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NEXT MATCH
Saturday, 8 February 2025
BRAINTREE TOWN (Home) 3pm
Vanarama National League match


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8 February, 2025

TODAY: BRAINTREE TOWN

Altrincham play their 28th league game of the season today (Saturday) when Braintree Town are the opponents.

After losing four of their first eight fixtures this season, Alty have only lost three more games in the next 19 National League fixtures.

Their fourteen home games have included just one defeat and six draws in addition to their seven home victories.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that, on Friday, in the Northern Ireland Premiership, SAM ROSCOE was fortunately not badly injured last week, and played the full game for Linfield as they drew 2-2 at Ballymena.

JOHN KING TRIBUTE

Altrincham FC has reminded us that yesterday was the second anniversary of the death of former player and manager of Altrincham, John King.

Joe Ward has produced a video tribute entitled 'JOHN KING: A LEADER OF MEN', which "includes interviews with three members of Altrincham's greatest ever team and John's son, David".

WIN AND DEFEAT FOR ACADEMY TEAMS

On Wednesday in the National League U19 Alliance North Division, Altrincham Academy lost 3-0 against Boston United at the Jakemans Community Stadium

Boston United report that "Will Green bagged a hat-trick as Boston United recorded a comprehensive victory on Wednesday afternoon.

Green opened the scoring from the penalty spot during the first half of United’s home clash against Altrincham.

He went on to complete his treble with two brilliant finishes after half-time, as the Pilgrims made a welcome return to winning ways".

In the thirteen-team division, the result leaves Boston level on points with Altrincham but behind the Robins on goal difference in tenth and eleventh places respectively.

There was better fortune for the other Academy team in the National Football Youth League North West Championship 1. They won 4-3 at home (Egerton) against Yorkshire Amateur FC U19.

With Louie Fallon in goal, they lined up alphabetically as Christopher Antoniades, Charlie Hough, Ryan Knowles, Kian Leckey, Jacob Martin, Callum McCormack, Harry St Romaine, Jimmy Taafe, Max Whittle, and Harley Renshaw

On the bench were Jacob Hill, William Knowles, Nathan Taylor, Kyran Webster and Noah Lavin. Antoniades, Knowles, Lavin and Webster were the Altrincham scorers.

The win leaves Altrincham second, three points behind the Steven Gerrard Academy Kirkby who have been docked three points. However, the Merseysiders have a game in hand on Altrincham.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday, 8 February 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Dagenham & Redbridge "confirm that we have mutually agreed to part ways with our club captain and goalkeeper, Elliot Justham, with immediate effect...

Elliot first joined us in 2016 and quickly established himself as a key figure within the squad.

Over the course of nearly a decade, he made over 350 appearances for the Daggers, consistently demonstrating outstanding ability, professionalism, and leadership...

Appointed as club captain, Elliot led by example both on and off the pitch... We are incredibly grateful for everything he has given to this club and for the loyalty he has shown over the years".

Footnote: His farewell interview does not explain why the decision has been made in mid-season.

He has been granted a testimonial at Victoria Road in May. Justham has been ever-present this league season in the Daggers' goal.

In response to Justham's departure Dagenham & Redbridge announce that "Louis Jones has agreed to join the club for an undisclosed fee from Doncaster Rovers on a deal until the end of the season...

Jones signed his first professional contract with Doncaster Rovers in March 2017... He played his first League game in the 2-1 Doncaster win over Portsmouth on 2 March 2021...

In July 2024, Jones joined League of Ireland Premier Division side Waterford on loan for the remainder of the 2024 season".

At Woking, the "Club is pleased to announce the signing of Junior Morias.

The 29-year-old forward joins on loan from League Two side Notts County until the end of the season.

Morias came through the Wycombe Wanderers academy, making 27 appearances before leaving for Boreham Wood... He then moved to St Albans City, where 11 goals in 23 games saw League One Peterborough United swoop in for his services. Spells with Northampton Town and St Mirren would follow, including a return on loan to Boreham Wood before signing permanently with then-National League side Kings Lynn Town... before Dagenham & Redbridge paid a fee... before Notts County signed him in March 2023...

Morias joins the Cards following a successful loan back at the Daggers earlier this season...

Director of Football Jody Brown added 'Junior has been on our watchlist since December... He can play all three forward positions...

'He’s played with Inih [Effiong], Adam Chicksen and Frank Vincent before too, so that continuity that we value so highly should evolve quite quickly.'”

Wealdstone report that on Tuesday night "In a frustrating night for Wealdstone, the match saw spurned chances and a red card. We spoke to Stones gaffer Neil Gibson after... his team's narrow 1-0 defeat to Tamworth...

'Extremely disappointing; it was a game we felt we could attack and win three points from...

'This isn't a negative about Tamworth in any shape or form; they are good at what they do, have great team ethic, work for each other, they don't build up; they get the ball forward. They are very structured in how they want to play the game...

'We want to play in a certain way; we want to keep hold of the football and keep them (the opposition) penned into their own half; that is the plan. Teams like Tamworth like to play the mid-block and counter. Obviously, when we went down to ten men, it made it more difficult...

'Everyone's getting used to me, but ultimately, we won't accept settling, we won't accept not being at our best; starting off poor, we won't settle for losing and drawing. We want to win games of football. I know that I've got a good, honest group of players, and they want the same.'"

The player who scored Wolverhampton Wanderers' under-21s' goal against Altrincham recently will now face the Robins again later this season as Solihull Moors report that Moors are pleased to confirm the loan signing of Ethan Sutherland from Premier League side, Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The 18-year-old wing-back arrives at Damson Park on loan for the remainder of the season... after signing for the Old Gold in August 2024 from St. Mirren...

The youngster already has first-team experience having made 16 appearances for Scottish League One outfit Alloa Athletic...

Sutherland has also spent time playing as a winger which provides Moors cover in multiple areas of the squad".

Ebbsfleet United "have added experienced defender Josh Passley on loan from Bromley until the end of the season.

The 30-year-old right-back signed for Bromley ahead of the 2023/24 season and played 35 National League games...

Passley is a familiar figure to Fleet fans, having played against us numerous times for Havant & Waterlooville and Dover Athletic in the past.

A product of Fulham’s academy, he went out on loan to Shrewsbury Town and Portsmouth... making a permanent switch to Dagenham & Redbridge in the summer of 2015...

