided as follows...
Tuesday 10 December 2024
Wednesday 11 December 2024
Phil Parkinson's post-match video interview was recorded by AltyTV.
Interviewed by Brian Flynn, Phil said the weather made the tie a "true leveller" and getting through was the important outcome.
The red card for the Macclesfield captain Dawson was "pivotal", in Phil's opinion. "We should have easily won the game" he added.
Lewis Baines had a "little twinge" and James Jones was ill, so the loan signing of Charlie Olson was important to complete before the match. In fact, "It was our thinnest squad we've had to pick from" the manager asserted.
Moving on to the National League match on Tuesday night at Wealdstone, the Alty boss stated that "We've got bigger fish to fry" than the FA Trophy as the main priority for the club remains to gain promotion. Going for five hours on a coach to Wealdstone will not be easy, the Alty boss believed.
Latterly John has restricted his involvement to home games, with Steve Foster assuming the role alongside him and for the away trips.
Right: John receives his accolade at pitch-side on Saturday, as he is presented with a memento of his long-service to the Club by co-chairman Bill Waterson.
They have won two of those shoot-outs, both at home, but lost one, which took place away from home.
Out of a total of 29 penalties in the three games in question, 14 have been taken by Altrincham and 11 have been scored, an overall success rate of 78.5%.
Their opponents have taken 14 penalties and scored 10 of them (71.4%).
Right, we see Lewis Banks; although he has converted both of his shoot-out spot-kicks, both were almost saved and only crept over the line through the keepers' hands!
The shoot-outs have occurred in three different competitions and spectators have witnessed 29 spot-kicks at the end of those games...
The Altrincham takers of the above 15 spot-kicks and their individual success rates are listed below...
Right: A very wet Robbie Savage in the technical area on Saturday.
After the match on Saturday, Macclesfield FC's Head Coach, Robbie Savage, gave a YouTube interview in which he said that "Every single Altrincham fan will know that they got away with one today" as he felt his side were the better team and with eleven men on the pitch for ninety minutes might have won.
But Paul Dawson, his "captain, has let himself down" with getting sent off, admitted Savage.
The Head Coach added that "I have never been so proud of the group... We were the better team with ten [men against eleven] in that first half".
He went on to claim that "their keeper [Ethan Ross] was their best player" whereas "we had the best patterns of play in the game" and added that "I hope Parky gives us the credit we deserve".
In his judgement, "we are a National League team, the ten dominated".
Unfortunately for him, his penalty in the shoot-out was saved by Ethan Ross.
Assisting Robbie Savage in their technical area was former Alty stalwart PETER BAND (pictured, right) and another former Alty player in JOHN McMAHON.
"The Trophy is a tournament that we haven't done well enough in [recently]...
"But we were well below par today, too loose with our passing.
"Credit to Macclesfield, they created some good chances prior to the sending off and defended well with ten [men]".
Macclesfield boss Robbie Savage claimed "Our first-half performance was sensational.
"Their manager said it was our World Cup Final before the game but they were the ones celebrating like they'd won the World Cup at the end".
A feisty Macclesfield side won few admirers amongst the home supporters and they had Dawson sent off after 23 minutes after Reddin and Osborne had been felled in quick succession and a melee had ensued in midfield.
With the game goalless at ninety minutes the penalty shoot-out took place at the Golf Road End. Macc saw their first effort saved by Ross and their fourth spot-kick hit the bar, allowing Regan Linney to despatch them with the home side's fourth successful conversion to win 4-2.
Match report here.
Alty should have met Wealdstone in the league a week ago but the Middlesex club's continuing involvement in the FA Cup precluded that.
The sides last met at Grosvenor Vale on 16 September 2023 when they played out a goalless draw.
This season Alty meet Wealdstone as the hosts lie twentieth in the Vanarama National League, being outside the drop zone only on goal difference. However, their cup campaign means that they do have a game in hand on Alty and two in hand on many other clubs, so their parlous position is perhaps a little false.
Whilst only two clubs have scored fewer than Wealdstone's 19 goals this season, only one team in the lower half of the National League has conceded fewer times this season so it could be a very tight game once again..
Altrincham go into the match lying ninth but with a game in hand themselves on almost half of the division's teams. However, two of the teams in the play-off places, above the Robins, have a game in hand on them.
Manager Phil Parkinson revealed that a number of players had picked up "niggles" in last week's National League Cup game but on Saturday, when they faced Macclesfield FC in the FA Trophy, several regulars (Eddy Jones, James Jones (ill), Tom Crawford, Joe Nuttall) were missing in addition to longer-term absentees, Amaluzor, Crankshaw and Haygarth.
League Two : Both CONNOR JENNINGS and CHRIS MERRIE played the full game for Tranmere Rovers at Chesterfield, but it was the home side who were in total control. RYAN COLCLOUGH opened the scoring, and, after he was replaced by JAMES BERRY after 65 minutes, the latter was credited with the assist for the final goal in their 3-0 win.
FA Trophy : Worthing were held 1-1 at home by Gosport Borough. DANNY CASHMAN scored the opening penalty in the shootout, but three of his team mates subsequently failed and they were eliminated.
TYRESE SINCLAIR rounded off the scoring as York City knocked out visitors Darlington 3-1 after going behind.
Oldham Athletic clearly weren't interested in the FA Trophy. They fielded a much weakened team at Stockton Town and lost 2-0. The only ex Robin involved was REAGAN OGLE - and even he was only an unused substitute.
Solihull Moors fielded only six of the XI who started against Bromley in the FA Cup last week, and despite taking a 4th minute lead they succumbed to a 1-2 defeat at home to a Radcliffe side featuring JOSH HANCOCK and BRAD JACKSON, who sealed their victory in the third of the four added minutes.
Having told manager Graham Coughlan that he didn't want to be at the club, DAN MOONEY was omitted from Boston United's squad for the home tie with Alvechurch - but CONNOR TEALE won the Man of the Match award as a single goal proved sufficient for The Pilgrims to progress.
NPL Premier : HAYDEN CAMPBELL gave Leek Town a first half lead, but visitors Hyde United forced a 1-1 draw.
NPL Division 1 East : JAMES WALSHAW'S Ossett United team continued their unbeaten run under his management, beating the club immediately above them in the league, Sherwood Colliery, 0-4 on their own ground. Another win would lift them out of the relegation zone.
Widdrington was taken to hospital after he fell ill last Wednesday, November 27, and was admitted to Southend Hospital early on Thursday morning.
The 53-year-old underwent extensive scans and tests which revealed Widdrington suffered two strokes...
Aldershot released a statement on X from Widdrington’s family, which read 'Being of good health prior to Wednesday, and historically in general, his response to this episode and the initial treatment has been very encouraging.
'He has made very good progress and is feeling and looking a lot better already. He returned home late Tuesday afternoon to begin further rehabilitation'".
7 December 2024
Saturday, 7 December 2024
Asked about the National League Cup, Phil feels the competition has benefitted the club, not least in allowing him to get time into players' legs. However, he revealed that the team had "picked up a few niggles from the Stoke game" but he hopes that these will not affect selection for today's game in the FA Trophy.
However, later in the interview Phil suggested that he might have to bring in some additional players if the "niggles" are not promptly resolved
After discussing the recent NL game against York City, the manager said that today's FA Trophy game will be "a tasty encounter".
He claimed that, as the lower-ranked team, it will be "like Macclesfield's World Cup to beat us".
Brian suggested that the Silkmen emulated Altrincham when they were in the NPL by recruiting players who could not only play at that level but were also good enough to compete in the league above, National North.
The Alty boss believes that Macclesfield "play a similar system" to Alty and that "we're going to have to show our quality to get the result".
Talk then moved on to Academy players both current and past, with goalkeeper Louis Fallon praised for his performances which have earned him a loan spell at Witton Albion so early in his career.
Past Academy players such as Tom Jones and Amaar Hussain were also mentioned, with Phil stating that they are still monitored by Altrincham.
Tom is now playing at Newcastle Town, whilst Amaar Hussain is playing in Germany (see below). Phil revealed that, before his ACL injury, Amaar had been looked at as a potential replacement for Chris Conn-Clarke.
The interview concluded with the Altrincham manager stating that the match against Macclesfield today is a "big game but it won't define us or be the be-all or end-all for us", with promotion to the EFL being the over-riding objective.
And with 12 Vanarama National League games for less than the price of nine, there's never been a better time to give the gift of Altrincham football.
You get THREE bank holiday fixtures, EIGHT Saturday games and ONE midweek encounter, including two local tussles - FC Halifax Town on Boxing Day and the Good Friday visit of Rochdale - plus the Non-League Day matchup with high-flyers Barnet on March 22...
An Altrincham FC half-season ticket represents excellent value for money, with savings as high as £70 compared to walk-up prices
(There are no physical cards issued for half-season tickets. All tickets are digital only)
Adults £170 | Concessions £141 | 12-17s £64 | 5-11s £32".
"Not only will a purchase guarantee you early access to all home cup and play-off tickets through to the end of the season, as well as first priority on away cup and play-off tickets, there's also a 10 percent discount on official Alty merch[andise] (online AND in-store).
