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NEXT MATCH: BROMLEY (Home)
Saturday, 2 September, 2023, k.o. 3pm
Vanarama National League match

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

31 August, 2023

CRANKSHAW JOINS

As reported yesterday, (below), Altrincham have made an eleventh signing of the summer as Stockport County's Ollie Crankshaw signed for The Robins.

Winger Crankshaw (d.o.b. 12, August, 1998) started out at Preston North End before having spells with Ramsbottom United, Clitheroe and Colne as well as for Morecambe under-23s.

From there he joined Curzon Ashton and then Wigan Athletic, in early 2019, before he was loaned back to The Nash.

A loan move to Dundee followed, a year later. He left Wigan for Bradford City in February 2021 before joining Stockport County.

Ollie returned to Scotland in January 2023, again on loan.

He has made more than fifty appearances for his previous employer, Stockport County.

He has faced Alty on several occasions and scored the fifth goal as the Hatters beat Alty 5-1 on Boxing Day, 2021. He has also scored against Alty for Curzon Ashton, the second goal in a 0-2 win as Moss Lane in September 2018. Less happily for him, he was also in the Curzon side that lost 0-6 to Altrincham at the Tameside Stadium in 2019.

Most recently he faced Alty in a pre-season game at Moss Lane which County won 4-2.

FYLDE MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

Alty TV have highlights of the 3-3 draw at Fylde on Monday afternoon.

NEXT: BROMLEY

Bromley travel to Altrincham on Saturday having made an uncharacteristically poor start to their campaign, expecially for a club that ended last season in the play-offs and in its eight seasons in top-flight non-League football has been remarkably consistent, never finishing above seventh or below fourteenth. Apart from the truncated Covid season of 2019-20 they have always amassed bewteen 60 and 71 points a season.

However, this season they failed to win any of their first five games, two initial defeats being followed by three draws. But they are picking up in form as they won on Monday against Southend, extending their unbeaten run to four games.

Right: Elliot Osborne was a late inclusion in Altrincham's starting eleven after Regan Linney was reportedly delayed in traffic getting to the ground, whilst Danny Cashman was curiously named Man of the Match despite being subbed after 61 minutes.

They were last due at the JDS on 7 January nut a waterlogged pitch saw the match deferred to a Tuesday night on 14 February. Deespite that inconvenience the Ravens left with a 2-1 win and a fourth successive defeat for the hosts.

Bromley won the match with two goals inside five minutes, midway through the first half and both involved the visitors winning uncontested headers. The first arrived when referee Barlow awarded a debatable freekick against Tyrese Sinclair. Arthur's freekick from about 35 yards out was met by a free downward header from the giant defender Webster, which beat keeper Byrne (20 mins).

The second goal followed a corner on the right which Sowunmi nodded forward and the ball was ultimately swept into the net beyond the back post by Michael Cheek (24 mins).

The second half saw Altrincham get a quick goal back as Lundstram's low cross from the left was guided into the net by the Rochdale loanee, Sinclair's stooping header (50 mins). Altrincham went on to dominate proceedings, especially after the introduction of Ben Pringle from the bench, but they created relatively few openings and a well organised Bromley defence held out to take all three points.

Alty's new striker Regan Linney was late arriving at the ground, reportedly due to heavy road traffic en route, so he was unable to make his full debut after his arrival from FC United of Manchester. However, he was named on the bench as Elliot Osborne was promoted to the starting eleven...

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Oliver Byrne, 34. Miles Welch-Hayes, 26. James Jones, 6. Lewis Baines, 2. Eddy Jones, 4. Isaac Marriott, 8. Josh Lundstram, 11. Danny Cashman, 9. Jordan Hulme (c), 10. Elliot Osborne, 35. Tyrese Sinclair. Subs: 29. Regan Linney, 18. Ben Pringle, 28. Maxi Oyedele, 31. Michael Gyasi, 33. Egli Kaja,

BROMLEY: 13. Reece Charles-Cook, 21. James Vennings, 17. Byron Webster (c), 6. Omar Sowunmi, 35. Kellen Fisher, 23. Besart Topalloj, 20. Jude Arthurs, 18. Corey Whitely, 9. Michael Cheek, 11. Louis Dennis, 12. Charley Kendall. Subs: 2. Callum Reynolds, 10. Adam Marriott, 14. Mitchel Bergkamp, 19. Harry Forster, 1. Sam Long.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

York Press reports that "Former York City manager Michael Morton has said that he is sorry that he could not 'pull the club in the right direction' following his sacking earlier this week... though the club have offered him another role internally...

Following the sacking of David Webb in February, Morton was placed in interim charge at City before accepting a permanent role ahead of the season, but had seen results take a downward turn...

Blues were beaten 2-1 at Hayes Lane but only started to threaten after the hosts secured a two-goal lead. It’s been a dreadful start to the season for City, who have failed to see their summer spending come to fruition and are now only kept off the bottom of the table following Southend United’s 10-point deduction as the only side in the division not to have won so far this term.

New owners Matt and Julie-Anne Uggla have not been afraid to splash the cash... recruiting 17 new players including Scottish Championship sensation Dipo Akinyemi, for whom former employers Ayr United turned down a bid of £240,000 from an unnamed Sky Bet League One club....

A statement [by Morton] read 'Well, it’s been a mental nine months with plenty of changes along the way!... I’m just sorry I couldn’t make everyone proud and pull the club in the right direction this season. The club is moving in the right direction and it will be back where we all want it to be with Matt and Julie-Anne in charge'".

The Southend Echo tells us that "Blues were beaten 2-1 at Hayes Lawn but only started to threaten after the hosts secured a two goal lead...

'It’s bitterly disappointing because we’ve given them a two goal start,' said [Kevin] Maher. 'In the first half we were nowhere near the levels we think we should be at and have been at. There were too many errors and we didn’t do the basics right...

'We came off our plan too often and what you can’t do is give goals away...

'We showed character to get back in it and showed character to try and get an equaliser too but it wasn’t quite to be for us,' said Maher."

And another indication that Southend are not deaperate for cash despite their failure to pay debts comes from the Southend Echo which reports that "Southend United have rejected an offer from Exeter City for Harry Cardwell.

The Shrimpers striker has started the season in fine form, scoring four goals in six games.

And that has attracted a firm offer from the Grecians who are currently second in League One.

However, Blues are not keen on selling on the 26-year-old and would be unable to replace him if he did move on due to the transfer embargo they have been in since last September".

30 August 2023

NEW SIGNINGS XI

With the announcement by Altrincham FC that "Phil Parkinson has pulled off a transfer coup for Altrincham after signing a player with a Vanarama National League title-winning pedigree in exciting winger Ollie Crankshaw", The Robins can now field a whole starting eleven of new signings should they so wish!

John Edwards, press and media officer, continues, "The 25-year old was a stand-out performer with over 40 appearances to his name in an unforgettable 2021-22 campaign for Stockport County as Dave Challinor's side booked their return to the EFL...

County accepted a bid from the Robins and Ollie became an Alty player this afternoon for an undisclosed fee in a deal...

Alty's boss [Phil Parkinson]reflected... 'This is a big marquee signing for us, one I am extremely excited about' he said. "I have tracked his career... and I have tried to get him on loan or a permanent [signing] on a number of occasions.

'He ticks all the boxes for the type of winger we try to recruit here, and he is a great lad as well, a really good character. I would go so far as to say it's a bit of a game-changer for us, he is that good. Everything about him oozes class, his pedigree is outstanding...

'It can't get any better for us... It is a huge statement from the football club to be able to attract an Ollie Crankshaw'...

He finished last season on loan at Motherwell, after marking County's return to League Two by playing 19 times in the first half of the campaign, and he has figured for the Hatters in the opening weeks of the current season, making four appearances".

The previous new signings this summer have been Justin AMALUZOR, Dior ANGUS, Lewis BANKS, George BURROUGHS, Christopher CONN-CLARKE, Justin DONAWA, Joey JONES, Sam ROSCOE, Ethan ROSS (on loan from Stockport County) and George WILSON.

PARKINSON HAPPY WITH DRAW

Alty TV has Brian Flynn's post-match audio interview with Phil Parkinson after the 3-3 draw at Fylde.

The Alty boss felt the draw was a "good result" even though it feels "like two points dropped" because of the equaliser at the end. The "eleven minutes added on were absolutely ridiculous and it wasn't a corner anyway" that led to the final goal, the manager said.

In the end Parkinson felt that we "got something when we probably deserved nothing", adding that "we've done well to come away with anything".

The manager was also very critical of the scheduling of two matches in 48 hours, whereas the "millionaires" in the top levels had a rest.

COASTERS' VIEW

AFC Fylde report that "A 99th-minute Harry Davis header ensured AFC Fylde had a share of the spoils in a six-goal thriller against Altrincham at Mill Farm on Bank Holiday Monday after coming from behind three times.

Two goals in two first-half minutes for Altrincham turned the game on its head, with Regan Linney and Dior Angus on target for the visitors.

Nick Haughton pulled one back for the Coasters from the penalty spot... Gold Omotayo levelled for the Coasters with 12 minutes to go, prior to Chris Conn-Clarke’s 87th-minute penalty that looked to have sent the Coasters to a defeat.

But Davis was the hero after his late header sparked delirious scenes and earned a fantastic point."

NEXT OPPONENTS: BROMLEY

Altrincham entertain Bromley this Saturday, after the Kent side won its first match of the season on Monday afternoon.

After the win, Bromley reported that "Goals from Louis Dennis and Michael Cheek helped secure a 2-1 win over Southend United...

It would be the hosts who broke the deadlock as Dennis... pounced on a defensive mistake before poking the ball past the Southend ‘keeper and slotting into an empty net..

Bromley extended their lead as Cheek cut inside before slotting into the back of the net.

The two-goal lead lasted only minutes as Noor Husin bagged for the visitors...

Smith made a brilliant save to deny Jack Wood in the latter stages as the Ravens held on to clinch their first three points of the season".

The Bromley line-up comprised 1 Smith, 2 Reynolds, 6 Woods, 17 Webster, 11 Dennis, 9 Cheek, 16 Okoli, 18 Whitely, 20 Arthurs, 28 Krauhaus, 23 Topalloj. Subs: 10 Marriott, 21 Vennings, 25 Miller, 26 Paul-Lavely, 30 Sharman-Lowe

After the match, London News Online told us that "The Ravens have started the season poorly having been winless in their first five league games of the season, with two draws and three defeats...

Manager Andy Woodman made two changes, with Louis Dennis and Jude Arthurs coming in for the suspended Josh Passley and Aribim Pebble...

Bromley were presented with a gift when a back-pass by Harry Taylor to goalkeeper Andeng Ndi was under-hit, allowing Louis Dennis to knock the ball past the Southend keeper and slot home into an empty net.

The opener was a catalyst for change in the match, as Bromley began to impose themselves on the opposition and gain a degree of control in the game...

Early in the second half, Bromley were able to double their lead when, on 56 minutes, Michael Cheek controlled a bouncing ball and fired low into the net.

The Shrimpers pulled a goal back within 2 minutes...

'I thought it was gutsy,' Andy Woodman told the South London Press. I thought we were good value for it to be honest.. We had a goal chalked off that I feel was onside'...

Bromley have been plagued by injuries and suspensions in the opening weeks of the season, while also having several signings who have taken time to adapt, which Woodman feels has been a major reason behind their tough start to the season...

'We obviously haven’t got the results that we want. Two of the draws we got, we had ten men, so they’re good results. I feel we’re now settling in nicely and showing the DNA that I expect a Bromley and Andy Woodman team to show'... [Goalkeeper Grant Smith "has been excellent; what a signing he’s been,” said Woodman".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan eports on Tuesday's games:

EFL CUP : JOSH GINNELLY, who had been booked in the first half, was substituted after 58 minutes as Swansea City lost 2-3 at home to Bournemouth.