Passley spent four seasons at Crabble in the National League with Dover".


7 February 2025

LINNEY IS "HUGE FOR US"

In the Sale & Altrincham Messenger press and media officer John Edwards writes that "Phil Parkinson likened Regan Linney’s impact for Altrincham to Chris Conn-Clarke’s last season after a dramatic last-minute winner took the Robins through to the quarter-finals of the FA Trophy...

Linney broke the deadlock in spectacular style with a 90th-minute strike from a seemingly-impossible angle after cutting in from the left...

Right: Regan Linney seen in action against Jamal Fyfield in 2023. Back then, Fyfield played for Boreham Wood but he is likely to face the Alty man again on Saturday, this time as a Braintree Town player.

'You can play the best football in the world, be as organised and tactically aware as you want and have the best manager and players in other positions, but if you haven’t got the best forwards who can stick chances away, you don’t get anything in this game' [said Parkinson]...

'I’ve given him a lot of plaudits, and he has lived up to every one of them with that goal... He is huge for us, and we are lucky that we had a player bang in form who was able to deliver when we needed it most. I told the players beforehand to give him the ball as much as possible, because he is doing what Chris Conn-Clarke did for us last season'" concluded the Altrincham manager.

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

Altrincham face Braintree Town tomorrow (Saturday) at the J. Davidson Stadium.

Depending on results elsewhere, with a win the Robins could return to the play-off places. However, a defeat could see them drop several places into mid-table.

In what is likely to be a tight game against the newly promoted side, Altrincham will have winger Lucas Weaver available again after he had been cup-tied for last weekend's FA Trophy match.

Although the nature of his injury has not been made public, left-back Eddy Jones is expected to be missing again, and midfielder Isaac Marriott is likely also to be sidelined with his injury. Ollie Crankshaw did not appear in the squad last Saturday but whether that was just part of the cautious reintroduction of the player after his ACL lay-off or whether he has a niggle of some kind, is not clear.

Preston loanee Kian Taylor has yet to get on the pitch but he and his Deepdale team-mate Kacper Pasiek are likely to be, at least, in the matchday squad tomorrow.

ELLIOT INTERVIEWED

On Alty TV midfielder Elliot Osborne has been interviewed by press and media officer Brian Flynn.

Left: Elliot has been awarded the captain's armband on occasions this season.

Firstly they spoke about the FA Trophy win over Eastleigh.

Elliot revealed that when Alty lost in the Trophy semi-finals two years ago, it was his third disappointment at that stage of the competition, having suffered the same fate with Phil Parkinson's Nantwich Town and with Stockport County!

In the match against County, Elliot's current Alty team-mate, Tom Crawford, played for Fylde.

Having been at Altrincham for just over three years, he is into his fourth season with the club and feels that "This is the toughest season, there are more teams that are competitive this year".

Elliot added that "If we can improve our away form more consistently I don't see how we don't make it to the play-offs".

To date, Elliot has made 131(+17) appearances for Altrincham and scored three times.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports on Thursday's action in League Two, where, despite only having 10 goals attempts compared to visitors Doncaster Rovers' 21, Chesterfield, for whom RYAN COLCLOUGH was a 76th minute substitute, won 5-2.

And Phil also updates us on news from the Australian NPL, where CONNOR HAMPSON and his Oakleigh Cannons team mates got off to a disappointing start to the new season, going down at home 1-2 to Avondale. Due to issues with the club's Facebook page, no lineup is available for the game, but Connor has retained the number 3 shirt this term.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Derbyshire Times says that Chesterfirled's "Branden Horton has completed his move to Gateshead. The left-back, 24, has joined the National League side on a permanent deal after two-and-a-half years at the Spireites after the two clubs ‘reached an agreement’. His contract was set to expire in the summer.

He said... 'The style of play here, everything suits me very well. I want to play every week, and I wasn’t playing much at Chesterfield anymore, so I wanted to try and get away...

'He has made 12 appearances in all competitions but only two of those were league start... Horton departs having made 68 appearances in total".

Some 350 miles away at Yeovil Town, Gloverscast reports that "manager Mark Cooper has said that he hopes the side’s enforced rest from competitive action will only be seen as a positive, if the group return with a ‘new energy’ heading into the final months of the season.

The Glovers haven’t played since January 25th when a second half collapse... saw Rochdale run out 4-0 winners.

There’s been change a plenty at Huish Park in the last few days... after [goalkeeper] Ollie Wright returned to Southampton and Aidan Stone join the club.

Cooper said 'We got the opportunity to sign a permanent goalkeeper through circumstance really, that somebody that’s moved into the area. It’s something that we felt, for the long term future, we had to do. Obviously Southampton recalled Ollie, and he’s gone straight back out to Solihull... He played every minute of every game [at Yeovil].

'[Aidan’s] got a little bit more experience. He’s played League football'...

Aidan Stone will be joined at Huish Park another player with Port Vale connections. Vale’s James Plant returned to the club on loan for the remainder of the season".


6 February 2025

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

Braintree Town arrive on Saturday on the back of gleaning eight points from their last four fixtures. That includes draws with Aldershot Town (away) and Hartlepool United (home), plus two wins, both 1-0, at home to Solihull Moors and away at Ebbsfleet United.

That is their best run of the season, identical to Altrincham's form in the same number of games. This good form has followed a troubled start to the campaign after the Iron's promotion via the play-offs last season.

Just a single win came in their opening ten fixtures this season and manager Angelo Harrop subsequently lost his job. He was replaced by Steve Pitt who has guided Braintree to eighteenth place. In addition tot the uplift in league form, Pitt has guided his side to an unbeaten top place in their group of the National League Cup.

With just 28 league goals scored in 29 National League outings, Braintree are the division's lowest scorers apart from the bottom two clubs. However, they have conceded the fewest goals (jointly) of any team in the bottom ten of the National League.

Braintree have made heavy use of the loan system and their starting eleven last weekend included no fewer than six loanees.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 6 AND 8 FEBRUARY

As well as being the 67th anniversary of the Munich Air Disaster, today's date of the 6 February falls again on a Thursday, just as it did in 1958.

As for Altrincham, their last game on 6 February was in 2018 when they beat Ashton United 3-2 in the Vanarama National League North.

It has not been an auspicious date since then as there have been two postponements on this date since the 2018 game.