Extra Club Sponsor Perks:
What’s more you can claim the extra 10 percent off, alongside the store’s current introductory offer too. And, right now that introductory offer sees new customers able to claim up to 12 weeks half price on our storage units!"
The 19-year-old is the Cherries development squad’s top scorer so far this season...
Stuttle has previously gone on loan to Tim Sills’s Wimborne Town at the end of last season.
Head of recruitment at Aldershot, Jamie Hedges, said...
'He’s a young player, so we are mindful not to put too much pressure on the lad, but he ticks boxes we feel to succeed in the men’s game with his physicality, pace and most importantly having an eye for goal. He’s also an incredibly hard worker'".
The combative midfield player, who burst on to the non-league scene with Aldershot Town in the National League in 2016, begins a second spell here at Aggborough having signed in 2020.
Having lived in Kidderminster as a youngster, he has retained roots in the area and still lives not far from Aggborough Stadium.
While his initial spell with the club failed to take off due the COVID-hit campaign and injury issues, he went on to shine with Chesterfield in the National League before spending two seasons with Woking...
He signed for Ebbsfleet in the summer".
Golding, who is a 6ft 2 centre-back, arrives after previous loans at Banbury United, Dartford and Maidenhead United.
The Sutton-born defender initially played for AFC Wimbledon’s academy before joining Oxford in 2020. He’s played nine times for the U’s across League One, the EFL Cup and the EFL Trophy.
He had short spells at both Banbury and Dartford... Golding appeared in 10 National League games for Maidenhead last season before re-joining the Magpies this term, scoring twice in seven games".
6 December 2024
Managed by Robbie Savage, Macclesfield are currently running away with the Northern Premier League Premier Division title after only one defeat in their opening 19 games...
The Robins are in fine form themselves after two resounding wins in succession at home...
Said the Alty boss... 'All eyes will be on us, and we have got to make sure we do everything right to show we are a National League team and show our quality at home...
'It’s another opportunity to get on the road to Wembley and they are just another team who are in our way. They are a team we have got to respect'".
Alty were relegated at the end of that season and, by the time they regained their national league status, the Silkmen had been promoted back to EFL2 so the clubs did not meet again before the Silkmen went bust. However, the teams did meet in a 2018 pre-season friendly at Moss Lane, when a Tom Peers goal earned Alty a 1-0 win.
Right: Michael Rankine competes for an aerial ball in the pouring rain when Alty met the Silkmen in March 2016.
According to the BBC in that 2016 match "Altrincham fell into the National League relegation zone after a goalless draw against Macclesfield at Moss Lane. With both sides having failed to win a league game since early January, there were few chances on show".
Weather-wise the wet playing conditions in 2016 could be replicated, or be even worse this Saturday though, hopefully, without a similar goalless outcome.
They are Max Beddow, Oscar Cooper, Afernee Denise, Lucas Edwards, Harrison Howells, Sekouba Kamara, Isaac Mannion, Remi Raymond and Max Whittle.
Last Tuesday night, Altrincham beat the Stoke City PL2 side 4-1 in the National League Cup, with Academy goalkeeper Louie Fallon (left) playing the entire game, and winger Harrison Howells featuring for the final half hour as a substitute. In addition, their Academy team-mate Afernee Denise was on the bench.
Alty manager Phil Parkinson was reported in the Sale & Altrincham Messenger as saying 'The competition is amazing for offering opportunities to young players, and I thought they both did really well
'Louie (above, left) will be disappointed with their goal, after just being caught out passing the ball out from his area, but he more than made up for it. He made some decent saves and was superb overall, and Harrison almost got a goal near the end, which would have been the icing on the cake'".
Footnote: Mooney has made 6(+7) appearances for Boston in the National League this season, and has yet to score.
Colclough, 29, appeared at Derby Crown Court this morning (Thursday) – confirming his identity and entering a not guilty plea to the charge. The Spireites player is said to have assaulted another male at the Red Lion pub in Brimington on January 27 this year".
Footnote: Colclough has made 5(+10) appearances for Chesterfield in the National League and FA Cup this season, and has yet to score.
Right: Looking towards Old Market Place, Altrincham
Rightmove compiles a report each year to reveal the happiest places to live, called the Happy at Home study, which sees thousands of people across Great Britain being asked about where they live.
Of the 220 areas in Britain, Altrincham ranked as the 29th happiest place to live.
The town ranked as the third happiest place to live in the North West, finishing behind Kendal, which was named as the 15th happiest place to live in the country, and Chorley, which came 19th overall".
Chairman Lee Harding was pleased with the appointment. 'When we approached Steve about the job he was about to take another role in the game. We talked at length about what had happened and were impressed with his honest assessment of where the Club are at and his thoughts on turning our season around.
'We all know there is work ahead of us but we know Steve well - It's good to see him back at our Club. He played a pivotal role in our progress in the past two seasons and I am confident that we can look forward to the remainder of the season with optimism."
Steve said... 'I will now look to build on the foundations that Angelo has already laid'...
The Club would also like to place on record their thanks to former interim manager Justin Moseley who had helped to steady the proverbial ship over the past couple of games. Justin was invited to remain part of the Club's coaching set up, but has decided his future lies elsewhere'".
The 24-year-old, who scored 11 goals in 20 appearances during his first stint with the Pilgrims, returned in November and made four further appearances.
He returns to the LNER Community Stadium with the Pilgrims' best wishes for the future.
5 December 2024
Manager Phil Parkinson said, "I'm really pleased that Blackburn have allowed us to have Charlie for the next month. When he was with us previously, he impressed greatly in his first couple of games, prior to his loan being cut short by injury.
"He is now back with us fit and ready to go, and I could not have asked for a better player to come in during this busy festive period. He is a great character and leader and ultimately a great player who will improve us going into the month ahead."
Footnote: Just three days after playing against Altrincham as the captain of Blackburn Rovers U-21 side in the National League Cup, it was announced on 11 October 2024 that Charlie Olson was joining Altrincham on a loan until the end of November.
A centre-back, Charlie was the captain of Rovers' side and he made his Alty debut as left-sided centre-back against Solihull Moors in the FA Cup on 12 October 2024.
He made three appearances for Altrincham, which have been in two different competitions; in the two matches with Solihull Moors in the FA Cup and, in the Vanarama National League, at home to Gateshead. So, sadly, he has yet to be on the winning side for The Robins!
Only a dozen miles separate the two sides in an old rivalry that goes back decades. This, though will be the first time we’ve met since Macclesfield FC was reformed in 2020.
More than 1,000 Macc fans with the hottest ticket in town will come with us to Alty. We asked for more tickets after quickly selling out our initial allocation inside 48 hours, but we’re certain of fantastic support on what I hope will be a celebration of both clubs off the pitch.
On it, it will be a huge test. Alty are one point off the National League play-off places and pushing for promotion to the Football League next season. They beat league-leaders York City 3-0 last week.
So, on paper, of course they are favourites. But our squad has been built for the National League and the lads are gasping to prove themselves against opposition of Alty’s calibre".
It says that "The young Robins aimed to improve their possession problems after a solid but frustrating 1-1 draw against Fylde. They started their game against Gateshead with an aggressive press, led by Howells, Denise (right), Gonzalez and Webster who caused many turnovers in the final third, forcing turnovers has been a key issue that has been worked on in training.
However, Gateshead exploited gaps in the press, particularly down their left wing which created a few counterattacks. Altrincham’s high press led to a turnover, with Howells scoring the opening goal of the game...
A defensive lapse allowed Gateshead to win a penalty which was given away by Robins' keeper [actually left-back] Oscar Cooper. Gateshead converted making it 1-1 at halftime...
The Young Robins extended their unbeaten run to seven games".
This season he made a comeback, coming on as a late-in-the-game substitute at home to Boston United on 21 September. He made two more NL appearances from the bench but his total National League game-time this season comprises less than the equivalent of a single half of football.
Since the away trip to Braintree on 5 October, Ollie has not appeared in a league squad.
The only games he has started this season were both in cup competitions; he played 45 minutes at home to Vauxhall Motors in the Cheshire Senior Cup, followed by 66 minutes against Blackburn Rovers in the National League Cup.
Twenty minutes as a substitute at home to Solihull in the FA Cup followed on 12 October, since when he has not been seen in a match squad.
In all he has made just 2(+4) appearances this season and it is unknown when he will be fit to resume his career.
He has made two cup appearances, the latter of these being of 105 minutes' duration in the FA Cup replay at Solihull on 15 October.
He has not been seen, therefore, for six weeks and, like Ollie Crankshaw, his prognosis is unclear.
He started the cup games against Vauxhall Motors and Blackburn Rovers under-21s and was an unused sub in the FA Cup replay at Solihull on 15 October, the last time he figured in a matchday squad.
So he has been absent for some seven weeks and has made only 6(+2) appearances this campaign.
Hopefully all three will be back in action in the near future.
As a consequence, their NLC match against Manchester United's Pl2 team attracted 3,663 spectators, a figure which was never going to be matched by Stoke City's lower profile visit this Tuesday.
The gates for this Tuesday's ties were as follow. The northern clubs clearly attracted generally much better gates than their southern counterparts for whom the hosts were, in a couple of cases, hosting teams from many miles away and, consequently, little travelling support.