CARL PIERGIANNI was left on the bench until the 76th minute by Stevenage. Hosts Exeter City won 5-3 on penalties after the game ended 1-1.

CONNOR JENNINGS and CHRIS MERRIE were booked as Tranmere Rovers bowed out 0-2 at home to Leicester City.

OWEN DALE was an unused substitute at Molyneux as Blackpool were comprehensively beaten 5-0 by Wolves.

VANARAMA NATIONAL NEWS

At Rochdale manager "Jimmy McNulty praised the Dale supporters following the 3-1 win at York City on Bank Holiday Monday.

A brace from Tyrese Sinclair and Ian Henderson’s 139th Dale goal earned the three points, but the Head Coach reserved special praise for the fans.

'The fans have been amazing', said McNulty. 'I’ve felt the freshness of the new chapter from the fans... I feel like there’s some understanding from the fans about the way we play. I can feel it... The fans are letting our good players make the right decisions, rather than trying to make it for them'...

Right: Tyrese Sinclair, who enjoyed a successful loan at Altrincham last season.

'They pay good money, and the minimum they want to see is fight and effort, and I think our team have had that in every single game...

'11 vs 11 I thought we cut York open quote a lot... We should have scored more goals... We need to learn.

'Second-half, at 11 vs 10, I thought York were the better team. They put us under it... second-half we lost control... I felt relieved when we got that third goal'".

According to York Press, "York City have appointed Darren Kelly as the club's new General Manager...

Kelly had a previous role with John Askey at Hartlepool United as the club's Sporting Director, playing a key role in the first-team transfer and wider football operations.

He's also no stranger to York, having had a spell as a player between 2007 and 2009, making 36 appearances and scoring two goals from the defence...

Kelly also has managerial experience with Oldham Athletic, FC Halifax Town, Hyde United, Scarborough, Tadcaster Albion's i2i academy and as caretaker at Newport County, where he was also a Sporting Director".

Perhaps an indication that they don't expect to be thrown out of the National League for not paying their debts, the Southend Echo confirms that "Southend United FC is delighted to have agreed a ‘Good Neighbour’ partnership with London Southend Airport in a brand-new collaboration on several mutual projects... to cross-promote the local club and award-winning airport...

Blues’ messaging will be seen by more than 75,000 arriving and departing passengers at London Southend thanks to prime advertising spaces in the airport terminal and onsite train station; simultaneously, airport messaging will feature prominently at Roots Hall with pitchside boards and stadium posters.

Southend United are also pleased to announce plans for the 2023/24 ‘Match for Mind’ in aid of local mental health charity, South East and Central Essex Mind (SECE Mind)... The fundraising match will take place against Solihull Moors on Saturday, October 21".

29 August 2023

AFC FYLDE 3-3 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham retained their unbeaten record this season with a fourth draw at AFC Fylde in a game that ended 3-3. Once again it was a game that they could have won, being pegged back for a draw in the tenth added minute, the second time that has happened this season.

Match report here

The result leaves Altrincham sixth in the National League.

BARRY HOWARD TRIBUTE

In the NL Paper, Altrincham co-chairman Bill Waterson paid tribute to the late Barry Howard, whose death was reported recently, just hours after the passing of Mark Maddox.

Altrincham paid £3,000 for Howard in 1978 and he went on to score 73 goals in 288 games.

Bill observed, "If Mark Maddox was a warrior, Barry was a wizard. I remember Stewart Houston, a Scottish internationl with 200 games for Manchester United, being absolutely turned inside out by him when we knocked Sheffield United out of the FA Cup".

Club President Graham Rowley added, "He was part of a very successful side and a very, very nice bloke.

"He's another who always kept in touch with the club which shows the affinity people have got for Altrincham".

RESERVES TOP OF THE TABLE

Despite a 4-1 defeat at Eagle Sports on Monday, Altrincham Reserves remain top of the Cheshire League Premier Division after winning seven of their first ten fixtures.

Results to date have been:

ALTY OLD BOYS

RYAN SHOTTON, now 34 and player-manager of Hanley Town, was his team's star-man in a goalless draw at Trafford at the weekend.

Meanwhile at Stalybridge Celtic, MAX HARROP struck the bar in a 1-1 draw against Bootle on Saturday.

As for Monday's action, Phil Jordan reports that...

National League: DAN MOONEY was substituted after 71 minutes in Southend United's 2-1 defeat at Bromley, while MARCUS DINANGA suffered the same fate after 85 minutes of Gateshead's goalless draw at Halifax.

Chesterfield found themselves two goals down inside 10 minutes at home to overnight leaders Hartlepool United, but RYAN COLCLOUGH reduced the arrears after 14 minutes. He was replaced by JAMES BERRY after 81 minutes, while JEFF KING played the whole match, which the Spireites won 3-2 in the 95th minute.

TYRESE SINCLAIR put Rochdale ahead from the penalty spot at York City, and after the hosts had levelled he scored against to restore the lead after York were reduced to 10 men. After he'd been substituted in the 80th minute, Rochdale scored again to win 1-3.

National League North:

CONNOR BRANSON was sent off on the hour as his Farsley Celtic team lost 2-0 at Chester.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY scored for Warrington Town, but visitors Curzon Ashton prevailed 1-4.

NPL: HAYDEN CAMPBELL gave Macclesfield a first half lead, but visitors Warrington Rylands snatched a 1-1 draw in the 99th minute through DEAN FURMAN. And there was still time for Macclesfield to be reduced to 10 men in the 100th minute.

JUDE OYIBO scored the opener as Radcliffe embarrassed visitors FC United 5-0.

JONNY MARGETTS netted a hat trick including a penalty as Matlock Town took full advantage of hosts Stafford Rangers being reduced to 10 men late in the first half to run out 2-4 winners.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The National League was only 23 days old on Monday but already two managers have been unambiguously sacked. Following the dismissal of Eastleigh's manager, Lee Bradbury, York City have "parted company with first team manager Mikey Morton.

The Club has reluctantly taken the decision to relieve Mikey Morton of his duties.

The Club wishes to place on record its sincere thanks to Mikey for his work, passion, and commitment since joining the Club in February... The club see Mikey as an asset and have offered him a role internally so await his decision.

The club will now begin the process of recruiting a new first team manager.

In the meantime, assistant Manager Tony McMahon will take charge of the first team supported by first team staff".

York have drawn three and lost three of their six matches this season.

The Daily Star tells us that "Aldershot had three different goalkeepers as they crashed to a 3-0 defeat to local rivals Eastleigh in the National League, with supporters branding the scenes 'embarrassing'.

Two strikers were forced to go in goal as Aldershot’s decision not to have a backup keeper backfired spectacularly.

With the National League clash goal-less, the Shots had Jordi Van Stappershoef sent off 11 minutes before half-time in their Hampshire derby at Eastleigh. As manager Tommy Widdrington... had not named a stopper on the bench, Swiss striker Lorent Tolaj was forced to come on and don the gloves.

Tolaj was soon picking the ball out of his net as Chris Maguire gave Eastleigh the lead before half-time with a free-kick and Enzio Boldewijn doubled the lead against the 10 men on 64 minutes.

Sensing his team needed a spark, Widdrington then decided to switch goalkeepers with Tolaj being pushed into his more accustomed position and Kwame Thomas, who had started the game up front, being thrown the gloves.

However, like Tolaj, his first act as a reluctant goalkeeper was to pick the ball out of the back of the net as Boldewijn added his second to make it 3-0, which is how it stayed".

28 August 2023

AFC FYLDE 3-3 ALTRINCHAM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With two games in 48 hours, Altrincham had made five pre-match changes from the game 48 hours earlier. Four players dropped to the bench (Conn-Clarke, Marriott, Roscoe and Amaluzor) whilst Kosylo dropped out altogether after hobbling off on Saturday.

Right: George Wilson made his first appearance in a starting eleven today

The fifth place on the bench went to George Burroughs, making his first appearance in the squad.

In to the starting eleven came Baines, Cooper, Angus, Joey Jones and, for his first start, Wilson.

Match report here

BANK HOLIDAY FIXTURES

Monday 28 August

SALUTE TO MARK MADDOX AND BARRY HOWARD

On Saturday a pre-match minute's applause was organised to mark the deaths of Mark Maddox and, a player from an earlier era, Barry Howard, who both died last week.

Above, we see the Altrincham players during the tribute to the two players.

A number of Mark's former team-mates attended the match on Saturday to pay their own respects to their former captain, who died from the effects of Motor Neurone Disease, at the age of fifty.

Several of those former team-mates are pictured below at the game, along with an image of Mark from his playing days.


Above: Stuart Coburn and Rod Thornley (top left), Mark Maddox (top right), Chris Adams (bottom left) and Gary Talbot (bottom right) were all at the J. Davidson Stadium to pay triibute to former team-mate Mark Maddox..

HIGHLIGHTS OF WIN OVER CHESTERFIELD

Altrincham FC have Alty TV's extended highlights of the club's win over Chesterfield.

JUSTIN, MAN OF THE MATCH

The Man of the Match on Saturday for the game against Chesterfield was winger Justin Amaluzor. Not only did he cause constant problems to the opposition but he also laid on Altrincham's opening goal for Dior Angus.

Right: Justin Amaluzor was the sponsors' Man of the Match against Chesterfield. Here he is pictured during that game.

ALTY OLD BOYS

To pay their respects to the late MARK MADDOX, as mentioned above, several of his team-mates attended the match on Saturday. These included ROD THORNLEY, GARY TALBOT, STUART COBURN and CHRIS ADAMS

On the pitch, playing for Chesterfield, there were also three former Robins from more recent times. JEFF KING started the game whilst JAMES BERRY and RYAN COLCLOUGH appeared from the bench.

NEXT: AFC FYLDE

Altrincham travel to the coast today (Saturday) to face AFC Fylde, who were promoted back to the National League for this season. The Coasters lost 3-1 at Hartlepool on Saturday.

The Hartlepool Mail tells us that "AFC Fylde boss Adam Murray acknowledged Hartlepool United’s quality... admitting ‘they’re the levels we need to get to.’

The National League North champions gave a good account of themselves in the early stages before John Askey’s side produced an excellent period in the game, scoring twice through Emmanuel Dieseruvwe and Callum Cooke.

But the Coasters were able to get themselves back into things when Gold Omotayo swept home from John Ustabasi’s pass in first half stoppage time to give Hartlepool something to think about at half-time... Murray conceded his side were lacking quality in key areas...

'We weren’t good enough, that’s the bottom line,' Murray told TNT Sports. 'We’ve had a realisation, and we’ve seen the gulf, in terms of the levels we need to hit in our first group of games. We’ve faced two of the favourites to go up and we’ve seen the step that we have to make.

'We’re on a whole new learning curve as a team and as a club. Last season we spent nearly every game having 60 or 70 per cent of the ball and dictating games. Coming to this level now, teams are faster, they’re stronger, they’re better and the quality is higher and I just felt they were quicker and they were stronger in certain areas and when they needed the quality they brought the quality to the table.

'I just thought their better players stood out more than our better players'".