On 6 February 2021 an away trip to the English Riviera was postponed after Torquay United had a clash with an FA Trophy tie. That led to a Tuesday trek to Devon four days earlier than the planned fixture, which Altrincham won 2-1.

And in 2024 a home fixture with Dorking Wanderers had to be called off owing to a waterlogged pitch at the J. Davidson Stadium.

That again led to a 2-1 win for Altrincham when the game was actually played, on 5 March 2024.

Back to the present, Altrincham's next match is on Saturday, 8 February.

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years files remind us that, on this date back in 2011, Altrincham had a remarkable 12-1 home win over Alsager Town in a Cheshire Senior Cup semi-final.

The visitors had been rocked before the game by the departure of their manager and most of the first team but they kept going for 90 minutes and matched Alty in the corner-kick count.

Alty, giving debuts to goalkeeper Craig Dootson (left) and midfielder Mohamed Coly (right), opened their account after 12 minutes when Robbie Williams sidefooted home after a short corner by Baynes was played into the box by Brown. Nicky Clee made it 2-0 with a low freekick from outside the box after 22 minutes.

Baynes then dribbled through three challenges to score a fine third goal four minutes later. Beesley made it 4-0 after 35 minutes when a Baynes shot deflected to him, left of goal. A minute later, Beesley scored again from a Brown feed to leave Alty 5-0 ahead at the interval.

Twiss replaced Beesley at the break and then youth team captain, James Smart came on for Clee nine minutes into the second half. Next, a Baynes shot was deflected into the net to make it 6-0 (57 mins). Sam Hewson got two goals in three minutes (64 and 67 mins), the second a tap-in after Wedgbury's shot had been blocked.

Despite an injury to Smart reducing Alty to ten men from the 73rd minute, the ninth goal was hammered home by Baynes in the 77th minute and, three minutes later, Wedgbury scored after his first efort had been parried (80 mins). Two superb long-range, lobbed efforts completed Alty's dozen; Baynes netted from 50 yards and Wedgbury from 40 yards (82 & 86 mins).

But Alsager got a deserved consolation goal in the ninetieth minute when the prostrate substitute Hart managed to head the ball in at the near post after a corner.

Since than Alty have played one game on 8 February. That was in 2020 when Alty drew 1-1 at home to Kettering Town in the Vanarama National League North.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The BBC reports that "All 72 National League clubs have written to the EFL Board demanding the introduction of three promotion and relegation spots between the two leagues from next season... A second promotion place was introduced in 2003 via the play-off system.

Although positive talks around extending that to three did take place between the National League and EFL, that has stalled. The Football League say they will deal with the matter once the soon-to-be-installed Independent Regulator has resolved the massive funding disagreement between the EFL and the Premier League.

National League general manager Mark Ives feels that means it could be up to four years before an additional promotion place gets discussed – and that is not good enough...

'We have a pyramid that is the envy of countries worldwide because you can go from the very bottom to the top, purely on sporting merit. But there is a blockage in the jump between National League and EFL. Two-up, two-down is simply unfair'...

There are 15 former EFL clubs in the National League. Over the past decade, eight out of the 19 teams relegated from League Two have been promoted...

'I am often asked why would clubs in League One and League Two vote for it,' said Ives. 'I prefer to look at it another way. If you slip through that very narrow trap door and have to try and climb out of it, you want to give yourself the best chance you can to progress'".

For more on this, please see the Altrincham FC website.

We read in the Telegraph & Argus that "Supporters worried about the future of their team’s stadium hope enough people will sign a petition to trigger a council debate about a potential sale.

The FC Halifax Town fans say they need 2,000 signatures for the petition which may give them chance to speak...

Two professional teams, football’s FC Halifax Town and rugby league’s Halifax Panthers use the Shay, but a budget decision taken last year saw cash-strapped Calderdale Council announce it sought to divest itself of responsibility for running the stadium....

But in January it was announced Huddersfield Giants owner Ken Davy wanted to buy The Shay and move his club to play there until they built a new stadium of their own.

An alternative proposal from a group of fans that it is run by an independent, not-for-profit trust is also on the table.

Senior councillors are due to choose... on Monday, March 17.

Mr Davy has said he will fund improvements to the ground to bring it up to Super League standard, but a combination of grant funding and interest free loans from him to both clubs would be used to pay for a new pitch.

Mr Davy has also said he will offer the ground back to both clubs for them to purchase once the Giants move out...

The supporters say they want to council to retain the freehold and that, should Huddersfield Giants be allowed to use the Shay, to permit this on a licence-only basis... Petitions with 2,000 or more signatures can trigger a full council debate on the issue".

Southend United "announce the signing of goalkeeper Nick Hayes from Barnet for an undisclosed fee.

The 25-year-old shot-stopper has put pen to paper on a permanent contract that will keep him at Roots Hall until the summer of 2026.

It will be Hayes’ second spell at the Shrimpers, having featured impressively during a one-month loan in October 2023.

Hayes [stated]... 'I didn’t take much convincing at all to be honest, I knew I wanted to come back...

'I had a great spell at Solihull last year and thought I did well at Barnet this year too'".

At the other end of the counry Hartlepool United tell us of the "signing of left-back Jack Robinson...

The 23-year-old signs at the Prestige Group Stadium after spending the last two years at Carlisle... Robinson started his career in the North East with Middlesbrough...

He made one appearance in the Championship for Boro, while gaining National League experience on loan at Yeovil Town in 2021/22.

The following season saw Robinson join Carlisle on a temporary basis, which was later made permanent... Robinson now joins Hartlepool on a permanent deal...

Robinson stated... 'It’s been around a month since I first heard of Hartlepool’s interest and I’m really excited to have everything sorted.'....

Head Coach, Anthony Limbrick, added... 'He’s a left-back who will provide great competition in that area of the pitch, but he’s also versatile and can play in other areas'".

Next Tuesday, Altrincham face Oldham Athletic where the Latics "announce the signing of Joe Pritchard on a deal until 2 June.

He joins Latics after mutually terminating his contract with MK Dons where he made four appearances for the club.

A versatile player, Joe can operate in positions all along the midfield with the left side being his predominant...

Joe said... 'The opportunity to come back up north was perfect for me... I’ve had a year where I’ve not played as many games as I would have liked... I knew I was trying to get out of MK for a while, but the move was probably done within two or three days...