Instead he turned out in the Professional Development League for the Under 21s, and scored a consolation goal as visitors Sheffield Wednesday U21 won 1-3.
And in the Welsh Premier League JOEL TORRANCE made five saves to thwart visitors TNS, and one goal was enough to give Bala Town the points
Hugill, 21, spent a month on loan at National League North side Chester earlier in the season and moves to Mill Farm on a month-long loan,
The midfielder has been a regular in Andy Farrell’s under 21s side, and he made his senior debut for the Clarets back in August in a Carabao Cup tie...
Speaking on the move, Hugill told the club website... 'At Chester I saw how much quicker the games are (at men’s football) and how competitive it is. I thrived off that and it helped me as a player as well as a person.
I’m a real high energy midfielder who covers the ground well. I’ll always get stuck into tackles and give 100% for the team.'
AFC Fylde Head Coach Kevin Phillips added... 'He’s a young, tenacious midfielder who Burnley have really high hopes for.. We think this signing is a real coup for the club.'”
4 December 2024
Right: Pre-match, Matty Kosylo gives Kahrel Reddin some advice..
The Potters took a 23rd minute lead when young Alty keeper Louie Fallon's kick clear went straight to Griffiths who advanced and scored with a low shot.
Shortly before the interval, Altrincham equalised when Eddy Jones's corner from the right towards the back post was nodded on twice by Alty heads towards the near post where, a third header, from James Jones, found the net (43 mins).
After bringing on three half-time substitutes, one of them, Tylor Golden smashed home a second Altrincham goal, from a Reddin lay-off (51 mins). A Tom Crawford header from an Eddy Jones freekick from the left made it 3-1 after 58 minutes.
The scoring was wrapped up in the second added minute at the end of the game when a superb through-ball from Liam Humbles set Jake Bickerstaff in on goal and he beat the advancing Stoke keeper to make it 4-1.
Match report here.
He made just two appearances for Altrincham; against Braintree Town in the Vanarama National League and in the NL Cup against Blackburn Rovers in the NL Cup.
Just days after those appearances, his squad number was assigned to loanee Charlie Olson, whom he had played against for Alty in the match with Blackburn.
Connor's departure was not announced by Alty but he has now surfaced at a National League rival as Boston United announce that they "have secured the services of centre-half Connor Teale on a permanent basis.
The Pilgrims have swooped to sign the 22-year-old defender following a brief stint with National League rivals Altrincham.
Teale began his career at Fleetwood Town and has spent loan spells with the likes of Curzon Ashton and Alfreton Town in National League North, plus Arbroath in Scotland".
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
"Macclesfield Football Club is a successor to Macclesfield Town FC which was founded back in 1874.
Macclesfield Town was liquidated and expelled from the National League in 2020 because of debts of over £500,000. Its assets were put up for sale – including the Moss Rose Stadium on the Rightmove property website.
In October 2020, the Stadium and all remaining assets were purchased by Robert Smethurst with the aim of returning professional football to Macclesfield by creating the phoenix Club, Macclesfield FC.
Smethurst appointed the Welsh former professional footballer Robbie Savage as Director of Football... In February 2024... [they appointed] Manager Michael Clegg.
Under Clegg, The Silkmen reached the Izusu FA Trophy semi-final, where they were narrowly beaten... by Gateshead... [but] Macclesfield were denied promotion when they were defeated 2 – 1 by Marine...
Shortly after, Manager Michael Clegg stepped down from his role and was replaced by Robbie Savage...
The 2024/25 campaign is one which the whole Club is embarking on with both optimism and belief. This has been exemplified with reference to a wealth of summer signings".
League One : Leyton Orient had already sealed their 3-0 home win by half time, so JOEL SENIOR had little to show for coming off the Bristol Rovers bench in the 57th. minute.
CARL PIERGIANNI was booked after only 2 minutes of Stevenage's 2-0 home win against Northampton Town.
League Two : A goal from ALISTAIR SMITH after 12 minutes gave AFC Wimbledon a good start at home to Newport County, but, although they soon doubled their advantage, the Welsh side fought back to draw 2-2.
SONNY ALJOFREE (left) was unfortunate to score an own goal as Accrington Stanley went down 5-2 at Grimsby Town.
Chesterfield were already two goals down at MK Dons when they brought on both RYAN COLCLOUGH and JAMES BERRY after 75 minutes. The game ended 3-0.
KEVIN BERKOE only joined the action in the 89th minute for Salford City, who had already wrapped up a 2-0 win over visitors Harrogate Town by then.
At Prenton Park, MARCUS DACKERS played the whole game for Morecambe, as did CONNOR JENNINGS and CHRIS MERRIE for hosts Tranmere Rovers - and it was Connor who scored the second equaliser for the Birkenhead side as the game ended 2-2.
National League Cup : Former Robins trialist TOM PUGH was booked after 66 minutes, and substituted just 3 minutes later as Halifax came from behind twice to force penalties against Leeds United U21. Alas, the youngsters were clinical from the spot and won the shootout 3-5.
There was a clean sheet for DERMOT MEE as Manchester United U21 won by the only goal at Rochdale, who withdrew KYLE FERGUSON after 62 minutes.
It is good new for Altrincham who are predicted to reach the pay-offs for a second year in succession!
The accompanying text states that the prediction is that "Forest Green Rovers will win the National League title and make an instant return to the EFL, according to the BonusCodeBets SuperComputer.
Having suffered consecutive relegations, seeing them drop from League One to the fifth tier within the space of just two years, it is predicted Steve Coterill's side will edge out Barnet in the National League title race by just three points.
The SuperComputer predicts Rovers will finish first with 103 points, ahead of Dean Brennan's side with 100 in second. Rochdale will also qualify for the play-off semi-finals by finishing third.
Current league leaders York City will suffer a drop-off in form and complete the season in fifth, two points behind Micky Mellon's Oldham Athletic, while Altrincham's impressive progress under Phil Parkinson will see them secure a play-off spot once again.
In a remarkable turnaround at Hartlepool United, 77-year-old manager Lennie Lawrence will guide Hartlepool United to the play-offs, having initially taken over at the Victoria Ground with the club in 16th.
The likes of Halifax, Sutton United, Solihull Moors and Gateshead will suffer disappointment in their bid to finish in the play-offs.
At the bottom of the table, the SuperComputer suggests Braintree Town will avoid relegation by just one point after sacking Angelo Harrop, while Alan Devonshire's Maidenhead United will be relegated.
Kevin Phillips's Fylde, Ebbsfleet United and Boston United are also set to fall short in their battle for survival, suffering relegation to the sixth tier of English football".
3 December 2024
Regan Linney's seven goals in his last four league games mean that his season's total of 11 National League goals has seen him rise to third place in the Leading Scorer charts in the Vanarama National League.
In all, Alty have scored 32 league goals, so Regan has scored more than a third of those.
Leading the way, so far this season, is York City's Ollie Pearce with 14 goals out of 43 scored by his side, followed by Nick Haughton's twelve goals out of just 19 netted by AFC Fylde.
Entry is via free-of-charge tickets which are obtainable on the Altrincham FC website.
One player who is cup-tied for the Altrincham v Macclesfield FC tie is Lucas Weaver (right), who was permitted to play for Bamber Bridge in an earlier round of the competition, whilst on loan there.
Altrincham FC announce that "The decision has been made to issue no further tickets to Macclesfield for Saturday’s Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round tie at The J.Davidson Stadium.
Our visitors have been allocated 1,000 standing tickets for the Chequers End terrace and 56 seated tickets in the family stand for the December 7th derby date...
All remaining tickets for the game are now on sale to home fans only".
James Jones, Lewis Baines and Elliot Newby are the only three players who started that game in 2022 ho also started Alty' last league game against York City.
In the match, despite a decent first-half showing, an unchanged Altrincham trailed 2-1 at the interval but came back to secure a deserved point in the second half.
Altrincham levelled eight minutes later when a fine shot from the right by Newby (right) came back off the bar but Colclough drove home the rebound from left of goal.
The hosts regained the lead after 42 minutes when Byrne saved well from Hobson but Wreh had an easy task to put the loose ball into the net.
Alty's second equaliser was a result of a terrible mix-up between Lopata and goalkeeper Noukeu. As the Polish defender attempted to shepherd a flick-on by Jennings to his keeper, Noukeu both kicked the ball and collided with his team-mate and the ball broke free for Newby to take it on and put it into the empty net (59 mins).
The latter stages were marred by an injury to ex-Alty man Mooney who, after being treated and subbed left the field, only for a stretcher to be summoned to carry him back to the dressing room.
ALTRINCHAM: 1. Oliver Byrne, 5. Toby Mullarkey (c), 26. James Jones, 6. Lewis Baines, 2. Eddy Jones, 8. Josh Lundstram, 4. Isaac Marriott, 28. Elliot Newby, 11. Ryan Colclough, 16. Chris Conn-Clarke, 35. Connor Jennings. Subs: 9. Jordan Hulme, 10. Elliot Osborne, 18. Ben Pringle, 21. Matt Gould, 17. Brad Jackson.
The match was played at Failsworth Sports Centre.