Fylde's squad comprises: 1. Chris Neal, 3. Luke Conlan, 4. Harry Davis, 5. Emeka Obi, 6. Alex Whitmore, 7. Joe Rowley, 8. Danny Philliskirk, 9. nd ENG Luke Charman, 10. Nick Haughton, 11. Gold Omotayo, 16. Kieran Glynn, 17. Connor Barrett, 19. Jon Ustabasi, 20. Tom Walker, 23 Danny Whitehead, 24. Will Hatfield, 25. Theo Richardson, 27. Siyabonga Ligendza, 33. Pierce Bird

As can be seen, AFC Fylde have two players who played for Altrincham in 2021-22 as loanees. Whitehead was a used sub on Saturday whilst Walker remained on the bench.

27 year-old Tom Walker (right) made his Alty debut on the day that he joined on loan from Stockport County, 23 October 2021.

Earlier, he had made his first team debut for Bolton Wanderers in 2015 before moving on loan to Bury in 2016 prior to being released by the Trotters in summer 2017. After a spell at Stockport in National League North in 2017-18 he moved on to FC United of Manchester and then Salford City.

He was loaned to Stockport in 2019-20, before joining AFC Fylde and then Harrogate Town (2020-21). Harrogate loaned him to Notts County and then Stockport County. He re-signed for The Hatters in July 2021 before his arrival on loan at Altrincham. After three appearances his loan was completed, having made 2(+1) appearances.

Danny Whitehead (left), now 29, was born in Stretford and arrived at Altrincham on a month's loan from Port Vale, a move announced on 15 October 2021, following the loss of Connor Kirby to injury.

A graduate of Stockport County's youth system, he was signed by West Ham United in 2013 but he made just a single appearance for The Hammers before moving on in 2015 to Accrington Stanley, then to Macclesfield Town (2015/16) and Wigan Athletic (2016/17), from where he went on loan back to Macclesfield and Cheltenham Town during 2016/17.

He rejoined the Moss Rose outfit in 2017 and was part of the Silkmen's team which regained the club's EFL status before signing for Salford City of the National League in May 2018, staying with the Ammies till 2020, a spell which include a ten-game loan spell back at Macclesfield.

At the start of 2020-21 season his former Macclesfield manager John Askey took him to Burslem club Port Vale but a change of managership led to a reduction in his game time and his being transfer-listed in summer 2021 before his loan to Altrincham.

After 10 appearances for Altrincham, his return to Port Vale was announced on Christmas Eve, 2021. He was then released by The Valiants and signed for AFC Fylde in January 2022. Altrincham appearances: 6(+4), 0 goals.

THROUGH THE YEARS

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years files record Altrincham's previous games on today's date.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Blackpool Gazette reports that "Blackpool youngster Alex Lankshear has joined Dorking Wanderers on loan.

The 20-year-old left back will remain with the National League side until January.

Lankshear, who came through the academy at Arsenal, joined the Seasiders for an undisclosed fee from St Albans City last summer.

The young defender made 39 appearances for the Saints and regularly featured for them in National League South.

He made his senior debut for the Tangerines in the final game of last season, and was named as the coaches player of the year in the development squad".

27 August 2023

"A MAGNIFICENT SUBSTITUTION!" SAYS NEIL

Altrincham's win over Chesterfield made the front-page headlines in Sunday's Non-League Paper.

Right: Dior Angus's brace won the match against Chesterfield. Here Dior is seen during a break for treatment to a player during the game.

In Andy Marsh's match report, he quotes assistant manager Neil Sorvel as saying, "We're delighted with that. First half, we had a lot of possession but were struggling to create anything; but, in the second half, we totally dominated.

"I knew our goals were coming but I was getting a bit worried we may have left it too late but Dior [Angus] has been banging them in in training and it's turned out to be a magnificent substitution, hasn't it!

"This victory makes up for the two points dropped last week and we're delighted with our unbeaten start against some big teams!

The NLP statistics underline Neil's statement as Alty had 11 shots to the visiors 3, of which the only one on target was their goal. Alty had four shots on target and seven more off target.

It was also clear that Chesterfield commited the most fouls with 17 recorded against them, compared with 9 for the hosts. The Spireites also won the yellow card tally with five shown (including one to manager Paul Cook) compared with just one caution for Altrincham.

ALTRINCHAM 2-1 CHESTERFIELD

Match report here

Above: Sam Roscoe keeps Joe Quigley in check as he heads clear with Elliot Osborne, Matty Kosylo and Lewis Banks on hand.

After the game manager Phil Parkinson said, in an interview with Brian Flynn on Alty TV, "Any time you can go toe-to-toe with a Chesterfield, any time you can get a victory against the title contenders... with the size of the club and the investment they have put in there, the football they play, it is a fantastic day.

The Alty boss alluded to the two teams having a "similar philosophy of football" but "they've recruited at another level" to Altrincham's".

“It is a great occasion for us, a big feather in our cap, and one that was thoroughly deserved I felt on the day... People will rightly stand off Chesterfield at times, but we didn’t, we went toe-to-toe with them and I felt we got our just rewards for that".

The Alty boss particularly praised Elliot Osborne, man of the match Justin Amalouzor, Dior Angus and Sam Roscoe for their performances against the Spireites.

SPIREITES' VIEW

After the game, Chesterfield reported that "An inspired substitution for Altrincham saw them come from behind to win 2-1 with two late goals from Dior Angus, who took both goals superbly to ensure they continued their unbeaten start.

The Spireites had taken the lead from a Jamie Grimes header from a Liam Mandeviile corner. In the main they’d looked comfortable in containing any threat from Alty without looking like adding to their own score.

Altrincham showed more purpose and fight in the late stages and it was enough to see them home against the Spireites...

The season is still taking shape but the Spireites knew that they always have a tough task at Moss Lane with the result going in favour of the home side in the first two of the three contests; last season Chesterfield edged the fixture during the same Bank Holiday weekend...

Spireites skipper Grimes rose superbly at the far post and connected well; his downward header to the far corner gave homer keeper Ethan Ross no chance... Chesterfield picked up two more yellow cards after fouls by Armando Dobra and Ash Palmer...

Alty levelled after substitute Angus picked up a misplaced pass on the right, took a couple of strides and fired coolly home on the ground to Tyrer’s right. Seconds later it could have been two as Tyrer managed to save a shot from Linney with his knee...

Linney’s angled shot was narrowly wide but with a minute remaining Angus received from the left, turned on a sixpence, and blasted home from inside the six-yard box".

ALTY OLD BOYS

The pre-match tribute to the late MARK MADDOX, brought a number of his former team-mates to the J> Daidson Stadium on Saturday. They included GARY TALBOT, CHRIS ADAMS< GARY TALBOT and ROD THORNLEY.

Elsewhere many former Alty players and loanees were in action on Saturday, as recorded by Phil Jordan...

Championship : DUNCAN WATMORE stayed on the bench as Millwall won 1-0 at home to Stoke City.

League One : JUNIOR QUITIRNA was substituted after 81minutes as Fleetwood Town finished with 9 men and lost 0-1 to Shrewsbury Town.

OWEN DALE came off the bench at the start of the second half for Blackpool at Lincoln City, while the hosts introduced ALISTAIR SMITH in the 79th minute. The game was as over by then, as Lincoln had completed the scoring in their 3-0 win, with Blackpool down to 10 men.

Both sides finished with 10 men at Stevenage, for whom CARL PIERGIANNI played the whole game, as Portsmouth forced a goalless draw.

League Two : ELLIOT NEWBY was sent on by Barrow after 63 minutes as visitors Wrexham dominated the game, but had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

JOEL SENIOR was substituted at exactly the same time as his Morecambe team went down 2-0 at Harrogate Town.

Despite a full shift from both CONNOR JENNINGS and CHRIS MERRIE, Tranmere Rovers lost 2-1 at Notts County.

National League : Although ASHLEY HEMMINGS played the full game, he couldn't help his Kidderminster Harriers side, reduced to 10 men after only 35 minutes, to avoid a 3-0 defeat at Ebbsfleet United.

MARCUS DINANGA put Gateshead in front after 21 minutes at the International Stadium, but visitors Woking struck back in the second half to win 1-3.

TOBY MULLARKEY played the whole game for Grimsby Town as they drew 1-1 at Walsall, but LUKE WATERFALL remained on the bench.

National League North : CRAIG MAHON scored the only goalof the game as Curzon Ashtonwon at home against Scunthorpe United

NPL : JUDE OYIBO scored the last Radcliffe goal in a 2-5 win at Marske United - the hosts were handicapped by having to play the entire second half with 10 men.

Southern League, Central Division : MONTEL GIBSON was AFC Telford's scored in their 3-1 defeat at Barwell

ANDY DALES scored the opener for Mickleover Sports in their 2-1 home win over Hitchin Town

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reports that on Friday night "Southend United's National League game against Eastleigh was briefly halted as fans threw tennis balls on the pitch in a protest against owner Ron Martin.

The incident occurred in the 10th minute of Friday's match,referencing the 10-point penalty handed to the club two days ago over their tax debt...

Southend started the game at home to Eastleigh at the bottom of the National League table on minus four points and fans chanted 'We want Martin out' as the protest began.

The club have total debts of £2.5m and have been given until 4 October to secure the club's future...

Goals from Noor Husin and Harry Cardwell gave the Shrimpers a 2-0 victory."

The Hartlepool Mail tells us that "Ex-Blackburn Rovers man... Joe Grayson has completed a move to Gateshead after featuring on trial with Hartlepool United earlier this summer...

Grayson spent a short period on trial with John Askey’s side in pre-season but has now joined... Gateshead until the end of the season...

'I spoke to the manager, Busted [Ian Watson] and Rob [Elliot] at different times, I got a really good feeling after speaking with all three of them...

'I think the style of play, as well as the manager and coaching staff, was a big draw to come here. One of the main reasons I came here was to play in a system that suits me the most,'” said the player, who is the son of Simon Grayson, the former Leeds United player and manager of Blackpool, Leeds United, Huddersfield Town, and Preston North End.

Just three weeks into the season and in a curt message, Eastleigh announce that they "have terminated the contract of First Team Manager Lee Bradbury and assistant manager Brian Stock with immediate effect.

In the interim period, Richard Hill will oversee the first-team squad along with Jason Bristow.

A full recruitment process will be undertaken following today’s decision to appoint a new management team.

We would like to thank Lee and Brian for their commitment to the club during their year and a half tenure at Eastleigh FC and we wish them both all the best for the future".

Eastleigh have drawn three and lost two of their five games to date.

26 August 2023

ALTRINCHAM 2-1 CHESTERFIELD

Two late goals from substitute Dior Angus, wathched by his father Terry the legendary Nuneaton Borough defender, gave Altrincham an utimately deserved win against a Chesterfield side which had dominated the first half without seriously troubling Alty keeper Ethan Ross.

Above: Alty celebrate their winner.

The Spireites took a sixteenth-minute lead as Alty once more showed their weakness at corners when Grimes rose high to head home at the back post.

But Altrincham raised their game towards the end of the first half and had the better of the match after the break. But neither goalkeeper saw much action until Angus drove home the equaliser (84 mins). From then on Chesterfield were decidedly second best.

It could have been 3-1 as Linney forced a fine save and also narrowly missed the target before Angus struck again in the fourth added minute to cue delirium for the home fans and a slow exodus to the exit for the visiting supporters.

Match report here

SATURDAY SCORES

Saturday 26 August

TODAY: CHESTERFIELD

Altrincham entertain Chesterfield today (Saturday), whose last match was a 1-1 draw with Oldham Athletic.

The Derbyshire Times reminds us that "Oldham Athletic manager, David Unsworth has called the Saturday-Monday schedule ‘an absolute joke’ and a ‘disgrace’ but Town [Chesterfield] coach Danny Webb says he quite enjoys it.