'I can play in multiple positions, I can use both feet, and I feel I’m quite tactically aware of the game'...

Pritchard’s career began at Tottenham, joining the academy in July 2013... before being released in 2018.

The following summer, Joe joined Bolton Wanderers on a free transfer... In the summer window of 2019, Accrington Stanley came calling for Joe’s services... In his five year spell he made 112 appearances... before in July 2024 he joined MK Dons on a free transfer".


5 February 2025

MOORS VISIT REARRANGED

Altrincham's progress in the Isuzu FA Trophy means that the league fixture at home to Solihull Moors, set for 1 March, has had to be rearranged.

It will now be played on Tuesday, March 25th at 7.45pm.

This makes it now the fourth successive home fixture for Altrincham in a sequence of five home games in six league matches.

SEVEN AWAY GAMES IN EIGHT FIXTURES IN FOUR WEEK PERIOD!

The draw in the FA Trophy on Monday that despatches Altrincham to Rochdale on 1 March made an already taxing schedule of six away games in a sequence of seven fixtures into one of a single home match in a run of eight fixtures compacted into a spell of just four weeks.

The sequence, after Saturday's home game against Braintree Town, is now as follows...

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

Braintree Town may be 18th in the National League but they arrive at the JDS in good form, lying joint sixth in the recent form guide, having gained 11 ppints from their last six league fixtures. The teams have an identical results' sequence (WLDWWD) and having scored nine goals in those six fixtures.

On Saturday The Iron were robbed of three points by a 97th minute equaliser from Hartlepool United.

Braintree Town that they "suffered the cruelty of a late, late leveller to deny then three points in Saturday afternoon's 1-1 draw with visitors Hartlepool United.

Braintree were arguably the better of the two sides before the break but turned around goal-less. Jermaine Francis finally broke the deadlock with twenty minutes remaining...

The TeesSide club threw bodies forward late on with keeper Henry Gray making a couple of stunning saves before substitute Miley levelled in the seventh minute of the six added on to secure his side a point".

HIGH-SCORING WIN FOR ALTY WOMEN

Altrincham FC Women showed no signs of a drop in orm after the announcement of the departure of their manager last week.

On Sunday in the Cheshire Women's & Youth Football League Premier Division, Altrincham FC Women won 6-3, away at Newton-Le-Willows Ladies, thanks to a strong second-half performance

It was a great day for Kira Saycell who struck four times. The other goals came from Ash Gilmore and Grace McArdle.

The Altrincham line-up in A/Z order was Ash Gilmore, Elise Jones, Holly Lloyd, Natalie Lowe, Grace McArdle, Brianna Morrison, Libby Newton, Emily O'Leary, Rhianna Pickering, Kira Saycell and another player unnamed on the league website.

Although Alty remain top of the Division, they are pursued by second place Nantwich Town Ladies who have no fewer than five games in hand and just a three-point deficit to bridge.

PASIEK STAYS

Despite a report at the weekend from @Polskitransfers that "Kacper Pasiek returns to Preston North End after a month on loan with Altrincham", the left-back is staying at Altrincham who report that "Kacper Pasiek's attacking exploits have already endeared him to Altrincham fans, and they will be on display for another month after he agreed to extend his stay at The J.Davidson Stadium".

"The 19-year old left-back [scored]... with a stunning strike from outside the area in last week's National League Cup win over Wolves under-21s.

He was due to return to his parent club Preston North End after completing a month on loan... but Alty have arranged with Kacper and his club for him to remain with us for a further month...

Director of Football Marc Tierney (left) said... 'He has shown up really well in the games he has played so far, and it was a superb goal he scored against Wolves. That will have been great for his confidence, and everyone can see what a bright spark he is going to be for the team.

'The way he linked up with Kahrel the other day was really exciting to see...

'I'm really happy with the squad at the moment. It's looking really strong'...

Alty first became aware of Kacper after playing a bounce game at Preston a couple of months ago", writes John Edwards.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that in League One, OWEN DALE has gone on loan to Wigan, and "is eligible to face Fulham in the FA Cup on Saturday". This is strange, since he was sidelined by parent club Oxford United with an ankle injury last week.

League Two : Apparently Gillingham only scored two goals in January or, more accurately, they were given two goals by their opponents. The club's "Goal of the Month" award has therefore been bestowed on Grimsby Town defender Doug Tharme. Jordan Turnbull of Tranmere Rovers may need to be comforted by team mates CONNOR JENNINGS and CHRIS MERRIE.

It isn't often that 6'7" MARCUS DACKERS (right) finds himself on the pitch with a taller opponent, but having played the whole game in Morecambe's 2-1 away defeat at Newport County, he found himself facing 6'9" Kyle Hudlin, who entered the action after 85 minutes.

Meanwhile his parent club, Salford City, reacted to a two goal half time deficit at home to Bromley with a triple substitution on the restart - KEVIN BERKOE was one of those taken off.

National League : Another former Robin not to last the whole game was JOSH LUNDSTRAM, who was replaced at Rochdale in the 54th minute by Oldham Athletic's new signing from Yeovil Town, Matt Worthington. His teammate REAGAN OGLE completed the full match as Rochdale, with KYLE FERGUSON (right) on their bench, lost to their neighbours by the game's only goal.

There was a full shift from KENNEDY DIGIE as Tamworth also found a single goal sufficient at Wealdstone, who had Max Kretschmar dismissed in the 64th minute after picking up two yellow cards in the space of 3 minutes. Wealdstone drop into the bottom 4 after AFC Fylde surprisingly won 1-2 at Halifax.

National North : Hereford won by the only goal at South Shields scored by YUSIFU CEESAY - his 4th in the last 5 games.

EFL Trophy : Stevenage were knocked out of the competition by visitors Birmingham City - again a single goal did the damage. There was a yellow card for CARL PIERGIANNI.

NPL Division 1 West : Having trailed at half time to visitors Wythenshawe Town, Runcorn Linnets turned things round to take a 2-1 lead through RYAN BROOKE. However, they couldn't hold on to their advantage, having to settle for a 2-2 draw.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE RESULTS

There were four away wins in the National League on Tuesday night.

Tuesday 4th February 2025

ALTY MISS OUT IN COMPUTER PREDICTION

The updated "SuperComputer" prediction of finishing places in this seasons' Vanarama National League, provided by JeffBet makes the following forecasts...