Despite their draw, the Colts remain bottom of the division.
Colin will oversee all football, recruitment and retention matters as Head of Football...
CEO Damian Irvine welcomed the new Head of Football, saying'Colin is vastly experienced in the game and we welcome him to the club to oversee and support the football department in both the short-term immediate needs and goals, and the longer strategic direction on the pitch.'
Footnote: In 2015 Gordon, a former professional player, was Football Development Director at Kidderminster, twice becoming caretaker manager. He then became majority shareholder at Aggborough before selling his shares in 2019.
Tommy is stable and in good spirits, and we shall provide updates when there is anything further to share.
In the meantime, we ask that Tommy and his family’s privacy is respected at this time.
First-Team Assistant Managers Hugo Langton and Richard Dryden will lead the team in Tommy’s absence.
Everybody at the club sends their best wishes to Tommy for a speedy recovery".
On Thursday 5 December, four Pools players will be present in the club shop from 4pm to 6pm.
Anthony Mancini, Billy Sass-Davies, Nicky Featherstone and Tom Parkes will all be there to meet supporters, sign autographs and take pictures.
Supporters will be able to browse our special Christmas range in the club shop, and half-season tickets will also be on sale.
There will be further signing sessions to come on Thursday 12 and 19 December at the Prestige Group Stadium".
2 December 2024
Altrincham FC announces that "This match is set to be an all-ticket affair due to expected high demand...
General sale tickets for Alty fans are on sale right here.
For visiting fans, ticket sales will be managed directly by Macclesfield FC. Away fans have been allocated the Chequers End of the stadium only...
Given the anticipated rise in operational costs, ticket prices will align with our National League fixture pricing, though we traditionally aim to price cup matches lower...
Adults £20 | Concessions £15 | 12-17s £9 | 5-11s £4 | Under-5s £1".
The Potters are having a poor 2024-25 campaign as All Stoked Up confirms.
They state that "Stoke City U21's struggles in the Premier League 2 continued on November 29 as they suffered a home defeat to Southampton U21. Expectations were high for the young Potters to deliver a positive result, but the team was outplayed in a challenging encounter. This loss leaves Stoke City U21 firmly at the bottom of the Premier League 2 table, raising concerns about the state of the club's youth development.
Earlier in November, Stoke City U21 had shown flashes of brilliance with back-to-back 4-0 victories over Forest Green in the England National League Cup. However, they have been unable to carry that form into the Premier League 2.
Despite glimpses of potential, the team has struggled to compete consistently, with eight defeats and just one draw from nine matches in the league".
Group B
Group C
Group D
Left: Craig Mahon.
At Bootle, in the NPL Division 1 West home keeper TONY THOMPSON was beaten twice as the club from Merseyside lost 0-2 to visitors, Mossley.
Meanwhile, in the same division, MAX HARROP saw red for two yellow cards as his Avro team dispatched their visitors, who were one of his former clubs, Nantwich Town, 2-1.
Within 2 minutes of extra time they went behind, but 2 minutes later they were level and with the score at 1-1 they went into a penalty shootout.
KENNEDY DIGIE (right), having not been involved, was able to watch from the bench as four of his teammates converted their kicks - but only three Burton players did likewise, and the Lambs proceeded into the 3rd Round draw".
Wealdstone's defeat on Saturday means that their planned league match here at Altrincham can go ahead on 11 January 2025, the date of Round Three of the FA Cup.
Sunday scores in the FA Cup involving non-League clubs:
1 December 2024
The previous games have seen a draw with Blackburn Rovers and defeat at the hands of Manchester United.
The Potters are bottom of the PL2 table having earned just one point after nine fixtures.
Kick off on Tuesday is at 7.30pm and entry is free, courtesy of sponsors OBi, with tickets available here
The two clubs are now joint bottom of the table with seven points from their games, 17 matches in Alty's case, 15 for the Warriors. Both clubs have goal differences of minus 35 goals.
National North: Although JORDAN HULME gave Radcliffe a 19th minute lead, visitors Darlington soon took a grip on proceedings and went on to win 1-4.
Peterborough Sports came from 2-0 down at South Shields to force a 2-2 draw, with MICHAEL GYASI scoring the equaliser.
Warrington Town's JOSH AMIS was sent off after 78 minutes, and visitors Chester went on to salvage a 1-1 draw.
National South: Worthing found themselves facing 10 men by half time, and DANNY CASHMAN rounded off the scoring as they sank Weston-super-Mare 3-0.
NPL Premier: JAMES HARDY gave Ashton United a half time lead, but they trailed visitors Basford briefly before hitting two late goals to win 4-3.
Blyth Spartans were down to 10 men in the 21st minute, and visitors Hyde United won with a lone goal from JACK REDSHAW.
NPL Division 1 West: SEAN MILLER put Widnes ahead with a 3rd minute penalty, and, after visitors Newcastle Town equalised in the 80th minute, he popped up again in added time to earn his side a 2-1 win.
Witton Albion gave a debut in goal to LOUIE FALLON, who had arrived on loan earlier in the day, and OWEN GERMAN also started, while ELLIOT ROKKA came off the bench after 56 minutes.
Hosts Stalybridge Celtic fielded KYLE BROWNHILL and GREG WILKINSON (who was withdrawn after 54 minutes), and had far the better of matters, winning 3-0.
NPL Division 1 East: JAMES WALSHAW'S promising start in management continued, as his Ossett United team trounced visitors Cleethorpes Town 4-1.
NPL Division 1 Midlands: ZAK GOODSON picked up a booking, and was substituted without scoring after 76 minutes, as Quorn ran in six goals without reply to retain their unbeaten record at Rugby Town.
FA Cup Round 2: JOEL SENIOR returned to the Bristol Rovers starting lineup for the first time since his injury at Stockport County on August 24th, but played only the first half at Barnsley. After two hours without a goal, his side took advantage of two missed penalties by the hosts in the shootout and progressed 4-3.
RYAN COLCLOUGH played the full match for Chesterfield, and was joined by JAMES BERRY in the 66th minute, but they couldn't prevent hosts Exeter City progressing 2-0.
After a goalless first half at Brisbane Road, REAGAN OGLE produced the assist as Oldham Athletic went ahead - but not long afterwards he picked up a yellow card.
JOSH LUNDSTRAM was substituted after 86 minutes, but sensationally Leyton Orient goalkeeper Josh Keeley came upfield to equalise in the 99th minute and force extra time, and they struck again to win 2-1 in the 121st minute.
CHRIS CONN-CLARKE only came off the bench in the 93rd minute, and although there was still time for visitors Notts County to reduce the arrears, Peterborough United progressed 4-3.
KEVIN BERKOE was an 87th minute substitute as Salford City put out visitors Cheltenham Town 2-0.
JUSTIN DONOWA made his debut for Brackley Town and lasted 77 minutes, but their visit to Stockport County ended in a 3-0 defeat.
In the evening kick-off, ALISTAIR SMITH was on the wrong end of a "giant killing" as his AFC Wimbledon lost 1-2 at home to Dagenham & Redbridge.
A second clean sheet in five days was this time converted into three points, with Bim Pepple and Adam Crowther getting the goals.
After the game, our Head Coach said 'It’s the end of a tough week that’s had different challenges. To follow up two points with a win on the road and a clean sheet, I’m delighted. They all put a hell of a shift in.
'I thought we played well in the first half and we had good control of the game... We’re pleased with Bim because he’s been under the weather and we had the pull him out of training yesterday.
'We said we’d go with him from the start and he’s a good outlet when you can play into him...
'We’ve had a stop-start season but the shape was good today and I thought we got people in the right positions and the right areas. The coaching was top drawer and that showed today in a professional performance'"
Wealdstone "announce that defender Deon Woodman has joined St Albans City on loan until the end of the season.
ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS
Alty TV has video higlhights of the goalless draw between Altrincham anf FC Halifax Town which was played on Boxing Day.
NEXT: ROCHDALE
Altrincham travel to the Crown Oil Arena to face Rochdale on Ndw Year's Day. Rochdale are sixth in the National League table.
A BUSY JANUARY
Altrincham report that "We're straight into the 2025 action on Wednesday afternoon, and there's little let up across the month of January with seven games across three competitions on the slate for Phil Parkinson's Robins.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Daily Express reports that "Non-league club Tamworth have sparked a major backlash after significantly hiking ticket prices for their upcoming FA Cup game against Tottenham.
Woking "announce the appointment of Simon Bassey as assistant coach.
NEXT: ROCHDALE
Altrincham travel to sixth-placed Rochdale on New Year's Day to meet a side which won 3-1 away at AFC Fylde on Boxing Day.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Macclesfield FC fell to their first home defeat of the season on Boxing Day, beaten 2-1 by Leek Town.
NW NEWS: PETER WRAGG R.I.P.
As well as their onfield disappointment this week, Macclesfield FC "are deeply saddened to learn that legendary former Manager Peter Wragg passed away on Christmas Day.
ALTRINCHAM: A HALIFAX FAN'S VIEWPOINT
On the FC Halifax Town website, there is an amusing account by Rob Brown of his experience at Altirncham on Boxing Day asy a travelling supporter.