He told the DT... 'We have got some good players to choose from and to come on, on Monday, who we feel are a bit leggy after tomorrow’s game... It is good because it keeps the flow going if you win, and if you don’t win it can also be good because you have got the chance to turn it around really quickly. Six points out of the two would be great because we felt a little bit robbed last week but that is life'...

He said: 'The goalie, defensive side, even the midfield tends to be stuck with when you have got two games in a short space of time. It is always the attacking players who are the ones to rotate, I am not saying that will be the case this weekend, but the manager is always keen to say that any subs he makes within a game, it will be any one of the front four because they are the ones doing the pressing and setting the tone'...

Webb continued... 'Altrincham have had a good start, the manager has done a very good job there, and we have got to justify the favourites tag by getting the three points'".

Derbyshire Times also reports that "Chesterfield are pretty happy with the squad they have got but may have to dip into the transfer market if they suffer any more injuries to full-backs.

Right-back Ryheem Sheckleford has been ruled out for about a month with a hamstring injury, while left-back Bailey Clements is still a couple of weeks away from returning from a pulled thigh.

[Alty old boy] Jeff King (above, right, in his Alty days) is likely to replace Sheckleford, and Branden Horton has done a steady job on the opposite flank...

'We have had two injuries to full-backs and if you get another then you are looking for a full-back because you have got no one to back them two up now. That is how quick things change. But for the here and now we are in a really good place.'”

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan advises us that in Australia, "In the playoff quarter final in NPL Victoria, CONNOR HAMPSON played the full match as Oakleigh Cannons won at home 5-0 against Altona Magic.

There is no automatic promotion from the regional leagues across Australia, so Oakleigh now travel to play league champions Avondale in the semifinal. Avondale won the corresponding league match 4-2, and forced a 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture, so it's a big ask."

The winners in the semi-final have to play a team from another league for the prize of a place in the Australian A-League.

In Ireland on Friday night, Cork City were leading 0-1 at Drogheda at half time, but OLLIE BYRNE had to pick the ball out of the net three times in the second half.

In the division below, Waterford were missing BARRY BAGGLEY through injury, and were down to 10 men before half time, but still won 0-1 at Bray Wanderers.

In the National League, TYRESE SINCLAIR equalised for Rochdale from the penalty spot as visitors Bromley were reduced to 10 men, but, although he scored a second 5 minutes after the restart, Rochdale quickly conceded an equaliser before themselves going down to 10.

Despite KYLE FERGUSON (left) putting in a full shift, the game ended 2-2.

As Southend United beat visitors Eastleigh 2-0, DAN MOONEY was substituted after 73 minutes.

ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records tell us that the last time that Alty played on today's date (26 August) was four years ago in 2019 when the Robins lost 5-0 at Boston United.

Right: First-half action at Boston in 2019.

Alty's last game in the top-flight of non-League on this date was a 2-0 win over St Alban's City in 2006.

FRIDAY SCORES

Friday 25 August

WEEKEND FIXTURES

Monday 28 August

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

York City "announce the signing of highly rated youngster Jack Stott from Championship side Middlesbrough.

The 19-year-old midfielder joins the Minstermen until January 1st...

Jack signed a three-year deal at Boro during his first season as a scholar".

CKidderminster Harriers "announce that that Kobe Hall has signed a first professional contract with the Club.

Striker Kobe has been a part of the squad for some time now... He began in our Academy, with six first team appearances already under his belt.

His first team debut at the age of 16 years and 135 days in January 2023 made him the youngest player on record to play for Harriers competitively.

To celebrate that progress, and Kobe’s 17th birthday... the player has signed his first contract, which will keep him at the club until at least the summer of 2025.

Russ Penn said, 'Kobe is a fantastic talent and a player we’re all really excited about'".

25 August 2023

MARK'S FUNERAL

Altrincham FC has issued the following statement...

"The family of Mark Maddox [right] have released details of his funeral. For anyone wishing to attend, it will be held at St Cecilia's Church, Green Lane, Liverpool, L13 7DT on Thursday August 31st at 10am, then on to Springwood Crematorium at 11am".

NEXT: CHESTERFIELD

In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger we learn that "Altrincham extended their unbeaten start to the season to four games, but Phil Parkinson admitted he still felt ‘disappointed and frustrated’ after a hard-fought 1-1 draw with Boreham Wood...

[With] Alty boss Parkinson reflecting on three draws and a win so far, he admitted 'I feel conflicted because, well though we’ve played, we have dropped six points, and I can’t be happy with that. I’m not exaggerating when I say we should be top of the league on maximum points, but we’re not because we’re not quite there yet.

'We were superb in the first half, and I don’t think we’ve ever created that many chances against one of Luke [Garrard]’s teams before. We could have been three up by half time, but we just weren’t clinical enough in front of goal. The game should have been put to bed in the first half, and when I look back on the four games so far, I’m disappointed and frustrated we haven’t taken maximum points'.

On Saturday Alty face title favourites Chesterfield who, according to the Altrincham manager "are doing what it says on the tin, beating just about everyone they come up against, so it’s going to be a really tough weekend. It’s a quick turnaround, which is going to add to the challenge. But we’ve shown we can be a match for anyone... I’m sure our opponents won’t be relishing facing us either.'”

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Halifax Courier has an interesting chart showing "The average age of every National League team so far this season... based on the average age of the starting elevens over the first four games of the new season".

The oldest team is Dorking Wanderers (avge. 29.3 years), the youngest is FC Halifx Town (24.3). Altrincham are the 19th oldest side, averaging 25.2 years of age.

All of Alty's first five opponents this season are in the top ten of oldest teams in the National League. They are Borehan Wood (joint 3rd) and Woking (joint 3rd) who both average 28.8, Dagenham (7th, 28), Chesterfield (joint 9th) 27.2 years of age, and York City (11th 26.8). The sequence continues next Monday when 12th-oldest side AFC Fylde entertain Altrincham

The oldest player to appear for Altrincham this season is Matty Kosylo (31.0) and the youngest is Chris Conn-Clarke (21.7).

On Monday, Altrincham travel to AFC Fylde where the Blackpool Gazette reports that "Wealdstone defeat Adam Murray has warned his AFC Fylde players they have to stand up and be counted following defeat at Wealdstone last weekend.

Having trailed early on... goals from Gold Omotayo and Nick Haughton had Murray’s players 2-1 in front as the hour mark approached.

Pierce Bird collected a second yellow card moments later but Fylde held out until the 86th minute, when they were pegged back before Wealdstone’s winner deep into added time.

While annoyed with Bird’s dismissal, Fylde’s third in four games this season, the nature of Wealdstone’s goals was also a disappointment.

Murray said of the red card... 'We had to change everything. In this heat, and a really sticky pitch, 10 men was going to be tough. We managed it with two minutes to go and then... we don’t do the basics... For me, that’s just a lack of responsibility. People have to step up to the mark.

'We’ve gone up to a new level [after promotion], some people have still not found their feet yet and we’ve not got time to wait for people. We need people to step up or other people will have to come in...

'We switch off once, go off game plan and they score which is really disappointing'".

According to the Oldham Times "A statement made by Oldham Athletic manager David Unsworth in the aftermath of their last-gasp draw at promotion rivals Chesterfield raised more than a few eyebrows...

Unsworth said... 'Make no mistake about it, Chesterfield are the best team in the league and probably will win the league...

Unsworth, though, insists he has not waved the white flag. 'I think people have taken that as if to say I don't want us to win the league. What I'm saying is, if we finish above Chesterfield, we are winning the league', he explained. Do I think Chesterfield are winning the league? Probably...

'We have just gone toe to toe with Chesterfield; frustrated them. The stats are in our favour, other than possession. We had the best chances of the game, they have double the budget that we have, they are two or three years further down the line in terms of their club being cleansed and then built...

'They are a goalscoring machine and for us to only give them one proper opportunity in 90-odd minutes, it's the perfect away day performance...

'If any team goes and plays open expansive football against Chesterfield, particularly at Chesterfield, they'll get tonked. Now, I don't want to get beat. That's not being negative, it's being clever'".

The Southend Echo says that "Southend United chairman Ron Martin does not know if the sale of the club will be completed by the time the Shrimpers are next in court.

Blues have been given until October 4 to pay off their outstanding tax bill of £250,000 and were warned the club would be wound up if the situation was not sorted by that date.

However, Martin has told TalkSPORT he remains uncertain of when the club will be in new hands.

'It was me that set the deadline for 42 days, six weeks, to allow the sale to go through,' said Martin.

'I don't know whether it'll be sorted out by then, but we'll continue to do all we can to make sure it is... I'd like to have sold it when I put it on the market in March,' said Martin...

The Echo revealed yesterday how Australian Justin Rees is heading up a consortium trying to buy the club...

Martin confirmed 'He's also putting together a small consortium of three or four people, all of whom are known to either myself or Tom Lawrence the CEO. We do have a second buyer.

'Similar terms but certainly the person from Australia is more advanced than anybody else.'”

York City "announce the signing of goalkeeper Rory Watson following his departure from League Two outfit Doncaster Rovers.

The 27-year-old has put pen to paper on a deal until the end of the season with the Minstermen...

York-born Watson spent last season with National League champions Wrexham, having joined from Scunthorpe United where he made more than 100 appearances across League One and Two..

The shot-stopper worked through the academy setup at Elland Road until making the switch to Hull City... A loan spell with Gainsborough Trinity, and a 28-day-emergency loan with Scunthorpe United, followed for Rory before a season-long loan spell with then National League side North Ferriby United...

Rory clocked up over 100 competitive appearances for the Iron across a five-year spell".

24 August 2023

BARRY HOWARD R.I.P.

A sad week at Moss Lane, with the passing of Mark Maddox, has got worse with news of the death of another significant player in the Club's history as Altrincham FC announces "the passing of legendary winger, Barry Howard" (pictured, right).

Barry’s sister, Jane Peet informed the Club that Barry "was suffering from Alzheimer’s and his body gave up at the age of 73. He spent many happy seasons at Altrincham with many other greats as did myself and our family in giving him full support."

In his Alty Legends profile, Terry Rowley, wrote of Barry Howard, who was born on 19 February, 1950.

"Barry Howard was the cutting edge that made Altrincham such a potent force in the late 1970s and early '80s. Blessed with both pace and skill he not only provided goals, he also scored more than his fair share.

Stocky, extremely quick and with a shock of curly dark hair, Barry quickly drew attention to his performances on the left wing. Originally from Ashton-Under-Lyne, he started his career at Oldham Athletic as a junior before moving to Hyde United and then Runcorn, where he got his first taste of success.

He had a short spell at Stockport County before signing for Altrincham in the summer of 1978 for the club's then record fee of £3,000! He slotted in immediately and helped the side to finish runners-up in their final year in the Northern Premier League, before they went on to win the inaugural Alliance title and the League and Cup double the year after.

BACK: P. Warburton (coach), B. Whitbread, F. Towers, G. Barrow, J. Connaughton, J. Owens, J. Johnson, J. Evans (physio). FRONT: J. Rogers, B. Howard, J. King (capt), A. Sanders (manager), J. Davison, S. Allan, G. Heathcote.

The following season (81/82) he received a winner's medal in the Cheshire Senior Cup and a finalist's medal at Wembley in the FA Trophy defeat by Enfield.

But not only was he successful with Altrincham, Barry also won 7 England semi-professional international caps as well. He left Moss lane during the 1983/84 season moving, first, back to Hyde and, then, to Witton and finally on to Ashton United, his hometown side. He will always be remembered as an entertainer and one who gave of his best every time he turned out for the club".

Barry made 285(+3) appearances for Altrincham, of which 200(+2) were League appearances. Of his 73 career goals for Altrincham, 48 were in League games.