"Barnet to win title and return to EFL, York to miss out on automatic promotion by TWO POINTS, Maidenhead set for relegation

Barnet will win the National League title and make a long-awaited return the EFL, according to the JeffBet SuperComputer.

Having not played EFL football since suffering relegation from League Two in 2018, it is predicted the Bees will edge out York in the National League title race by just two points.

The SuperComputer predicts that Dean Brennan's side will finish first with 96 points, ahead of York with 94 in second. Forest Green Rovers will also come close in the title race, finishing third with 93 points.

Micky Mellon's Oldham Athletic are set for a fifth-place finish with Rochdale one place above them in fourth, while Gateshead and Halifax make up the remaining top-seven places.

Despite the continuation of their remarkable performances under Phil Parkinson for another season, Altrincham will miss out on a consecutive play-off campaign.

Sutton United, Hartlepool United, Solihull Moors, Yeovil Town and Southend are all set to suffer disappointment by failing to make the play-offs, too.

At the bottom of the table, the SuperComputer suggests Tamworth, Braintree Town and AFC Fylde will avoid relegation while Alan Devonshire's Maidenhead United will be relegated.

Joining Maidenhead in relegation will be Woking, Boston United and Ebbsfleet United".

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Ebbsfleet United have "extended Alex Aoraha’s loan stay... until the end of the season.

The 22-year-old arrived from QPR in December for an initial 28-day loan spell which was extended for a 28 days last month.

Aoraha has featured 10 times for the Fleet in the National League.

Aldershot Town "have signed West Ham United striker Brad Dolaghan on loan until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old signed for West Ham in the summer after impressing at National League South side Worthing, where he scored seven goals in 11 first-team appearances last season.

There has been a further addition to recent arrivals at Victoria Road as Dagenham & Redbridge "confirm that Rafiq Khaleel has agreed to join the club for an undisclosed fee from Crawley Town on an 18-month deal.

Rafiq played youth football for Camden Elite and Cheshunt. On 28 February 2020, Khaleel signed a two-and-a-half-year deal for League Two club Crawley Town...

He joined Premier League side West Ham United on a trial spell in April 2021.

In November 2021, he joined Southern League Premier Division South club Kings Langley on loan until January 2022... On 1 February 2022, Khaleel joined Southern League Premier Division South side Gosport Borough on loan for the remainder of the 2021–22 season...

On 30 December 2022, Khaleel made his first league appearance for Crawley... After making 14 league appearances during the 2022–23 season, Khaleel signed a new two-year contract in June 2023."

Boston United "have completed the permanent signing of Livingston midfielder Olly Green.

The 21-year-old made eight appearances for the Scottish Championship outfit – having moved north of the border from Hull City last summer.

Green's international switch was registered ahead of the transfer window closing on Monday evening ".

At Yeovil Town the Glovers "announce the signing of Notts County Goalkeeper, Aidan Stone, who joins us on a deal until Summer 2026.

The Stafford-born goalkeeper began his career in non-league football before earning a move to Burnley in 2017...

Stone went on to play for Mansfield Town, Port Vale, and Notts County, making 85 Football League appearances across the three clubs.

Stone played a key role in Port Vale’s promotion to League One in 2022... keeping a clean sheet in the final at Wembley. He was named the club’s Young Player of the Year that season."

The BBC reports that "Tamworth have signed Arjan Raikhy from Premier League club Leicester City for the rest of the season.

The 21-year-old Wolverhampton-born midfielder, who joined Leicester from Aston Villa's youth section in August 2023, arrives to bolster a Lambs side who sit 15th in the table, eight points clear of trouble".

Woking "confirm that Cardinal Football Group LLC, led by Todd Johnson, has completed its acquisition of a majority stake of Woking FC.

As part of the transition, three new members have been appointed to the Woking FC Board of Directors...

The three new board members will join existing board members, Todd Johnson, Drew Volpe, Emanuele Palladino and George Burnett, the Cardinal Trust representative.

The Club also extends its thanks and gratitude for the dedication of departing board members John Katz, Gareth Farrell, and Dave Curtis, who is departing the Club after years of service across various roles, and we wish him the best in all of his future endeavours.


4 February 2025

ROCHDALE TREBLE

Having drawn Rochdale in the FA Trophy Sixth Round, Altrincham now face the Spotland club three times before the end of the season. Rochdale are the only side that have not faced Altrincham so far during this league campaign.

Alty should have played the away league fixture against Rochdale on New Year's Day but Dale's waterlogged pitch put paid to that game. It will now be played on 11 March, just ten days after the FA Trophy clash. The return fixture at the J. Davidson Stadium is the Easter Monday fixture for both clubs.

League postponements at Rochdale mean that the club has to accommodate a further 13 home National League games as well as this FA Trophy tie over the next 13 weeks on its troubled playing surface. They also have ten away league fixtures to fulfil in the same period, so 24 games to play in all. Given the problems with their pitch it remains to be seen if they decide to switch at least some fixtures to another stadium.

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

Braintree Town first visited Altrincham for a Vanarama Conference match played on Saturday, 18 October 2014. Alty won 1-0.

Right: Tom Marshall deals with a Braintree attack in the 2014 match at Moss Lane.

In a match of attrition, rather than flowing football, Altrincham opened the scoring much against the run of early play. The goal arrived in the 27th minute when Nicky Clee finished, right-footed, after Shaun Densmore had got into the box and played a one-two with James Lawrie. Referee Toner almost lost control in the second half when he booked six players, four of them in a five-minute spell, after he had failed to give a clear foul against Damian Reeves.

ALTRINCHAM: 1 Stuart Coburn, 2. Shaun Densmore (c), 5. Gianluca Havern, 16. Tom Marshall, 6. Scott Leather; 4. Jake Moult; 8. Simon Richman, 25. Peter Cavanagh, 11. Nicky Clee, 7. James Lawrie, 10. Damian Reeves. Subs: 9. Steven Gillespie, 14. Kyle Perry, 15. Greg Wilkinson, 17. Dave Parton 18. Sean Williams.

PASIEK STAYS

Despite a report at the weekend from @Polskitransfers that "Kacper Pasiek returns to Preston North End after a month on loan with Altrincham", the left-back is staying at Altrincham who report that "Kacper Pasiek's attacking exploits have already endeared him to Altrincham fans, and they will be on display for another month after he agreed to extend his stay at The J.Davidson Stadium".