It starts by saying that "Altrincham away is fast becoming a Christmas tradition, a bit like visiting a posh relative that you find a little awkward. It’s also an opportunity for some fresh air, to let off steam, and to have some friendly banter with the natives...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Dagenham & Redbridge have announcedthat "Regrettably, and after a run of poor results in the league the club has decided to part company with Manager Ben Strevens.
The result that was the final nail in Strevens's coffin is the subject of a report from Braintree Town who report that The Iron "put in a fine Boxing Day performance at Dagenham & Redbridge to ease themselves out of the relegation places with a 4-2 victory.
Halifax's next away trip is to At Southend United, where manager "Kevin Maher was 'delighted' with his Shrimpers side after they dispatched the Vanarama National League’s basement team Ebbsfleet United 4-0.
PARKINSON'S PERSPECTIVE
After the goalless draw against FC Halifax Town, manager Phil Parkinson spoke to Radio Robins' Brian Flynn.
ALTRINCHAM 0-0 FC HALIFAX TOWN
In a feisty match played in a misty atmosphere, former Shayman, Matty Kosylo, got himself sent off for the second successive league match against his former employers, having been dismissed at the Shay on New Year's Day 2024. But the ten men of Altrincham defended well in the second half and finished the game on the front foot against a Halifax side who showed why they are the lowest scorers in the top half of the National League.
HALIFAX'S VIEW
FC Halifax Town's view was that "Town had to settle for a point against Altrincham despite dominating large parts of the game in an exciting 0-0 draw...
The highlight of the first half actually came after the halftime whistle. As the teams entered the tunnel, Kosylo saw red for an incident, but Alty held firm despite having to do a lot of defending in the second period, much to the Shaymen’s frustration...
NEXT: ROCHDALE
The New Year of 2025 kicks off for Altrincham at Rochdale, who won 3-1 at AFC Fylde on Boxing Day. Dale are the only side yet to play ALtrincham this season in the Vanarama National League.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that on Boxing Day, in the Championship that, already a goal down, an injury forced Millwall to bring DUNCAN WATMORE off the bench after just 13 minutes at Norwich City. They eventually lost 2-1.
League One : TOBY MULLARKEY played the whole game for Crawley Town at Leyton Orient, while JUNIOR QUITIRNA (right) joined him after 57 minutes, but they couldn't help their side to avoid a 3-0 defeat.
S
KEVIN BERKOE (right) was a 75th minute substitute for Salford City as they won 3-0 at home against Barrow, who took off ELLIOT NEWBY 6 minutes later.
NPL Division 1 West : RYAN BROOKE scored the only goal as Runcorn Linnets won at Bootle.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
York Press tells us that "York City’s match at Oldham [was] postponed due to fog.
BOXING DAY MATCHES
Thursday 26th December
TODAY: FC HALIFAX TOWN
When Altrincham entertain FC Halifax Town today (3pm) the referee will be Richard Aspinall who, earlier this season, refereed the 3-3 draw between Altrincham and the Blacburn Rovers PL2 side in the National League Cup.
Meanwhile, FC Halifax Town point out that "Town have picked up more points on the road than at home this season with five away victories and four draws going into the second half of the season with victories at Aldershot (19th), Yeovil (10th), Boston (23rd), Maidenhead (22nd) and Ebbsfleet (24th).
BOXING DAY OPPOSITION
Today is the third Boxing Day in succession that Altrincham have entertained FC Halifax Town.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Swindon Advertiser reports that "Swindon Town midfielder Sean McGurk has joined National League side Yeovil Town on a one-month loan.
25 December 2024
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
The Alty Files website wishes all its visitors a very happy Christmas Day and a healthy New Year and thanks them for their support throughout 2024.
ROLL OF HONOUR
Altrincham FC announce that "Altrincham FC’s Roll of Honour, remembering those associated with the Robins who have passed away during the last 12 months will be read out by Co-Chairman Bill Waterson ahead of the Boxing Day game with FC Halifax Town...
NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN
Altrincham welcome FC Halifax Town to the J. Davidson Stadium on Boxing Day.
ALTY OLD BOYS
When FC Halifax Town face Altrincham on Boxing Day, one Shayman who has previously worn the Altrincham stripes is TOM PUGH (right) who spent summer 2023 as a trialist for the Robins, following his release by Scunthorpe United.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
At title aspirants York City the club announces "the permanent signing of defender Malachi Fagan-Walcott from Cardiff City for an undisclosed fee.
BOXING DAY: FC HALIFAX TOWN
On Boxing Day, ninth-placed Altrincham take on eighth-placed FC Halifax Town.
NEW YEAR OPPONENTS HOPEFUL ABOUT PITCH
Altrincham travel to Rochdale on New Year's Day. From there comes news of the state of the pitch ahead of that clash, following the postponement of Rochdale's home match last Saturday.
ALTY OLD BOYS
On Monday night in League One, Phil Jordan reports that, having been out injured since October 22nd, JUNIOR QUITIRNA returned to the Crawley Town bench in their home fixture against Birmingham City, and came on in the 78th minute to join TOBY MULLARKEY, but the West Midlands side scored the game's only goal just one minute later, and returned to the top of the table.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
At Hartlepool United "manager Lennie Lawrence has explained the upcoming fixtures for his side will be ‘a real test of character’...
According to the Oldham Times "Oldham Athletic owner Frank Rothwell has gone viral on social media after a video of him wishing travelling Latics fans a Merry Christmas was shared by the club.
Ebbsfleet United "goalkeeper Dylan Berry has departed the club following the cancellation of his contract by mutual consent.
Having faced current leaders York City last time out, Southend United now take on the bottom club in the National League.
At Yeovil Town "Ed James has returned to Exeter City after being recalled from his loan spell.
NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN
Altrincham complete their 2024 fixtures on Boxing Day when FC Halifax Town visit the J. Davidson Stadium for the third successive year on that date. However, this time, there will be no return fixture on New Year's Day as the National League has altered its template to stop the reversal of the festive fixtures.
ALTY OLD BOYS
As reported yesterday, Gateshead have taken LIAM HUMBLES (right) on loan from Salford City, following the midfielder's three-month spell on loan at Altrincham.
THROUGH THE YEARS: BOXING DAY
For many decades, Boxing Day has been one of the most popular dates for Altrincham to have a fixture. Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years data record the full history of 88 such games on Boxing Day.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Gloverscast tells us that "Yeovil Town manager Mark Cooper has said he is hoping to add a couple of new players to his squad ahead of the Boxing Day match at home to Eastleigh.
Bottom of the table, Ebbsfleet United report on "The Kuflink Stadium’s final home game of 2024 and Josh Wright’s first in charge on home soil ended in defeat as a slick Gateshead side scored twice in each half...
WOKING 2-1 ALTRINCHAM
"BEST AWAY PERFORMANCE OF THE SEASON" SAYS PHIL
Interviewed after the defeat at Woking by Radio Robins' Laurence Howarth, Alty boss Phil Parkinson said that the game had been the "best away performance we've had this season".
WOKING SURVIVE ALTY "AVALANCHE"
Following their win over Altrincham, Woking report that "With 57 minutes on the clock, Woking had the lead.
However, Altrincham levelled the scores after 71 minutes when Linney’s burst into the area from the left hand side saw him tee up Newby for a tap in...
HUMBLES MOVES ON
Liam Humbles (right) who joined Altrincham on loan from Salford City in an agreement revealed on 7 September 2024, has moved on another loan to Gateshead.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan has supplied bumper coverage of the activities of former Altrincham players and loanees this Saturday.
Championship : Oxford United were already two down at Elland Road when OWEN DALE (right) came on in the 62nd minute. Leeds United soon doubled their tally to run out comfortable 4-0 winners.
At Chesterfield, the home side scored the only goal against AFC Wimbledon, for whom ALISTAIR SMITH played throughout, after just 3 minutes. The Spireites replaced JAMES BERRY (right) with RYAN COLCLOUGH after 35 minutes.
KOLE HALL (right)put Chorley ahead from the spot against visitors Rushall Olympic, and they went on to win 2-1.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The BBC reports that "Southend Council has agreed to build up to 805 homes at Fossetts Farm, which will ultimately release £20m for Southend United Football Club to regenerate its historic Roots Hall stadium.
WOKING 2-1 ALTRINCHAM
Alty's away form again let them down as they lost to lowly Woking.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday 21st December 2024
TODAY: WOKING
Woking remind us that The Cards' "last game before Christmas comes with the visit of Altrincham to the Laithwaite on Saturday... and Woking have certainly had a busy week. Following the departure of Michael Doyle and Ben Turner last Saturday, Neal Ardley was appointed manager on Wednesday, meaning this will be his first game in charge.
HALF-WAY HOUSE
Today's game at Woking will complete the first half of the Vanarama National League season for Altrincham. Woking will join Sutton United as the only teams that Alty have met, both at home and away, by the midway point this season.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reportson Friday's game in League One in which Stockport County had just gone 2-1 up at Edgeley Park when Peterborough United brought CHRIS CONN-CLARKE off the bench after 78 minutes. However, there was no further scoring
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Southend United report that "Kevin Maher feels Blues can take confidence from our away record as we make the trip to second-placed York City on Saturday.