More on Barry's Alty career can be found in Part 24 {and elsewhere] in Barry Pikesley's When We Were Kings: Alty in the APL 1979/80

NEXT: CHESTERFIELD

The Derbyshire Times reports that "Chesterfield will be aiming to return to winning ways when they travel to Altrincham this weekend...

The Spireites have won three and drawn one so far, while the Robins have won one and drawn three.

Let’s take a look at how Town could line-up...

Right: Justin Donawa has managed less than half an hour's football this season, through injury.

As for Altrincham, Justin Donawa (above, right) presumably remains sidelined; he spent last Saturday in the directors' box as did Liam Brocklebank and new signing George Burroughs.

Aside from the Academy graduates the above trio, plus on-loan Ollie Byrne, were the only players not in the squad last weekend. Neither of the two players subbed during the game last Saturday, Regan Linney and Justin AMaluzor, appeared to be withdrawn because of injury so, the expectation would be that everyone in the squad against Boreham Wood is available for selection this coming weekend.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

British taxpayers still awaits their dues as the BBC reports that the wait goes on for payment of the Shrimpers' tax dues.

"Southend United have been granted a final 42-day adjournment of their winding-up petition by the High Court to complete the sale of the club. Owner Ron Martin told the court a sale to an unnamed Australian buyer should be finalised by the end of September.

The club were given a 42-day adjournment on their previous appearance in court on 12 July to clear debts and find a new owner. The takeover must now be finalised by their return to court on 4 October.

The judge warned Martin the club, founded in 1906, would be wound up if that deadline was missed.

'If this was not a football club, with the attachment of its fans, I would be winding it up today,' Judge Sebastian Prentis said...

The Shrimpers, who have debts of £2.5m, owe £275,000 to HMRC in unpaid taxes and were warned by the National League that failure to clear that tax liability by Wednesday would result in a 10-point penalty...

The club were also told their licence to play would depend on paying any new debts "on time to the satisfaction of the league" during the season...

Conservative MP for Southend West, Anna Firth, said 'I am aware of the potential buyer and have had several conversations with him and believe they are committed to the purchase and have the club's best interest at heart.'"

Later, the National League issued a statement stating that "The League are now aware of the court hearing adjournment and that outstanding debt to HMRC has not been discharged in full.

As a result, Southend United Football Club have been deducted 10 points with immediate effect".

Whilst many may think that Southend have escaped lightly for their financial misdemeanours, the club feels it has been harshly treated.

In a statement, Southend United said, "We know that people are concerned about the prospect of a points deduction for apparent non compliance with the conditional licence we have been granted to play in the National league’s competition.

We believe that the correct sanction for non payment of HMRC is an embargo, not a points deduction. We are talking to the National League on this point. If agreement cannot be reached we will immediately pursue an appeal".

The Oldham Times tells us that "Oldham Athletic have received a refereeing apology for a potentially game-changing decision that went against them in last week's defeat to Halifax.

Latics were trailing 2-1 when Mike Fondop was caught by the elbow of Tylor Golden inside the box but were denied a penalty, and a one-man advantage, as match official Steve Copeland failed to award a penalty or punish the foul in any way.

Latics this week received an acknowledgement from the referee's assessor that they should have been awarded a penalty and Halifax should have been reduced to 10 men for the incident...

'We thank them for their honest feedback [but] it doesn't help the cause when there are blatant decisions going against you," said the Latics boss, Dave Unsworth.

'If it was one or two now and again I would say they would iron themselves out over a season, but not sending the man off against Halifax and not getting the penalty, and then there was the foul on Hogan against Chesterfield (that wasn't given and Chesterfield scored from the subsequent corner), it's becoming a bit of a habit, and not a good habit...

'If the Referees' Association in the north west asked if I'd go and help them I'd do it in a shot, I'd help them no problem'".

York Press reminds us that "Dan Pybus left York to join fellow Vanarama National League side Dorking Wanderers on Tuesday afternoon, joining the club on a three-year deal after allegedly refusing to play for City in last week's 2-2 draw with Altrincham.

It's not been an ideal start to the season for the Minstermen, with Michael Morton's side still waiting for their first win after four matches, but [owner, Matt] Uggla has ensured [sic] that things will improve...

'We are working behind the scenes to bring in some new faces to help the current squad out... All I’ll comment on is that if you refuse to play for York or whatever you want to call it then you are not wanted... It’s an honour to wear that shirt and we will not accept that here'".

At Bromley "Billy Bingham has taken the decision to step away from full-time, professional football with immediate effect...

[He said] 'With the end of my playing career just around the corner, now is the right time for a change, as I plan for the future.'...

The 33-year-old arrived at the RELOC8 EM Community Stadium in the summer of 2019 from Gillingham and has gone on to make 141 appearances, scoring on six occasions...

Starting at Crystal Palace, Bingham’s career has seen him make almost 200 EFL appearances, reaching the heights of League One football whilst also winning play-off promotion to the third tier with Dagenham & Redbridge".

23 August 2023

MARK MADDOX R.I.P.

As reported here yesterday, Altrincham FC has been saddened to learn of the death of Mark Maddox, following his more than twelve-year fight against Motor Nerone Disease. Mark was at the forefront of those raising the profile of MND as the adjacent poster shows.

By way of a tribute, we reproduce below Terry Rowley's "Alty Legends" essay on the talismanic Alty captain, written in 2005 following the club's play-off success as they headed back to the top-flight of non-League football.

MARK ALFRED MADDOX

  • Born:11/3/73
  • Position: Centre Back

    • When ‘Mad Dog’ slotted home the fifth shoot-out penalty against Kettering Town in the FA Trophy on 22 January 2003 he became a "Legend". That was the promise we made him at the previous game against Runcorn, "score the winner against Kettering and you’re a legend", so Mark duly obliged and becomes the only currant player to be selected.

    Mark has almost become part of the furniture at Moss Lane (having completed 9 seasons at Moss Lane). He would have qualified eventually as "legend" for being the 100% committed and popular player (and programme contributor with Maddox's Memoirs!) that he is. Mark arrived at Moss Lane at the start of the 1996/97 season from Sunday football in Liverpool, though he had been a trainee at Tranmere Rovers.

    He started his Altrincham career as a full back, before slotting into his more accustomed role at the centre of the back four. His time at Altrincham has not always been easy but he has always given everything. Mark's first season unfortunately ended in injury causing him to miss the final run-in which led to relegation to the UniBond Premier League.

    At the start of the 1998-99 season he was lured to the bright lights of Barrow, but things didn’t work out and he barely got a game in his time there. By December 1998 he was back at Moss Lane, where he struggled to get into a side that now contained both Chris Timons and Paul Ellender. There were no complaints, though, from Mark and he knuckled down and still gave nothing less than 100% when called upon.

    Back in the Conference for the following season, Mark took his chance when Paul Ellender was sold to Scarborough and, since then, barring injury (and the odd suspension) he has been a regular choice at centre-back. In 2004-05 he complted 300 first team appearances (quite an achievement in this day and age) and could be good for a few more yet.

    Wherever he plays, though, you get nothing less than 100% commitment; a nice guy and a 100% clubman; "good on ya"!

    Like watching Brazil: Mark Maddox, with back to goal, shapes to convert a nod on from Gary Talbot, extreme right, for the first goal against Burscough, 25 October 2003.

    Footnote: Terry Rowley adds that "Post Altrincham (he was released in June 2006), he joined Leigh RMI, spending almost two seasons there (2006/07 & 2007/08).

    He joined Vauxhall Motors in February 2008 and was sent off on debut! Next, he became manager of Formby in September 2009, resigning after guiding them to safety during 2009/10. Mark went on to manage Leigh Genesis in June 2010, leaving by mutual consent in December 2010."

    ALTY OLD BOYS

    Phil Jordan tells us that "Two goals each for JAMIE MORGAN (right) and JORDAN HULME gave Radcliffe a 1-4 victory at Workington. With Macclesfield, Whitby Town, and Ilkeston Town all losing, Radcliffe are 3 points clear at the top of the league with the only 100% record after four matches.

    Elsewhere, another to pick up a two goal haul was JONNY MARGETTS in Matlock Town's 3-0 home win against Atherton Collieries".

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    York Press confirms that "York City midfielder Dan Pybus has departed the club to join Dorking Wanderers on a three-year deal.

    Pybus, who joined York at the beginning of last season, was absent from the City squad in their 1-1 draw with Aldershot Town on Saturday after reportedly refusing to play in the midweek 2-2 draw against Altrincham...

    The 25-year-old joined York after their promotion to the National League, making 39 appearances last season and predominantly starting as a defensive midfielder...

    Pybus said 'I spoke to Marc (White, Dorking manager) last week and he told me his plans for the club and sold his vision to me brilliantly.

    'True to the character he is, he was also very tenacious! The club is only going in one direction which is up and I want to be part of that, I had multiple other offers on the table'...

    White also commented on adding Pybus to his squad, saying 'Dan is someone we kept an eye on last year; Ant Sheldon our chief scout highlighted his stats as one of the leading midfielders in the National League...

    'A central midfielder who can play anywhere in that area of the field, we fought off a lot of competition to get Dan's signature'"

    In the Yorkshire Post we learn that "An injury to David Stockdale has seen York City recall goalkeeper Ryan Whitley from neighbours Scarborough Athletic.

    Whitley had made a good start to his second loan spell at Conference North Scarborough, keeping two clean sheets in their first first three matches, but is now expected to be between the posts for the Minstermen at Dorking Wanderers on Saturday...

    Stockdale, signed on a free transfer from Sheffield Wednesday at the end of last season, came off at half-time in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Aldershot Town.

    Whitley spent the 2021-22 season on loan at Scarborough... The 23-year-old made 15 starts for York last season."

    22 August 2023

    MARK MADDOX R.I.P.

    Altrincham FC supporters, staff and former players, as well as many others in the non-League world, will be saddened to learn of the death of iconic former centre-half and captain, Mark Maddox, at the age of fifty.

    Altrincham FC has announced that "Everyone at Altrincham Football Club is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mark Maddox, who had, remarkably, lived with Motor Neurone Disease for over 12 years.

    Mark was a colossal human being and a true legend of Altrincham Football Club, making over 326 starts and 22 substitute appearances between 1996-2006.

    Our deepest condolences to Mark's wife, Jayne and three children, Sonny, Vinny and Beau at this saddest of times for the Maddox family.

    Preparations will be made to acknowledge Mark's legendary contribution the club with a minute's applause at this Saturday's home game against Chesterfield FC".

    Right: Mark is pictured after Altrincham had won a penalty shoot-out 4-2 at Nuneaton in a Nationwide North Play-Off Semi-Final Match, which set Alty on the way to eventual promotion back to the Football Conference in 2005.

    The Manchester Evening News adds that "Non-league football legend Mark Maddox has died after living with motor neurone disease for 12 years. Mark, nicknamed 'Mad Dog', made over 300 appearances for Altrincham FC..

    In 2010, shortly after beginning a career in management, he was diagnosed with the terminal muscle wasting condition MND and told he had just two to five years to live. The dad-of-three, nicknamed 'Mad Dog' due to his whole-hearted approach to the game, began a remarkable fund-raising and awareness campaign that would see him become the first person with MND to complete the London Marathon, do a parachute jump and record an album with his band Last of a Dying Breed....

    In 2021 his campaigning was praised in Parliament by his friend, Liverpool West Derby MP Ian Byrne, who highlighted Mark's story to call on the Government to do more to help MND sufferers. He said: "Mark was told at diagnosis that he would be lucky to live beyond a year; that was 11 years ago.