"The 19-year old left-back [scored]... with a stunning strike from outside the area in last week's National League Cup win over Wolves under-21s.

He was due to return to his parent club Preston North End after completing a month on loan at Alty after Saturday's 1-0 Isuzu FA Trophy fifth-round home win over Eastleigh. But... Alty have arranged with Kacper and his club for him to remain with us for a further month...

Director of Football Marc Tierney said... 'He has shown up really well in the games he has played so far, and it was a superb goal he scored against Wolves. That will have been great for his confidence, and everyone can see what a bright spark he is going to be for the team.

'The way he linked up with Kahrel the other day was really exciting to see. There is some real great pace there, with his overlapping prowess, and I'm sure that will come into fruition over the course of the next month...

'I'm really happy with the squad at the moment. It's looking really strong'...

Alty first became aware of Kacper after playing a bounce game at Preston a couple of months ago and immediately singling him out as an ideal candidate for strengthening the left side of defence, particularly in the wake of Eddy Jones picking up an injury", writes John Edwards.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Tuesday 4th February 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

According to the Hartlepool Mail Lennie Lawrence has confirmed that he is taking a step back from his role as manager, with head coach Anthony Limbrick taking charge.

It was widely expected that Limbrick, who has managerial experience with the likes of Woking, Welsh powerhouse The New Saints and Gibraltar's Manchester 62, would take over from Lawrence at some stage.

Lawrence confirmed he has decided that now is the right time for Limbrick, who has impressed in his role as head coach, to take the reins.

'I've recommended to the board, to the club, to the owner, that we should flip it, me and Anthony,' Lawrence, who will continue as an assistant, told the Hartlepool United website".

At the other end of the country, Yeovil Town "announce the return of James Plant, who joins Yeovil Town on loan from Port Vale until the end of the season.

The 20 year old first arrived at Huish Park in late September, scoring twice in 11 appearances for the club. Unfortunately, his time was cut short when he picked up an injury...

Now fully fit, Plant is ready to return to the south west".

Port Vale add that "Plant, 20, signed his first professional deal with the club in April 2023 and spent the first half of this season on loan with the Glovers where he played ten games in all competitions claiming two goals and two assists in the process".

At Barnet, manager Dean Brennan reflected on "a difficult game here against Tamworth, and a huge amount of credit and respect to them.

They’ve come a long way, coming off from back-to-back promotions to get where they are... But we are also here to do a job, we have also worked hard to be where we are"...

Talking of his goalkeeper, Brennan added, "I’m also really impressed by Owen Evans performances today, he pulled off some incredible saves and that is what we brought him here to do... We are the only side in the top four to come here and get the win which says a lot really.

There were some strong challenges today I believe we deserved more than what was awarded. Some challenges looked to be in what I thought was close to great bodily harm".

At the other end of the table, AFC Fylde "confirm that striker Offrande Zanzala has left the club by mutual consent.

The former Barrow forward played 14 times for the Coasters after signing in the summer".

Meanwhile at Southend United> the club "are delighted to confirm James Golding’s loan has been extended until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old joined the club on a short-term loan at the beginning of December... The centre back has made a total of six appearances for the Shrimpers and is now due to remain at Roots Hall until May".

Solihull Moors "confirm the loan signing of Sonny Fish from Crawley Town until the end of the season...

The forward arrives on loan from Crawley Town for the remainder of the Vanarama National League season having recently spent time on loan with National League South side Welling united...

Head Coach, Matt Taylor, expressed his delight... 'Sonny is different to the strikers we have in the building... he’s a really combative centre forward who’s got a point to prove'".

Also at Solihull Moors "Ackeme Francis-Burrell joins Stafford Rangers on a One-Month loan deal.

The midfielder joined Moors back in November 2024, arriving from Burnley and has since gone on to make two first-team appearances in the Isuzu FA Trophy and Birmingham Senior Cup".

Sutton United point out that "Following his senior debut for the U’s against West Ham United in the National League Cup, Sam Roberts returned to Sutton Common Rovers in search of regular game time...

Junior Eccleston has continued his stint with Walton & Hersham and impressed at the heart of the Swans’ backline.''

Furthermore, Vinnie Tume made three starts for South Park Reigate...

Surrey-based outfit Ashford Town have also aided the development of two young U’s. George Vorster appeared six times in total... Liam Moore also continued to spend time with Ashford Town, and also made six appearances for the Tangerines either side of a National League Cup appearance for Steve Morison’s side, becoming the club’s youngest ever captain against West Bromwich Albion.

In addition, Jay Williams appeared just once for Merthyr Town after his loan was extended on Boxing Day".

York City "are delighted to announce the signing of Junior Luamba on loan from Salford City.

Luamba joins up with the Minstermen for the remainder of the season.

The 21-year-old forward began his career at Oldham Athletic where he moved up through the youth ranks... He scored two goals in 32 appearances in League Two as well as the National League.

In 2023 Junior earned himself a move to Salford City where he has gone on to make 37 appearances in all competitions...

Manager Adam Hinshelwood said 'He’s a different option for us with his pace and power.'".

Bristol Rovers report that they "can confirm [goalkeeper] Jed Ward has returned to the Club from his loan spell at Forest Green Rovers.

Ward has been an ever-present for Forest Green Rovers this season, playing all 28 games and keeping ten clean sheets to help Steve Cotterill's men to third place in the National League.

The academy graduate signed a new contract with the Pirates last March and returns to the Gas for the second half of the season, looking to build on his 24 senior appearances for the Club in all competitions; a run which saw Ward named the 2023/24 Young Player of the Year."


3 February 2025

ALTY DRAW ROCHDALE AWAY IN FA TROPHY

In the draw for Round Six of the Isuzu FA Trophy, which took take place this afternoon (Monday) on talkSPORT2, Altrincham were drawn against Rochdale, away.

For the second time running Alty have drawn the toughest tie, having been the only NL club to face NL opposition in Round Five. They now face the highest placed team left in the competition.

Games are on 1 March.

As well as five clubs from the Vanarama National League, (namely Woking, Aldershot Town, Sutton United, Rochdale and Altrincham), three other teams are in the sixth round. They are Sittingbourne (step 4), Spennymoor Town (step 2) and Oxford City (step 2).