Barnet only started to play matches at their current stadium, The Hive London, in 2013. The stadium was originally to be for neighbours Wealdstone, as Wikipedia explains.
At Ebbsfleet United, "The Fleet have completed the permanent signing of Aaron Cosgrave from FC Halifax Town ahead of our run of Christmas fixtures in the National League.
Forest Green Rovers "announce the re-signing of Jordon Garrick on a short-term deal until the end of the season.
Chairman Peter Griffin reports on a supporters' meeting at Maidenhead United.
PARKY HAILS LINNEY AND NEWBY
In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger, John Edwards writes thatAlty boss "Phil Parkinson claimed Altrincham have one of the best strikers in the National League after Regan Linney again filled the role of matchwinner to fire the Robins into the play-off places at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday.
NEXT: WOKING
As reported recently, the ownership of Alty's next opponents, Woking, is on the point of being assumed by the Cardinal Football Group.
"US businessman Todd Johnson has signed a purchase agreement to acquire a majority stake in Woking.
ALTY AND THE NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP
This week's Group B match in the National League Cup ended in a 2-0 win for Wolverhampton wanderers PL2 side at Forest Green Rovers.
RAY SANT R.I.P.
Press and media officer Brian Flynn has penned a fitting tribute to Altrincham supporter Ray Sant, who died recently. The tribute cane be found on the Altrincham FC website.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Two very brief statements report "one in and one out" at The Shay as FC Halifax Town "have announced that midfielder Scott High has re-joined the Shaymen on a month’s loan from local neighbours Huddersfield Town.
News of Altrincham's FA Trophy opponents in January comes from the Times Series which reports that manager "Dean Brennan believes his Barnet side still has another level to go to after they eased to a 4-1 victory over National League strugglers Ebbsfleet United to take over at the top of the table on Saturday.
NEXT OPPONENTS APPOINT ARDLEY
On Saturday, Altrincham will be the first opponents to be faced by Woking's new boss, who was appointed on Wednesday evening.
Neal brings a proven track record of success and experience to Woking Football Club from a long and distinguished coaching career. Highlights include reaching play-off finals with Notts County in 2020, Solihull Moors in 2021 as well as gaining promotion to EFL League One with AFC Wimbledon in 2016...
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports that on Tuesday in the NPL Division 1 West, although SEAN WILLIAMS put Bootle ahead for the second time in the match, visitors Chasetown fought back to draw 2-2.
LOCAL NEWS
The Sale & Altrincham Messenger reports that "A six-acre site in Urmston, once home to Flixton FC, will be part of a timed online auction by SDL Property Auctions in the new year with a £500,000 guide price.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Halifax Courier"can exclusively reveal that six local individuals say they have been working on plans for the stadium for the last few months with Calderdale Council and FC Halifax Town and Halifax Panthers, with the aim of safeguarding its future “as a sporting venue and a community asset”.
From the National League we learn that "Maidenhead United are offering supporters not only a generous Christmas gift but the opportunity to bring people together to combat loneliness.
18 December 2024
NEXT: WOKING
Altrincham travel to Woking this Saturday hoping to continue their recent high-scoring away from home in the National League, (12 goals in four outings) but also to improve on their sequence of just one away win in their last five games on the road in the league.
ALTY OLD BOYS
From Phil Jordan, we learn that on Monday evening in League Two, SONNY ALJOFREE gave Accrington Stanley the lead at Fleetwood, but was booked soon afterwards. Fleetwood fought back to draw 1-1.
Rochdale had soon wrapped up a 3-0 win. KYLE FERGUSON'S 96th minute arrival was merely a postscript.
TUESDAY SCORES
Altrincham dropped a place to seventh in the League table as Rochdale's win took them above The Robins.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The National League reports that "FC Halifax Town manager Chris Millington says criticism of his forwards this season has been unjustified...
Before this weekend’s thrilling 4-3 win at Aldershot Town, the Shaymen had scored just 21 times in the National League, a lower total than any of the teams in the division’s top 18...
NEXT SATURDAY: WOKING
Altrincham play the return fixture of the opening day of the 2024-25 season on Saturday when they travel to face Woking. Alty won that match back in Auguest 1-0, thanks to a well-struck goal by Tylor Golden on his debut.
Last season Altrincham won 3-2 at Woking in the second fixture of the 2023-24 season.
GEORGE'S FIFTIETH
His next appearance for Altrincham will be the fiftieth for midfielder George Wilson.
ALTY'S NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP POSITION
Altrincham do not complete their group stage matches in the National League Cup until 28 January, when Wolverhampton Wanderers bring their PL2 side to the J. Davidson Stadium.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Southend United boss "Kevin Maher felt neither side did enough to earn three points following the Shrimpers' 0-0 draw with Hartlepool United...
INJURY UPDATE
With six players missing from matchday squads recently, Phil Parkinson gave an update on three of the injured players in his interview with Erin-Beau Carroll on Saturday.
ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS
Alty TV has highlights of Saturday's win over Sutton United.
REST IN PEACE
The deaths of two dedicated Altrincham supporters became known at the weekend.
ALTY MONTHLY DRAW WINNERS
The Altrincham FC monthly draw for November 2024 has been made with the outcome as follows:
ALTY OLD BOYS
Although CRAIG MAHON's Curzon Ashton consolidated their position at the top of National North with a 3-0 home win over South Shields on Saturday, the Tameside club attracted just 370 spectators to the game, the lowest in the division.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Wealdstone "were defeated 3-2 by Oldham Athletic at Boundary Park, despite a 2-0 lead after 30 minutes.
ALTY "VERY DIRECT TODAY" SAYS PHIL
Erin-Beau Carroll interviewed Phil Parkinson on Alty TV after Saturday's victory over Sutton United.
ALTRINCHAM 1-0 SUTTON UNITED
Altrincham extended their unbeaten league run at home to nine games with this 1-0 victory over Sutton United, which lifted them into the play-off places.
SUTTON PERSPECTIVE
Sutton United report that "Regan Linney’s first-half opener condemned Sutton to a narrow defeat at the J Davidson Stadium...
NEXT: WOKING
Altrincham travel to a troubled club next weekend when they face Woking, who lie just a point above the relegation zone.
Earlier in the week they lost Charley Kendall to the lure of Southend United though, in better news, the Surrey club announced last week that it is on the verge of finalising a majority shareholding for the Cardinal Football Group.
MIDWEEK MATCH
Tuesday 17th December
NEXT SATURDAY'S MATCHES
Saturday 21st December
RESERVES LOSE OUT
In Saturday's match, Altrincham Reserves entertained Parklands (Widnes) at Egerton Sports Club. In a high-scoring Cheshire Football League Premier Division fixture, Alty lost 3-4
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports on Alty's "old boys" and their activity this weekend, starting with the Championship where, on his return to Middlesbrough, DUNCAN WATMORE only came off Millwall's bench in the 59th minute. By that time Boro had long since scored the game's only goal.
League One : Wigan Athletic had already clinched a 0-2 victory at Bolton Wanderers by the time they brought JOE HUGILL on after 82 minutes.
National League : MILES WELCH-HAYES was booked in Maidenhead United's 1-1 home draw with Solihull Moors.
Radcliffe were soundly thrashed 0-4 by visitors Kidderminster Harriers, with ASHLEY HEMMINGS scoring the third.
NEXT OPPONENTS SACK MANAGER
Next Saturday, Altrincham travel to Surrey to face Woking.
ALTRINCHAM 1-0 SUTTON UNITED
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES
Saturday 14 December 2024
TODAY: SUTTON UNITED
Eighth-placed Sutton visit ninth-placed Altrincham this afternoon. Altrincham have lost just one of their last eight league fixtures but four of those games have ended in a draw.
MISSING IN ACTION?
Last Tuesday, Altrincham had Joe Nuttall, Justin Amaluzor, Eddy Jones, James Jones, Max Haygarth and Ollie Crankshaw on the sidelines with injuries or illness.
Out of action in midweek were (left to right) Joe Nuttall, Justin Amaluzor, Eddy Jones, James Jones, Max Haygarth and Ollie Crankshaw. SUTTON AND ALTY'S 14 UPS AND DOWNS
As was chronicled earlier this week, Sutton United first visit to Altrincham in this millennium was on 4 March 2000. Both clubs had just regained their Conference status in 1999 and both were to be relegated again at the end of the 1999/2000 campaign.
HALF-SEASON TICKETS
Altrincham FC announce that "now's the time to get behind the lads as we launch our half-season tickets...
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Southend United "announce the signing of striker Charley Kendall, who arrives on an 18-month contract with a club option.
The news from Altrincham's upcoming FA Trophy opponents, Barnet is that "Dean Brennan has been named as the November Vanarama National League manager of the month!
At Forest Green Rovers "Manager Steve Cotterill is looking to inspire a 'vocal' and 'up for it' crowd this weekend as we take on Boston United...
At Wealdstone "Stones manager Matt Taylor is under no illusions about the challenge his team faces this weekend as they travel to Boundary Park to take on Oldham Athletic...
NEXT: SUTTON UNITED
Sutton United enjoyed five seasons in the Conference from 1986-91 with their ten clashes with Alty ending in the Robins winning five times, losing on four occasions and drawing once.