    'Mark believes that the love and support he receives from his family—his wife in particular—his friends and often complete strangers have helped him to get through to this day. Over the past decade, however, Mark has become increasingly frustrated with the Government’s lack of understanding of people with motor neurone disease and their families and of its devastating effects. He wants change.'

    Liverpool-born Mark first joined Alty from Sunday football in 1996. After a brief spell with Barrow, he returned to Moss Lane in December 1998 and went on to play 348 times for the Robins... After leaving Alty, Maddox both played for and managed fellow non-Leaguers Leigh Genesis."

    NEXT GAME: CHESTERFIELD

    Saturday witnesses a clash between two of the only five unbeaten sides in the National League when Chesterfield travel to face Altrincham.

    Having won their three opening games this season, the Spireites faced Oldham Athletic last Saturday.

    Chesterfield report that "The Spireites had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Oldham Athletic at the SMH Group Stadium after conceding a goal deep into time added on...

    The Spireites found chances hard to come by in the first half, with Oldham sitting behind the ball and restricting space for the Spireites...

    Chesterfield took the lead in the 61st minute through Palmer. A corner was whipped in from the right-hand side which met the head of Palmer...

    Oldham equalised in the fifth minute of time added on through Norwood. Attention will now turn to next Saturday’s away trip to Altrincham.

    Spireites: Tyrer, Sheckleford (Williams 45’), Palmer, Grimes (c), Horton, Oldaker, Naylor, Mandeville, Colclough, Dobra (Jacobs 75’), Grigg (Quigley 83’). Unused subs: Banks, Berry".

    Their visit to Altrincham should mean a return for former Robins' favourite Ryan Colclough, whilst recent signing James Berry was also on Alty's books before he moved to Macclesfield FC, initially on loan.

    Despite having been an Altrincham player, should Berry play on Saturday, it will be his first competitive appearance at the J. Davidson Stadium.

    LAST GAME: BOREHAM WOOD

    Above: Sam Roscoe tries to get on the end of this ball into the Boreham Wood box, late in last Saturday's game. His central defensive partners James Jones and Jake Cooper are also on hand at the attacking end, whilst Chris Conn-Clarke lurks, hopefully, for a nod-down by his team-mate.

    On Saturday, Altrincham drew their third match of this season, against Boreham Wood.

    Alty TV now has extended highlights of the match.

    ALTY OLD BOYS & LOANEES

    Phil Jordan advises is that in Monday night's FAI Cup tie there was a clean sheet for OLLIE BYRNE as Cork City knocked out Waterford, for whom BARRY BAGGLEY was absent, by a comfortable 3-0 margin.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    League leader Barnet "have rejected a six-figure bid for athletic winger Idris Kanu as per Pete O’Rourke" and the Real EFL.

    . "Barnet’s number 11 recently made his 50th appearance for Barnet and he has scored 12 goals in that time despite being used as a hybrid winger/wingback for large portions of last season...

    Kanu... broke into West Ham’s Under 21 side at just 15 years of age. He also played for Manchester United’s Under 18 side as a trialist... He wasn’t given a contract which led to him signing with Aldershot Town. He made over 30 appearances and scored 3 goals for the Shots even though he was just 16 when the season started.

    This prompted Peterborough United... It was a Barnet man moving to Peterborough in Ephron Mason-Clark which prompted the Bees’ move for Kanu...

    Barnet’s financial position will... be reasonably strong given the incomings and outgoings at Peterborough United this summer. Ryan De Havilland departed North London to join Peterborough for an undisclosed fee this summer and... Jack Taylor has departed... this summer and the Bees may be set to benefit from a sell-on clause in his contract".

    Altrincham face AFC Fylde on Bank Holiday Monday. From the Lancashire coast. the Blackpool Gazette tells us that on Saturday "Ten-man AFC Fylde lost a second-half lead as they were defeated at Wealdstone...

    Thavon Campbell edged the Stones ahead on Saturday before Gold Omotayo and Nick Haughton put the Coasters in front.

    However, following Pierce Bird’s red card for a second yellow, Nathan Ferguson levelled late on before Campbell acrobatically scored the winner in stoppage time.

    The deciding moment came in the 99th minute when Barker headed a corner back across goal to Campbell, who found Richardson’s bottom left corner with an acrobatic overhead kick...

    AFC Fylde: Richardson, Conlan, Obi, Whitmore, Bird, Philliskirk, Whitehead, Walker (Kay 53), Haughton (Ustabasi 66), Charman, Omotayo (Davis 72). Subs not used: Ligendza, Glynn".

    At Bromley "Congratulations are in order for both Jude Arthurs and Corey Whitely who have recently surpassed 100 appearances for the club.

    Saturday’s trip to Kidderminster saw Arthurs hit his landmark when he came on in the 27th minute to replace Ben Krauhaus.

    Jude joined Bromley’s Academy from Gillingham’s Youth set up and... Manager, Neil Smith, gave him his debut on 7 January 2020... Since then he has become an important part of the team, playing in his midfield position, and occasionally filling the right full-back position...

    As for Corey, he made his 100th appearance in the final game of last season against Chesterfield...

    Corey first signed for Bromley, on loan from Newport County, in January 2020... He then spent the next season on loan at Boreham Wood, before signing permanently for the Ravens at the commencement of the 2021/22 season...

    Last season, Corey again had a full campaign appearing in 48 of the 51 League and Cup games... In his whole career, Corey has made over 450 appearances for various other Clubs which include: Enfield Town, Dagenham & Redbridge and Ebbsfleet United".

    Following a 5-5 draw in EFL2 last weekend, National League champions Wrexham announce that "After making 12 appearances for Wrexham since returning to the Club on March 23, Ben Foster has announced his retirement from professional football.

    Ben spoke with Manager Phil Parkinson after Saturday’s game and informed him of his intention.

    Foster said 'The honest truth is that my performances this season haven’t reached the level I demand of myself and I feel that now is the right time to retire.

    'At the forefront of my mind when making this decision, was not only what was best for me but also the Club'...

    Manager Phil Parkinson said... 'It takes a big person to make the decision he has and one who really understands this Football Club, with the timing of his decision... His contribution... went far beyond that one magnificent penalty save against Notts County to help us gain promotion last season'".

    "WE'VE DROPPED SIX POINTS"

    On Alty TV, Brian Flynn interviewed Alty manager Phil Parkinson after the draw with Boreham Wood on Saturday.

    He declared that already, in four matches this season, "We've dropped six points, we should be top of the league"

    As for Boreham Wood, "we should have put them to bed in first half" he declared and added that he was "really disappointed we haven't taken maximum points" on Saturday.

    ALTY OLD BOYS

    Phil Jordan informs us that in the Championship, DUNCAN WATMORE was substituted after 69 minutes as his Millwall side went down 3-1 at Norwich City.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    Sad news of a player who played Alty on the opening day of the season comes from the NL Paper that "Dagenham & Redbridge striker Inih Effiong was ‘in a stable condition’ in hospital last night [Saturday] after being treated... as the players were leaving the pitch following Maidenhead’s 1-0 win.

    An ambulance was called to the scene and the 32-yearold was taken to hospital...

    The Daggers said 'Following the final whistle today, Inih Effiong was treated on the pitch... He is currently in hospital for observation and is in a stable condition'...

    Maidenhead assistant manager Ryan Peters said... 'We’re hoping that he makes a full recovery. It puts things into perspective when you see things like that. My mind went straight to his family and I hope he makes a full recovery'...

    The teams were separated in this hard-fought encounter by Reece Smith’s 57th minute effort – afine curling shot past Elliot Justham...

    It sealed a deserved win for the Magpies, although they did have to withstand a late barrage of pressure and a series of corners from the visitors... [as] Ben Strevens’ Dagenham slip to the bottom having picked up just one point from their four matches".

    The Derbyshire Times reports that "The Spireites and the Latics are the two favourites to top the division...

    [Dave] Unsworth said 'I think it shows that we can compete with the best. Make no mistake about it, Chesterfield are the best team in the league and probably will win the league...

    Unsworth’s counter-attack style of football came under-fire from some Oldham fans in the away end but the Latics boss defended his approach as James Norwood scored in the 95th minute to pinch a point...

    'I think it is what our players deserved. I thought we were brilliant. I am thrilled for them. A draw is a really fair result but we have had the best opportunities...

    'Let me tell you something now, if you open up too soon against Chesterfield, they carve you open and it is a basketball game... If you open up, you get battered. You get absolutely battered and outplayed and I didn’t want that. The game-plan was perfect...

    Hundreds of Oldham fans invaded the pitch when Norwood equalised and there were some ugly scenes but, bizarrely, Unsworth said he didn’t see what happened."

    20 August 2023

    "TWO POINTS DROPPED" SAYS SORVEL

    Following the 1-1 draw at home to Boreham Wood, Altrincham assistant manager Neil Sorvel told Andy Marsh of the NL Paper, "That has to go down as two points dropped. We'd have taken a draw before the match but we should've been clear at the break.

    "We weren't at our fluent best and we've let them back into it too easily.

    "But we've been more than matching sides so far this season and we're still unbeaten, having played two of last season's play-off sides. So, I'm happy with our start, we just need to be more clinical in front of goal".

    The Wood's manager Luke Garrard opined, "That's a massive point, given the i nuries we've got. I praised the boys at half-time but I did tell them we can't keep having first-half performances like that.

    "They [Altrincham] should've been two or three up at half-time. We've scored all our goals [this season] in the second half so far. It's not right; we want to be leading games early on.

    "But we got the goal after the break and tried to push on but we looked tired. The new normal [of added time] is taking its toll on us".

    ALTRINCHAM 1-1 BOREHAM WOOD

    In a match which Alty could equally well have won or lost, this third draw out of four fixtures this season left them in tenth place.

    Altrincham had the better of the first half against an uncharacteristically error-prone Boreham Wood. They took the lead in the 32nd minute through one of those errors by the visitors as a promising link up between Amaluzor and Conn-Clarke seemed to have faltered with the latter's poor touch.

    Above: Regan Linney wheels away after scoring Alty's goal.

    But the Wood gifted possession back to Linney who drove a fine, low shot past Ashmore.

    There was a further double-blow for the Wood in first-half added time as they substituted the injured Owens, himself a post-warm-up replacement, just as Mo Sagaf looked to suffer a bad injury, the player having to be helped off the field, supported under both shoulders.

    But the second half saw Altrincham barely threaten the Wood goal and the visitors deservedly levelled after 61 minutes. An impressive run up the left to the byline by Ilesanmi resulted in his laying on a virtual tap-in for Ndlovu.

    After that it was the Wood who created the greater pressure but the afternoon ended level

    Match report here.

    Above: Regan Linney is congratulated on his goal.

    THE WOOD'S VIEW

    Following the 1-1 draw at the J. Davidson Stadium, Boreham Wood concluded that they "were once again, better in the second half than the first. They were behind at half time, thanks to a goal from Regan Linney, before a second half equaliser from Lee Ndlovu, ensured a point apiece for both sides. Luke Garrard named an unchanged line up from Wednesday defeat against Solihull Moors...

    Boreham Wood started the game very well... On sixteen minutes a thirty-yard piledrive from Chris Bush was well saved by Ethan Ross in the Robins goal. The hosts then dominated for the rest of the [half] and has soon had three opportunities to score..

    Right: Regan Linney is policed by Boreham Wood's Jamal Fyfield.

    On thirty-one minutes, Altrincham took the lead when an uncharacteristic error from David Agbontohoma let in Linney, who finished well past Ashmore in the Wood goal. Six minutes later the hosts should have added a second when... Chris Conn-Clarke who was one on one with Ashmore, but Jamal Fyfield somehow got back to make a tackle...