In the FA Vase, the draw was:

KACPER'S TEAM-MATE JOINS

Left-back Kacper Pasiek's was joined on Saturday's substitutes' bench at Altruncham by his Deepdale team-mate Kian Taylor.

Despite reports to the contrary at the weekend from @Polskitransfers that "Pasiek returns to Preston North End after a month on loan with Altrincham", he is staying at Altrincham

Like Kacper, Kian (right) did not get onto the pitch but will be hopeful of action next Saturday when Braintree Town visit the J. Davidson Stadium.

Kian, pictured right, is a midfielder and he has been brought in to bolster Alty's resources in that area in the continued absence of Isaac Marriott.

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

Alty TV has extended highlights of the FA Trophy game with Eastleigh.

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

In a Vanarama National League match, Braintree Town visit Altrincham next Saturday for the first time since 2016. Since then both clubs have experienced lower-league football.

The Iron first reached the top-flight of non-League football under the Cowley brothers' management in 2011-12 when they finished twelfth in their inaugural season; Alty at the time were in the level below. Improvement over the succeeding seasons saw Braintree finish third in the top level in 2016.

However, the next season they were relegated back to National South.

Next, after finishing sixth in the South, they returned to the National League for 2018-19, only to finish 22nd once again and return to the South.

After five seasons, they finished fifth and again used the play-offs to earn promotion back to the top level.

So they met Altrincham first in 2014-15 with Alty winning the home game 1-0 before crashing to a 4-2 defeat in the return game, which was the last match of that season.

The 2015-16 season was a disaster for Altrincham and the 0-4 home defeat to The Iron was a particularly low point. It was a 3-0 defeat at Braintree, again in the final match of the season, which confirmed Alty's relegation that year.

So this is the first season that the clubs have met since then. Alty's unhappy time in Essex resumed in 2024 as they lost 2-0 to the newly promoted club in front of just 726 spectators, the lowest crowd to watch Alty this season in the National League.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan informs us that on Sunday, in League One, Bristol Rovers were three goals to the good when they introduced JOEL SENIOR from the bench against Peterborough United after 84 minutes. Although his team reduced the arrears in added time it must have been a frustrating afternoon for CHRIS CONN-CLARKE who played the full match.

And in Poland, after a spell on the sidelines with injury, MAXI OYEDELE (right) was named on the Legia Warsaw bench as they resumed action in the Polish Ekstraklasa following the winter break.

Legia made hard work of their home game against Korona, who started the match in the relegation zone. Having gone behind to the side from Kielce, Legia were reduced to 10 men midway through the first half, and having equalised, they missed a penalty in added time before the break.

Maxi joined the action in the 77th minute and picked up a late yellow card as the game petered out into a 1-1 draw.

DAVE'S TEAM BOWS OUT OF VASE

Altrincham FC groundsman Dave Jones is also the manager of Atherton Laburnum Rovers.

On Saturday they entertained Bourne Town in the FA Vase Fifth Round.

Following a 2-2 draw, LR bowed out of the competition, losing 5-4 on penalties.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

The Halifax Courier reports that "Writing in his programme notes for the home game against Ebbsfleet United, Town chairman David Bosomworth says 'We recognise that there is concern for everyone regarding the future of The Shay stadium and how negotiations include FC Halifax Town.

'We are making a brief announcement shortly effectively saying there is nothing more to report at this juncture following the well publicised announcement on January 8.

'We can give a brief insight into possible situations regarding the pitch and floodlights, on the basis that nothing is finalised".


2 February 2025

"WE FANCY OUR CHANCES" SAYS NEIL

After the win over Eastleigh in the FA Trophy Fifth Round, assistant manager Neil Sorvel told the NL Paper, "It was a tough game. They are a team that don't give you a lot.

Right: Phil Parkinson, far right, instructs his players during a break in play against Eastleigh.

"They've come with a game plan, allowing us to have a lot of the ball, but limited [us] to half chances. And it was nearly effective, until that superb goal from Linney.

"This is a competition [in which] we've not done as well as we should have recently.

"But we're two games from Wembley and we fancy our chances".

Eastleigh boss Kelvin Davis said, "We limited their chances and the lads put a real shift in. We had moments but sometimes it doesn't go for you.

"We're up against it at the minute in terms of having some key players out so we came with the idea of being hard to beat. And we were a couple of minutes away from the lottery of penalties".

ALTRINCHAM 1-0 EASTLEIGH

Altrincham progressed to the last eight of the Isuzu FA Trophy thanks to a ninetieth-minute goal from Regan Linney.

The Alty leading scorer got past Brindley on the left before cutting in along the bye-line to plant a shot into the far corner of the net. On a difficult, soft playing surface, it was a deserved win against a functional Eastleigh side.

The first half had been, at best, a mediocre spectacle but play became more open after the break. Neither keeper was particularly busy as defences dominated.

Alty gave a first league start for more than three months to Justin Amaluzor as Crankshaw dropped out of the squad.

Match report here

The draw for the Sixth Round takes place on Monday on TalkSport radio around 3.30pm.

Right: Regan Linney made a point to referee James Oldham as the players left the field at half-time.

THE MANAGERS AFTER THE GAME

George Allen interviewed Phil Parkinson for Alty TV after the game.

Phil observed that "The pitch is really difficult, it allows them (opposition) to get after us" and restricts our normal style of playing, forcing us to go a bit more "direct".

He paid tribute to Eastleigh's performance given their many player absences (including McCallum, Quigley, Shade and Taylor).

Phil also thought that "On another day Justin Amaluzor comes away with a hat-trick". The manager admiited that he had not intended to play Justin for 90 minutes but kept him on because of his physiciality against a big team like Eastleigh.

There was also praise for the supporters for acting as a "twelfth man" today.

Eastleigh boss Kelvin Davis was also interviewed after the game. "We had moments in the game that could have gone our way", he said.

Some Eastleigh people felt the ball had gone out of play in the build-up to Linney's winning goal but the manager could not judge whether it had or had not.

SOLIHULL GAME OFF

Owing to Altrincham reaching Round Six of the Isuzu FA Trophy, the home league game scheduled for Saturday, 1 March, against Solihull Moors, will be postponed and rearranged.