SUTTON'S LAST GAME
Sutton United face Altrincham at the JDS on Saturday lying one point and one place above their hosts.
Sutton United reported that they "came back from the long midweek trip to Halifax with a well-earned point, completing a fourth consecutive league game without conceding a goal.
SATURDAY'S REFEREE
The referee for Altrincham's game on Saturday at home to Sutton United is Mr Simon Mather.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Maidenhead Advertiser says that "Peter Griffin has told Maidenhead United fans he may be forced to sell the club in the coming years if headway isn’t made on a ground move in the borough...
Boston United "have clinched the permanent signing of midfielder Dan Adshead.
Meanwhile in the National League Cup, at Braintree Town , "Tom Blackwell puts Braintree within touching distance of quarter-finals
Altrincham kept him quiet but York City"reveal that forward Ollie Pearce has been named the Vanarama National League’s Player of the Month for November.
AFTER THE WEALDSTONE MATCH
After Tuesday's match at Wealdstone, manager Phil Parkinson was interviewed by Radio Robins' Laurence Howarth. The interview can be heard courtesy of Alty TV.
MARRIOTT'S CENTURY
After Lewis Baines made his 100th appearance for Altrincham last Saturday against Macclesfield FC, team-mate Isaac Marriott reaches the same landmark the next time that he steps onto the pitch for Altrincham.
25 year-old Isaac was signed from Bradford (Park Avenue) "for an undisclosed fee" in a move which was announced on Christmas Eve 2021.
CUP AND LEAGUE DEFEATS FOR ACADEMY SIDES
Altrincham's AcSademy side had a day off from National League U19 Alliance action on Wednesday to compete in the National League Academy Cup, First Round.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan notes that in the Championship on Wednesday, DUNCAN WATMORE played the whole of Millwall's 0-1 home defeat by Sheffield United, while OWEN DALE came on too late to affect the result, being an 88th minute substitute for Oxford United at Queens Park Rangers, where they lost 2-0.
THROUGH THE YEARS: 14 DECEMBER
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records tell us the outcome of every previous Altrincham game played on next Saturday's date, 14 December.
Josh Hancock had fired Alty ahead after just 35 seconds following an error by Hughes who, a few minutes later, had to be subbed with an injury.
ISUZU FA TROPHY SCORE
Wednesday 11 December 2024, Third Round
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Ebbsfleet United announced on Wednesday that "Following discussions today between the club and Harry Watling, it has been mutually agreed to part ways.
11 December 2024
WEALDSTONE 3-3 ALTRINCHAM
Having not scored in their four previous visits to Grosvenor Vale, Altrincham scored three times and led twice in this six-goal draw on Tuesday night.
NEXT: SUTTON UNITED
Altrincham host Sutton United next Saturday. The "U"s were away at FC Halifax Town on Tuesday night with that match ending in a goalless draw.
ALTY OLD BOYS
From Phil Jordan, we learn that on Tuesday evening in the National North, Brackley were handicapped at Scarborough by JUSTIN DONOWA (right)being sent off after only 3 minutes, but were still on terms until the 99th minute when the home side clinched a 2-1 win.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Maidenhead Advertiser reports that "Maidenhead United Juniors are once again encouraging people in the area to give generously to their Christmas Present Appeal.
In similar vein, York City announce that "York Inspirational Kids (YIKS) were visited by York City first-team players Cameron John, Luca Thomas, and Mo Fadera on Thursday evening.
What must rank as one of the shortest loans of the season, Ebbsfleet United report that "Ebbsfleet United can confirm that goalkeeper Magnus Norman has been recalled by Oldham Athletic.
10 December 2024
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE
Tuesday 10 December 2024
ISUZU FA TROPHY
Tuesday 10 December 2024
TODAY: WEALDSTONE
Tonight (Tuesday), Altrincham return to league action as they face Wealdstone at Grosvenor Vale.
Last season the fixture ended in a goalless draw.
NEXT SATURDAY: SUTTON UNITED
Next Saturday brings the first return fixture of the season for Altrincham as they welcome Sutton United to the J. Davidson Stadium.
ALTY'S HOME RUN
Altrincham's home tie in the FA Trophy against Barnet on 4 January is a record eighth successive home cup draw this season.
ISUZU FA TROPHY FOURTH ROUND
The full draw for the Isuzu FA Trophy Fourth Round, to be played on 4 January 2025, comprises:
ALTY OLD BOYS
On Monday night, Phil Jordan reports that in League One, Peterborough United only brought CHRIS CONN-CLARKE off the bench in the last minute of normal time - too late to impact on their 2-1 defeat at Northampton Town. Although they sit 15th in the league, they are only 2 points above the relegation zone.
THROUGH THE YEARS: 10 DECEMBER
Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett's Through the Years records tell us that on six of the last occasions that Altrincham have played on today's date, they have been away from home.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
At Woking "The club is delighted to say that following our shareholders' votes at the EGM last week, the path is now clear for the transfer of shares to Cardinal Football Group LLC to complete the deal.
Solihull Moors "confirm that Killian Barrett has joined Andy Whing’s side on a short-term loan deal from Sky Bet Championship outfit, Sheffield Wednesday.
ALTY DRAW BARNET
Altrincham have drawn a home tie with Barnet in the Fourth Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy to be played on 4 January 2025.
ISUZU FA TROPHY DRAW
The draw for Round Four of the Isuzu FA Trophy will take place on talkSPORT2 today (Monday) at 3.15pm.
PHIL'S VERDICT
Alty TV has higlights of the match against Macclesfield on Saturday.
JOHN SKELHORN'S ACCOLADE
At Saturday's game against Macclesfield there was a pitch-side presentation by co-chairman Bill Waterson to long-serving Alty kitman John Skelhorn, who has retired from that role .
THROUGH THE YEARS
Altrincham's next game is on 10 December and the Through the Years records of Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett inform us of all the previous Altrincham games played on that date in previous years.
ALTY SHOOT OUTS
So far this season, Altrincham already have been involved in three penalty shoot-outs in three different cup competitions.
SAVAGE SAYS "ALTY GOT AWAY WITH ONE"
COLTS' MATCH POSTPONED
Altrincham FC Colts' home match against AFC Fylde, scheduled for a 1.30pm kick off at Dixons Brooklands Academy on Sunday was postponed, following the storm at the weekend.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Whilst SAM HEATHCOTE and DONTAI GABIDON did not get off the bench for Macclesfield at the J. Davidson Stadum on Saturday, former Alty loanee DANNY WHITEHEAD was a used substitute for The Silkmen.
8 December 2024
"WE'RE THROUGH AND THAT'S ALL THAT MATTERS"
Following his team's shoot-out win over Macclesfield, Altrincham assistant manager Neil Sorvel [right] said, "We're through and that's all that matters.
ALTRINCHAM 0-0 MACCLESFIELD FC 0: ALTY WIN 4-2 ON PENS
In a match played in dreadful conditions, and of consequently low quality, Altrincham were unable to take advantage of playing againt ten men for three-quarters of the game. Without Tom Crawford, Lewis Baines and flu-victim James Jones, Alty laboured to master the strong wind and driving rain as well as their opponents.
Right: In the absence from the starting line-up of Lewis Baines and Isaac Marriott, it was Elliot Osborne who captained Altrincham against Macclesfield.
NEXT: WEALDSTONE
Alty are making a long midweek trip to the Home Counties to face NW London side Wealdstone on Tuesday night in the VAnarama National League. On Saturday, they exited the FA Trophy.
MIDWEEK MATCHES
Tuesday 10th December
ALTY OLD BOYS
Courtesy of Phil Jordan we learn that on Saturday in the Championship: Coventry City scored the only goal of the game at Millwall in the 63rd minute, and the hosts withdrew DUNCAN WATMORE immediately afterwards.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Our thoughts are with Aldershot Town manager Tommy Widdrington after Southend's Echo News confirmed that "Aldershot Town have revealed manager Tommy Widdrington suffered from two strokes last week but has 'responded well'.
ISUZU FA TROPHY THIRD ROUND FIXTURES
The Northern section of the Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round comprised the following ties...
TODAY: MACCLESFIELD FC
Alty TV has a twenty-plus minute video interview with Phil Parkinson, conducted by the Club's press and media officer Brian Flynn.
HALF-SEASON TICKETS
Altrincham FC
announce that "now's the time to get behind the lads as we launch our half-season tickets...
SEASON-TICKET PERKS
Altrincham FC has announced the "club perks" for all season-ticket holders
ALTY OLD BOYS
Alty Academy graduate AMAAR HUSSAIN, whose career was disrupted by an ACL injury, is now playing in the firth-tier of German football for Hünfelder SV in the Hessenliga.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
The Bournemouth Echo reports that "AFC Bournemouth young striker Jonny Stuttle has joined Aldershot Town on loan.
Kidderminster Harriers confirm that "Jim Kellermann is back with Harriers after signing a loan deal with his ‘hometown’ club from National League side Ebbsfleet United.
Southend United "announce the signing of James Golding on a short-term loan from Oxford United.