    Boreham Wood were better after the break and played on the front foot more... Just after the hour mark, Wood equalised through Ndlovu who owed his goal to the work of Femi Ilesamni. Ilesamni went on an excellent run from his own half when he went past James Jones as if he wasn’t there before delivering an inch perfect cross and all Ndlovu had to do was guild it in.

    It looked at this point like Boreham Wood would go on to get the winner, but Altrincham were organised and resolute in defence...

    After a poor first half, it was a good point for Luke Garrard’s men".

    ALTY OLD BOYS

    Phil Jordan has been busy tracking the activities of former Alty players and loanees this weekend.

    On Friday, in Australia :, CONNOR HAMPSON's Oakleigh Cannons ended their season with a 5-0 home thrashing of Moreland City, who would have been relegated had either of the two sides below them won

    Championship : JOSH GINNELLY was an 85th minute substitute for Swansea City in their 1-1 home draw with Coventry City.

    League One : JUNIOR QUITIRNA, a 61st minute substitute, was booked in added time as Fleetwood Town fell to the only goal of the game at Derby County.

    ALISTAIR SMITH was an 80th minute substitute for Lincoln City in their 1-0 defeat at Shrewsbury Town.

    League Two : ELLIOTT NEWBY was a 76th minute substitute for Barrow on his return to Edgeley Park, but could not prevent his side losing 1-0 to Stockport County.

    CONNOR JENNINGS gave Tranmere Rovers a 6th minute lead at Prenton Park, but visitors Salford City eventually triumphed 3-4.

    National League : ASHLEY HEMMINGS (right) was a 62nd minute substitute for Kidderminster Harriers in a 0-0 draw at home to Bromley - both sides finished with ten men.

    TYRESE SINCLAIR was substituted after 68 minutes of Rochdale's 2-0 home win over Eastleigh.

    It was 2-2 at Southend United when the hosts brought on DAN MOONEY, but visitors Hartlepool United went on to win 2-3.

    National League North :

    At Alfreton Town there are now four ex-Alty men, even after CONOR BRANSON moved to Farsley Celtic. Three of the four, LEWIS SALMON, KENNEDY DIGIE and HARRY PERRITT were all in the Reds' squad on Saturday, whilst YUSIFU CEESAY was not.

    NPL : ROSS BARROWS scored to put Ilkeston Town 2-0 up against visitors Workington. Although AIDY ROXBURGH reduced the arrears before the interval, Ilkeston went on to a comfortable 6-1 victory.

    JAMES HARDY scored the final Macclesfield goal in a 3-0 home win over Gainsborough Trinity.

    JOHN JOHNSTON (left) gave Matlock Town a 9th minute lead at Morpeth Town, and they went on to build a 1-3 lead just after the hour. Morpeth reduced the arrears in the 88th minute and forced a 3-3 draw in the 98th minute.

    A JOSH HANCOCK penalty on the hour sealed Radcliffe's 2-0 win over Hyde United.

    Southern League Central Division : MONTEL GIBSON then scored twice as AFC Telford thrashed visitors Nuneaton 7-0.

    BRENDON DANIELS scored both goals in Stourbridge Town's 2-0 home victory over Barwell"

    19 August 2023

    SATURDAY FIXTURES

    Saturday, 19 August

    NEXT: BOREHAM WOOD

    Although he is only 37, Luke Garrard has managed Boreham Wood since 2015, following a career which included league appearances at Swindon Town, followed by almost 100 appearances for AFC Wimbledon and well over 100 games for Boreham Wood.

    Despite a couple of flirtations with the wrong end of the National League, he has steered the unfashionable club to four top-nine finished in the last six seasons.

    Although they had a relatively poor latter-half of the season, they finished sixth last season with a team that was parsimonious in defence, conceding the fewest goals in the division, 40 in 46 games. Alty conceded twice as many goals (82).

    However, they were also short on goals at the other end of the pitch, netting just 52 times, whereas Altrincham netted 68 goals.

    The Wood won 2-0 at Moss Lane but Alty took a point from Boreham Wood in the reverse fixture.

    On the eve of today's match, Boreham Wood announced that "the contract extension of Chris Bush on a new deal that will see the defender remain at Meadow Park until the end of the 2024/25 season, with an option to extend his stay for a further season.

    The 31 year-old defender joined the Wood in late December of last year and had an instant impact on the backline. Since his arrival, Bush has made 29 appearances for the Wood...

    The powerful defender has also added a threat to our attacking unit with his long throw...

    Manager Luke Garrard commented, 'It shows where we are as a club. I think it’s fair to say he’s been one of our most consistent performers since he joined us'".

    ALTY THROUGH THE YEARS

    Courtesy of Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's data on previous Altrincham fixtures, we are able to record the list of the club's previous matches on today's date, 19 August, when they entertain Boreham Wood.

    Right: In Alty's match at Matlock, six years ago today, Tom Hannigan heads clear, as Lewis Short looks on.

    The Through the Years records underline how far the club has come in recent years, with three of the last four Alty games on the 19 August date being lower down the pyramid in the Northern Premier League, against Gateshead (2000), Marine (2003) and Matlock Town (2017).

    Indeed the most recent match on 19 August, which was away at Matlock in 2017, was not only a defeat for part-time Alty but was witnessed by just 457 spectators and the result left Altrincham in 23rd place of tier three of the non-League pyramid.

    In contrast, this Saturday, six years later, is likely to witness around 2,000 spectators at Moss Lane to watch an unbeaten full-time team, lying eighth in the top tier of non-League.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    It is not just Altrincham whose recruitment this summer has included dipping into Scottish football, but at Kidderminster Harriers the club has "bagged the loan signing of Motherwell midfielder Barry Maguire until January.

    The 25 year-old is a product of The Well Academy system, having progressed through the ranks at Fir Park to make 60 Scottish Premiership appearances and the better of 100 for the club overall.

    Maguire comes to Aggborough in search of more first team action...

    Explained boss Russ Penn ... 'He will fit in perfectly with what we’re doing... We’ve been chasing him for a good ten days now... It’s coincided with Shane [Byrne] getting injured, so we’ve had to snowball it a little bit. We’ve fought off a lot of competition for Barry '".

    18 August 2023

    NEXT: BOREHAM WOOD

    Boreham Wood visit Altrincham on Saturday, having surprisingly lost 1-2 at home to Solihull Moors on Wednesday evening.

    Boreham Wood report that "A goal in each half from Solihull Moors players Mark Beck and Jamey Osbourne was enough to ensure Boreham Wood’s first defeat of the season, despite a spirited comeback after a David Agbontohoma goal in the first of eleven minutes stoppage time.

    Luke Garrard made one change to his starting line-up following Saturday’s 2-0 win against Halifax Town with Lee Ndlovu coming in for Tyrone Marsh up front...

    The visitors were dominating proceedings and playing some nice football. They got their reward on thirty-nine minutes when Mark Beck headed in from a Kade Craig corner to give the visitors a deserved lead...

    Boreham Wood came out for the second half in a more positive frame of mind; the[y] really took the game to Solihull in the first few minutes. They forced a succession of corners...

    On fifty-three minutes, just when it looked like Boreham Wood would score, the visitors went up the other end and added a second. What a goal it was. From twenty-five yards out, Jamey Osbourne’s powerful drive gave Ashmore no chance at all...

    The flow of the game was interrupted by a head injury to Solihull’s Matty Warburton, causing a break in play for several minutes. When play resumed, the visitors still had the upper hand...

    Just when the fourth official indicated, there would be eleven minutes of stoppage time, David Agbontohoma pulled one back for Boreham Wood, with a header from a Chris Bush throw in... Boreham Wood then laid siege to the Solihull goal and forced a succession of corners... before referee Greg Rollason called a half to proceedings.

    It was a well-deserved victory for the side from the West Midlands and Boreham Wood weren’t quite at the races."

    Boreham Wood lined up as follows:

    Eight of the above players were in the squad at Alty last January for the corresponding fixture, they were Nathan Ashmore, David Agbontohoma, Femi Ilesanmi, Chris Bush, Erico Sousa, Lee Ndlovu, Tyrone Marsh and Jamal Fyfield For Alty, James Jones, Lewis Baines, Eddy Jones, Isaac Marriott, Chris Conn-Clarke and Elliot Osborne were the six who were in the January squad and also played last Tuesday at York.

    This week, for Altrincham, aside from the four Academy graduates, the only members of the first-team squad yet to start a game or be used as substitute are Ollie Byrne (on loan at Cork City), Liam Brockbank, Jake Cooper, Matt Gould and new signing George Burroughs.

    On the injury front, Jason Donawa was said by Phil Parkinson to be sidelined for two weeks.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    The Business Magazine tells us that "Dorking Wanderers FC... is on the cusp of breaking into the English Football league.

    To fund its ambitions the club started a fundraising campaign on Seedrs, hoping to raise £180,000 for the business. As of today the club has raised £260,308, with a total of 452 investors.

    This overperformance puts the club in strong steadings [sic] to achieve its ambition of transitioning to the level required to consistently compete for promotion.

    The club wants to invest in a number of revenue-generating commercial infrastructure projects including the development of academy and community playing facilities, plus food and beverage services and hospitality upgrades that will generate commercial revenue opportunities and improve matchday and community experiences...

    The club needs at least £2 million for commercial infrastructure projects, with the aim to give the club new ways to make a more significant income, to support growth on and off the pitch...

    Club Manager, Owner & Chairman, Marc White, said 'We have gone from paying a fiver on a local park to having 1,000 active members. We never really had a plan and we just pieced things together as we went along, but perhaps 12 to 14 years in we started to have these little pipe dreams...

    'It was, over time, an ever-expanding hobby, but it became properly serious when we reached the National League.'"

    York Press advises that "Alex Woodyard and Michael Duckworth are set to face long-term absences from the York City squad, whilst Adam Crookes is potentially back available for the Minstermen’s match away to Aldershot Town on Saturday...

    After sustaining a calf injury in the pre-match warm-up against Altrincham on Tuesday night, Michael Morton has confirmed that Woodyard is potentially facing up to two months on the treatment table, whilst Duckworth remains absent after picking up a knock in the opening day defeat to Wealdstone.

    Crookes however has recovered from a dead leg and participated in training today, whilst Kevin Joshua also returned after suffering from illness.

    Morton also confirmed that the club were in conversation for a number of players to depart the club on loan, with some to come in, and that the off-the-field issues as revealed on Tuesday had been settled...

    Morton explained... 'It’s done, everyone was back on the training pitch today'".

    Southend United foresee that next opponents "Hartlepool United will pose a tough challenge on Saturday... with six points from their first three games ahead of this weekend’s clash at Roots Hall. On John Askey’s men, Maher said... 'The manager knows the league well too so I don’t see them having the problems a lot of [relegated] teams have had... They’re a good footballing side...

    'We’re proud of our start on the whole,' said Maher...

    Harry Cardwell [is] top of the charts on three [goals] from three... 'Cards has got his goals and started well. He’s a big player for us and the work he does for the team he’s really important'".

    17 August 2023

    POST-YORK

    In an audio Altrincham FC interview with Brian Flynn, manager Phil Parkinson was generally pleased with his team's performance at York but was disappointed to concede one goal to an individual mistake and another from a dead-ball situation.

    He was particularly impressed by the improved form of midfielder Elliot Osborne (right) who is now "one of the first names on the teamsheet" after losing his place towards the end of last season.

    NEXT: BOREHAM WOOD

    On Saturday, Altrincham host Boreham Wood.

    The corresponding fixture last season was on 28 January 2023 when the visitors, despite arriving with just one league win in their last dozen outings, went home with a 0-2 win.