PARKY'S WARNING
The Sale & Altrincham Messenger reports, through Press and Media Officer John Edwards, that "Phil Parkinson (left) has warned his Altrincham players they are facing a potential 'banana skin' when they take on fierce local rivals Macclesfield in Saturday’s eagerly-awaited FA Trophy third-round tie at The J.Davidson Stadium...
MACCLESFIELD: THE FIRST AND LAST TIME
This Saturday is the first competitive encounter between Altrincham and a team representing Macclesfield since 2016, which was the last time the now defunct Macclesfield Town played at Moss Lane. The game was a goalless draw in the inaugural season of the National League branding.
ACADEMY PLAYERS PRAISED
So far this season, no fewer then nine players from the Altrincham FC Academy (or other age-group sides) have been on the teamsheet in first-team fixtures, either in the Cheshire Senior Cup, National League Cup or Vanarama National League.
ALTY OLD BOYS
BBC Radio Lincolnshire has a remarkable interview with new Boston United boss, Graham Coughlan, in which he reveals that DAN MOONEY knocked on his door and told him that he no longer wished to be at the club. For more on this and the video interview with the Pilgrims' manager, see NL Natter.
Elsewhere, the Derbyshire Times reports that "Chesterfield FC player RYAN COLCLOUGH will go on trial in April 2026 [!sic] facing a GBH charge after a 'brief encounter' with another man in a pub toilet which allegedly resulted in 'fairly serious injuries'.
ALTRINCHAM IS THE PLACE TO BE!
The Sale & Altrincham Messenger reports that "Altrincham has been named as one of the happiest places to live in Britain according to a new list.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Braintree Town have announced that The Iron "have appointed Steve Pitt to the role of First Team Manager with immediate effect. Steve worked with former manager Angelo Harrop from the summer of 2022 to his departure at Christmas 2023.
Boston United report that "Billy Chadwick has returned to York City at the conclusion of his one-month loan spell.
OLSON RETURNS
Altrincham FC "have significantly strengthened their defensive resources for the hectic Christmas programme by signing Blackburn Rovers under-21s' skipper Charlie Olson for a second loan spell at The J.Davidson Stadium" writes press and media officer, John Edwards.
"Charlie, who turned 20 last month, is eligible for the Trophy showdown with Robbie Savage's Silkmen, after agreeing a one-month loan, and will also be in contention for a place when the Robins return to Vanarama National League action at Wealdstone on Tuesday evening and at home to Sutton United the following Saturday".
NEXT: ALTRINCHAM v MACCLESFIELD FC
In advance of his club's visit to the J. Davidson Stadium on Saturday in the Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round, Football 365
has Robbie Savage's "diary" in which he says "Saturday has been marked on the calendars of Macclesfield and Altrincham fans since the draw a few weeks ago…
ACADEMY EXTENDS UNBEATEN RUN
The National League reports on Altrincham's 1-1 home draw against Gateshead last week (27 November).
THROUGH THE YEARS: 7 DECEMBER
Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records tell us the outcome of every previous Altrincham game played on next Saturday's date, 7 December, when they face Macclesfield FC.
THE MISSING TRIO
Over the last weeks, Altrincham FC have been without three players whose future availability for selection is unclear...
Ollie Crankshaw (right) was sidelined by an ACL injury last season in only his second game for Altrincham.
Justin Amaluzor (left) started all but one of the first 15 league games this season and was a used substitute in the only other match in that sequence, at home to Gateshead. However, his last appearance was for a full 90 minutes at home to Hartlepool United on 23 October 2024.
A third player who has not been seen for some time is Max Haygarth. The young midfielder (right) started four of the first five league fixtures this season and was a used substitute in the fifth fixture. He was named on the bench in four subsquent NL games, being used just once, as an 82nd minute substitute at Tamworth on 28 September.
NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP GATES
Altrincham have provide free entry to their National League games so far, courtesy of sponsors' generosity.
ALTY OLD BOYS
In Tuesday night's matches, Phil Jordan reports that in League One, CHRIS CONN-CLARKE (right) wasn't in the Peterborough United match day squad as they surprisingly succumbed to a lone goal at home to bottom club Burton Albion.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
AFC Fylde "announce the loan signing of Midfielder Will Hugill from Championship side Burnley.
ALTRINCHAM 4-1 STOKE PL2
Despite falling behind, Altrincham secured an ultimately comfortable 4-1 win over Stoke City's PL2 side in their National League Cup clash at the J. Davidson Stadium. The Robins initially fielded just four of the starting eleven from their recent League match against York City and ended the game with two Academy players on the pitch.
TEALE LANDS AT BOSTON
Cyprus-born Connor Teale joined Alty in early October 2024 to help to cover for the injured centre-back duo of Jake Cooper and Lewis Baines. This was after he had been released by Fleetwood Town following twelve appearances in all competitions for the Lancashire club.
TUESDAY SCORES
National League Cup
NEXT: MACCLESFIELD FC
Alty face Macclesfield FC who remind us of their history.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan reports on Tuesday's action for Altrincham FC "old boys"...
Barrow were ahead at Bradford City when ELLIOT NEWBY was withdrawn after 74 minutes, after which the Bantams recovered to draw 1-1.
National South : A DANNY CASHMAN (right) penalty put Worthing on the way to a 0-2 win at Salisbury.
ALTRINCHAM "TO SECURE PLAY-OFF SPOT AGAIN"
BonusCodeBets have used a "supercomputer" to predict the outcome of the 2024-25 Vanarama National League season.
REGAN'S RISE
TODAY: STOKE PL2
Kick off is at 7.30pm tonight for the third National League Cup tie for Altrincham. This time, the opposition is Stoke City's PL2/U-21 side, who are bottom of the PL2 division.
NEXT SATURDAY: MACCLESFIELD FC
Altrincham face Macclesfield FC on Saturday when Robbie Savage's team visits the J. Davidson Stadium in the Isuzu FA Trophy.
THROUGH THE YEAR: 3 DECEMBER
Howard Watts and the late Mike Garnett's Through the Years records tell us that the last time Altrincham played on today's date was a 2-2 draw at Roots Hall against Southend United.
The hosts took a 27th minute lead when a deflected Wreh shot fell for an easy conversion by Bridge, the best player for the home side in the first half.
COLTS' SECOND POINT
In their tenth fixture in the HWYA Development Division, Altrincham FC Colts earned their second point of the season on Sunday with a 1-1 away draw against Curzon Ashton FC Development Squad.
EMIRATES FA CUP
The Emirates FA Cup Third Round draw dealt the surviving non-League teams the following ties:
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Ebbsfleet United "welcome Colin Gordon to the club.
Aldershot Town report that "First-Team Manager Tommy Widdrington is currently undergoing tests in hospital after being taken ill.
At Hartlepool United "A number of players will be calling into the club shop over the next three weeks to meet supporters and sign autographs ahead of Christmas.
FA TROPHY ARRANGEMENTS
Next Saturday Altrincham welcome Macclesfield FC to the J. Davidson Stadium for an Isuzu FA Trophy Third Round match.
NEXT: STOKE CITY PL2
Alty's opponents on Tuesday night in the National League Cup are Stoke City's PL2 side.
NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP FIXTURES
Tuesday 3rd December 2024
Group A
ALTY OLD BOYS
On Saturday, CRAIG MAHON's Curzon Ashton went to the top of the National League North after winning 3-0 away at previous leaders, Chorley.
In the FA Cup Second Round, Phil Jordan informs us that in the all-Staffordshire tie at Burton, Tamworth forced extra time after a goalless stalemate.
EMIRATES FA CUP
Just two non-League teams remain in the FA Cup following the weekend matches in Round Two. They are Dagenham & Redbridge and Tamworth, both from the Vanarama National League.
NEXT: STOKE CITY PL2
On Tuesday night, Stoke City's PL2 side are the visitors to the J. Davidson Stadium for Alty's third National League Cup match.
FIRST WIN FOR RESERVES
In The Hallmark Security Cheshire Football League Premier Division, Altrincham FC won their first fixture of the season, 2-0 away at Winstanley Wrriors on Saturday.
ALTY OLD BOYS
Phil Jordan's review of the activities on Saturday of former Altrincham players and loanees starts with the National League, where LUKE WATERFALL played the whole of Hartlepool United's goalless draw at home to Barnet, while BILLY SASS-DAVIES stayed on the bench.
York City were already 4-2 up at home to visitors Maidenhead United - who were down to 10 men, and missing the injured MYLES WELCH-HAYES - when TYRESE SINCLAIR (right) came off the bench. They went on to win 6-2.
LIAM BROCKBANK (right) restored Bamber Bridge's lead after HAYDEN CAMPBELL had put visitors Leek Town back on terms, and they went on to win 3-1.
NWCL Division 1 North: BILLY HASLER-CREGG (right) was among the scorers as Nelson beat visitors Ashton Town 4-2.
Morecambe substituted MARCUS DACKERS (left) after 55 minutes, and after visitors Bradford City had been reduced to 10 men, they went on to score the only goal of the game in the 81st minute.
VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS
Altrincham's last home game in the National League was a win over Southend United, where boss "Kevin Maher was 'delighted”' with the manner of his team’s victory at FC Halifax Town.