    In mitigation, Alty had suffered the recent loss of three forwards (Newby, Colclough and Jennings) and with the arrival of three loanees (Gyasi, Oyedele and Welch-Hayes), Altrincham went into the game in a state of transition.

    Above: Alty line up before the January game against Boreham Wood.

    Toby Mullarkey, with rumours of interest from Grimsby Town in the air, was again absent. Later it was Rochdale who bought Mullarkey only for him to move on to Grimsby after the Dale were relegated.

    Both goals in this match stemmed from Boreham aerial balls. Alty fell behind in the 26th minute when a Bush long throw was sliced out by an Alty defender. The resulting corner was met by a clean and unchallenged header by Evans as goalkeeper Byrne failed to get anywhere near the ball.

    Three minutes later it could have been 0-2 from another corner as the ball was met by another header from Evans but it came back off the cross-bar.

    Within three minutes of the second half it really was 0-2 and what a poor goal it was to concede! Bush's long throw from left was misheaded by Lundstram back to the corner-taker. Bush looped a cross towards the back post where Ilesanmi bundled it into the net.

    ALTY CEO INTERVIEWED

    Altrincham FC's new CEO, John Williams, has been interviewed by press and media officer John Edwards after his first month in post.

    There is "A lot to do", he said before outlining his impressions of the club and plans for the future.

    WEDNESDAY GAME

    Wednesday, 16 August 2023

    Altrincham dropped to eighth after Solihull Moors' win took them above the Robins on Wednesday night.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    The Hartlepool Mail reports that "York City boss Michael Morton has commented on the absence of Dan Pybus from his squad with the midfielder linked with a move to Hartlepool United.

    Pybus had been included in the Minstermen’s squad ahead of their National League fixture with Altrincham on Tuesday, with Morton naming the 25-year-old on the bench after starting both of York’s first two games of the season.

    But just minutes prior to kick-off against Altrincham, the club confirmed two changes to the squad as Paddy McLaughlin replaced Alex Woodyard in the starting line-up with Mitch Hancox replacing Pybus on the bench – Pybus subsequently not involved at all.

    It comes after speculation Pybus is the subject of interest from Hartlepool... Pybus is a player who Askey knows well after the Hartlepool boss brought him to York last summer from Dunfermline Athletic.

    The 25-year-old became a key player for the Minstermen last season".

    The Oxford Mail tells us that on Tuesday night "Oxford City conceded late on as they were beaten 2-1 at home to Vanarama National League promotion favourites Chesterfield.

    The visitors scored at the closing stage of each half, with a Tom Naylor header giving them the lead before half-time, and former Northern Ireland striker Will Grigg bagging the winner with two minutes to go in the second period.

    Sandwiched in between, Josh Parker grabbed his third goal of the season with a volley inside the six-yard box.

    Hoops head coach Ross Jenkins said: “That one probably hurt more than Rochdale. We’re disappointed to concede that type of goal, but I thought we were different class. I thought we had done enough.. We’ve set our standards now. To concede the late goal, a bit against the run of play, was a sucker punch after scoring a really nice goal.'”

    At Southend United "Ruing the amount of chances Blues missed in the first half, Head Coach Kevin Maher said he was 'bitterly disappointed' after [a] 2-1 defeat away to Dorking Wanderers.

    Harry Cardwell’s third goal in three games gave us the perfect start... but an equaliser resulting from an error changed things and Blues never fully recovered.

    Maher said 'We were in good control of it after getting the early goal and we had plenty of chances... and we’re disappointed to lose it from a set piece'.

    One positive from the evening was Oli Coker’s first Blues start after he scored in the first two games of the season. On the couple of changes he made with Coker and also Dan Mooney coming in, Maher said... 'We thought a couple of fresh ones would help us today, and it did in the first half... What we can’t do [because of the signing embargo] is freshen up at the right times, but hopefully that will change'".

    Southend United's "Gus Scott-Morriss said 'I think we let ourselves down today. In the first 30 minutes I thought we were excellent... We’ve won two and lost one so it’s not the worst start'".

    16 August 2023

    YORK CITY 2-2 ALTRINCHAM

    For this game on Tuesday night, manager Phil Parkinson sprang a surprise, bringing in Sam Roscoe and Joey Jones for their first starts of the season, as he opted to rest wingmen Matty Kosylo and Justin Amaluzor who moved to the bench.

    A disappointing first-half showing by an Alty side shorn of its wingers had them losing 2-1 at the interval against a lively York City. The Minstermen dominated the opening stages and deservedly took the lead after nine minutes. The goal came from a corner, conceded by a great save by Ross from an Akinyemi shot. The corner from the left was nodded back to Harriott to slot home.

    Alty improved midway through the half and they deservedly levelled with a well-taken goal by Conn-Clarke from a Banks feed (37 mins).

    Left: Matty Kosylo's goal extended Altrincham's unbeaten run this season at York.

    But within ninety seconds Altrincham conceded a second goal as Roscoe erred on the left and Akimyemi fed Harriott who netted. Harriott had been the Colchester man who put Alty out of the FA Cup in 2015.

    When Phil Parkinson finally brought on Kosylo and Amaluzor, the two combined within a minute of arriving on the pitch. Kosylo netted from close range, after Amaluzor's shot had been pushed out to him by the keeper, to make it 2-2 (66 mins).

    Both sides went looking for a winner but, despite eight added minutes, it ended 2-2.

    Before kick-off York had made a post-warm-up change as Woodyard dropped out, McLaughlin started and Hancox was added to the bench

    Match report here

    STRANGE GOINGS-ON AT YORK CITY

    York Press reports that York manager "Michael Morton admitted that he was ‘let down’ by a certain York City player ahead of the 2-2 draw with Altrincham, and confirmed that there had been no interference from [owner] Matt Uggla in selecting the starting eleven.

    After the team was leaked on an online forum yesterday and speculation grew that Uggla had selected the team for tonight’s match [v. Altrincham], Morton was quick to shut down the rumour, but did hint that a certain York player had let the manager down tonight.

    It’s thought to be midfielder Dan Pybus, who was originally in the squad before being removed, with Pybus said to be of interest to John Askey’s Hartlepool United.

    Despite the selection confusion, City did go on to clinch a 2-2 draw with Altrincham after goals from Dipo Akinyemi and Callum Harriott secured a first point of the season for the Minstermen.

    'I’m disappointed we didn’t go on and win it, but I’ve just said to the lads there that I thought we put an absolute shift in', Morton told BBC Radio York. 'There’s a lot of stuff we went on just before the game, some players have let us down, which really annoyed me.

    'We had to shuffle the pack a little bit and then them [sic] players are critical for what we need to do when players can’t get 90 minutes. There was [sic] players out there that shouldn’t have played 90 minutes, you could see at the end that we were absolutely flagging.

    'We’ve got six players on there that weren’t fit enough, we’ve had to rotate to get the personnel and we’ve had to get Lenny into midfield and Mitch into left-back.

    'There was lot to deal with tonight, and they gave absolutely everything. I am just disappointed that we switched off, little bits of information talking about the [Alty] players coming on, we know one’s a lefty [Amaluzor] and we’ve passed the information on. He’s rolled on in the inside and then they’ve tapped in at the back. I’ve said to them that they’ve had a great game there, but they just need to switch on...

    'But the main thing for me was that we were exciting tonight. I stay out of all of that (on Pybus’ rumoured interest from Hartlepool United). We give people an opportunity and they don’t want to take the opportunity, it’s up to them'...

    Morton also confirmed that Alex Woodyard had suffered a calf injury in the pre-match warm-ups, before confirming that there had been no interference from Uggla".

    NEXT OPPONENTS: BOREHAM WOOD

    Next Saturday, Altrincham host regular play-off contenders Boreham Wood.

    The Wood are in action tonight, Wednesday, when they entertain Solihull Moors. A win or a draw for them would take them above Alty who are currently lying seventh, two places above the Home Counties' team.

    ALTY OLD BOYS

    Here is a midweek round-up from Phil Jordan of Alty old boys who were in action on Tuesday night.

    National League : There was no score when Kidderminster Harriers withdrew ASHLEY HEMMINGS (left) after 76 minutes at AFC Fylde, but the hosts went on to win 2-1.

    By the time he was substituted in added time, MARCUS DINANGA had scored twice at Dagenham, as Gateshead won 2-4.

    DAN MOONEY was substituted for Southend United after 72 minutes at Dorking with the scores level, but the hosts went on to win 2-1.

    RYAN COLCLOUGH was booked in the opening minute of Chesterfield's game at Oxford City, JAMES BERRY was substituted after 56 minutes, and JEFF KING came off the bench in the 71st minute. Chesterfield won 1-2.

    TYRESE SINCLAIR opened the scoring for Rochdale at Woking, but to no avail as the hosts won 3-2.

    League One : Trailing 3-0 at Bolton, Fleetwood brought on JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 80 minutes, and he was credited with the assist for their consolation goal in added time.

    CARL PIERGIANNI was also credited with an assist, this one for Stevenage's opening goal in their 1-2 win at Cambridge United.

    Within two minutes of ALISTAIR SMITH coming off the bench for them, Lincoln City went 0-2 up at Northampton Town but the hosts fought back to draw 2-2.

    League Two : TOBY MULLARKEY (right) was substituted in the 86th minute as Grimsby Town won 2-0 at home to Salford City, who played must of the second half with ten men.

    CONNOR JENNINGS was credited with the assist for the opening goal as Tranmere Rovers convincingly beat Harrogate Town 3-0 at Prenton Park.

    National North : LEWIS SALMON scored the winner in Alfreton Town's 2-1 home win over Peterborough Sports.

    Northern Premier League : TOM PEERS opened the scoring for Macclesfield as they won 3-0 at home to Matlock Town, as did JORDAN HULME in Radcliffe's 4-2 home win over Lancaster City, who were reduced to ten men after 28 minutes.

    VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

    Before this week's midweek games, the Blackpool Gazette reported that "Adam Murray has high hopes for Josh Kay as AFC Fylde look to make their mark in the National League this season.

    Kay, a former youngster with the Coasters, rejoined the club last week having departed Barrow AFC after five years.

    Fylde’s head coach told The Gazette 'He’d trained with us for a little bit.... He stood out straight away. There was never any question about his quality and the attributes he brings. He had a few offers from the EFL and we knew we would have to do something special in terms of getting him to play his football for us; for him to choose us was really pleasing...

    'He’s got pace and power, he’s got goals and assists in him and he can play in a number of positions'...

    Fylde have opted for evolution rather than revolution in terms of their squad. Six new faces have come in, though Murray hasn’t ruled out further business...

    'We’d probably like one more in the building,' he confirmed."

    According to the NL Paper "Dorking Wanderers are one of the more well-known National League teams, and that’s not only for some of their entertaining results on the pitch. They’ve got a reputable YouTube series...

    The club finished 16th in the National League for the 2022/23 season...

    Dorking certainly surprised a few on matchday one, as they pushed title favourites Chesterfield all the way away from home. They were even ahead before the hour mark of that game...

    There is a strong core group of players that White can build around for this year’s campaign, with the likes of Aaron Kuhl, Seb Bowerman, James Prior, George Francomb, and Josh Taylor being some of those. There’s the ideal mix of youth and experience in their starting XI... There’s no reason as to why they can’t make a push for a top-seven finish in the National League...

    If they can continue to recruit smartly, then they could turn out to be the surprise package in the National League this season".


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    Alty Files Website Index

    The following pages, which initially replicate those pages with the same web addresses which formed part of the official Club website, will be re-branded from 2018 as part of this new unofficial Alty Files site.

    A/Z Site Index to The Alty Files at www.altrinchamfc.co.uk