PASIEK GOES

Preston North End left-back Kacper Pasiek was an unused substitute on Saturday and it now appears that he has returned to parent club Preston North End.

However, fellow North End loanee Kian Taylor has started his loan spell at Altrincham and he, too, was an unused substitute against Eastleigh yesterday.

Kacper made 2(+1) appearances and scored once whilst at Altrincham.

NEXT: BRAINTREE TOWN

Next Saturday, Altrincham welcome Braintree Town to the J. Davidson Stadium in a Vanarama National League game.

The Essex club drew 1-1 at home to Hartlepool United on Saturday and now sit 18th in the league table.

Alty dropped a place yesterday to eighth following FC Halifax's win over bottom club Ebbsfleet United.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan's comprehensive review of Alty Old Boys' activity on Saturday follows...

Championship : The scoring in Millwall's 2-1 home win over QPR all took place in the first 25 minutes, so DUNCAN WATMORE had no effect on the result when he was brought on after 80 minutes. Neither did JOSH GINNELLY who never left the bench as Swansea City were beaten 0-2 at home by Coventry City.

League One : CARL PIERGIANNI was at the heart of Stevenage's defence as they beat visitors Exeter City 4-1.

League Two : With the game at Cheltenham goalless, Chesterfield brought RYAN COLCLOUGH into the action after 72. Unfortunately it was the hosts who scored the game's only goal in the second added minute.

ALISTAIR SMITH was booked, but AFC Wimbledon scored the only goal against visitors Bradford City.

JOE HUGILL scored for Carlisle United after 88 minutes, but it wasn't much consolation as visitors Swindon Town, despite having less goal attempts than the Cumbrians, won 1-5. They were overtaken at the bottom of the league by Morecambe, for whom MARCUS DACKERS (right) rounded off the scoring in a 4-2 home win over Fleetwood Town.

The game at Newport County was goalless when Barrow brought on ELLIOT NEWBY after 68 minutes, but an own goal just 2 minutes later ensured that the points stayed in Wales.

Despite playing with 10 men from the 13th minute, Port Vale beat visitors Accrington Stanley 2-1. Stanley withdrew SONNY ALJOFREE after 79 minutes.

CONNOR JENNINGS was substituted after 82 minutes by Tranmere Rovers, who left CHRIS MERRIE on the bench as they lost 1-3 to visitors Colchester United.

KEVIN BERKOE was a 78th minute substitute for Salford City at the Bescot Stadium, where they had a two goal lead, but were eventually held 2-2 by league leaders Walsall. The Saddlers were 12 points clear until a run of only today's point from three games saw that lead cut to 7 points.

FA Trophy : Boston United had CONNOR TEALE (right) in their starting lineup at Spennymoor and he played the full game. The Pilgrims had been two goals up after an hour, but conceded twice to cause a penalty shootout. Spennymoor missed two of their spot kicks, but still won as Boston missed three. Connor was not one of the guilty men.

National League : REAGAN OGLE played the whole game for Oldham Athletic in their 1-2 win at AFC Fylde, but JOSH LUNDSTRAM was withdrawn after 82 minutes.

Things were back to normal at Braintree as LUKE WATERFALL captained Hartlepool United while BILLY SASS-DAVIES was left on the bench.The 1-1 draw was Hartlepool's 11th from their 29 league games.

TYRESE SINCLAIR put York City ahead in their home clash with Dagenham and Redbridge before being withdrawn after 81 minutes. By that time the visitors were level, but the Minstermen converted a late penalty to win 2-1 and leapfrog Forest Green Rovers into second spot, 6 points behind Barnet but with 2 games in hand.

National North : DIOR ANGUS (right) scored a late goal for Southport at Buxton, but the hosts, captained by CONNOR KIRBY, who was booked, won 2-1. There was also a booking for the visitors' LUKE BURGESS

A JONNY MARGETTS penalty earned King's Lynn a 1-1 draw against visitors Radcliffe.

NPL Premier Division : SAM HEATHCOTE'S 86th minute effort earned Macclesfield a 1-1 draw at Hebburn Town.

NPL Division 1 West: Having returned from Australia JOE PIGGOTT was given his debut by Atherton Collieries manager MICHAEL CLEGG, who was briefly Altrincham's chief scout. Collieries twice trailed to visitors Hanley Town, but recovered to win 4-2.

TOM HANNIGAN scored twice for Bootle, but they lost 4-3 at Congleton Town.

MASON FAWNS put Mossley ahead for the second time at home to Trafford, but our neighbours went on to win 2-3.

The only goal of Runcorn Linnets' victory at Newcastle Town was scored by RYAN BROOKE.

Player manager BEN HARRISON was on the mark from the penalty spot for Witton Albion at Hednesford Town, but an Albion side also including JAMES LAWRIE (who was booked), MAX HARROP, and Altrincham loanees LOUIE FALLON and JOEL BAILEY eventually succumbed 2-1.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : ZAK GOODSON rounded off the scoring as Quorn beat visitors Corby Town 3-0.

NWCL Premier Division : Another player coach on target was JOHN JOHNSTON (right) as Irlam drew 1-1 at FC Isle of Man.

Welsh Premier League Relegation Group : JOHN DISNEY put in a full shift as Connah's Quay Nomads opened this leg of their season with a 1-0 win over visitors Newtown.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE WEEKEND FIXTURES

Saturday 8th February 2025


1 February, 2025

ISUZU FA TROPHY ROUND FIVE

Saturday, 1 February 2025

THREE NEW FACES TODAY?

There will be three new faces to look out for today as Eastleigh visit Altrincham in the FA Trophy.

On the morning of the match, Eastleigh announced that they had "completed the loan signing of Ben Close until the end of the season!

Eight years on from his first loan stint at the club, Ben Close returns to the Spitfires on a loan deal from League Two side, Doncaster Rovers.

The attacking midfielder joins up with Kelvin Davis’ squad ahead of this afternoon’s Isuzu FA Trophy clash with Altrincham.

Throughout his youth career, Close was with Portsmouth FC. The 28-year-old made his first appearance for them in 2014... Close made just shy of 200 appearances...

At the beginning of the 2021/22 season, Close joined Doncaster Rovers. During his four seasons in South Yorkshire, he has made 93 appearances.

Last time Close was in Eastleigh, he made nine appearances during the 2016/17 National League campaign".

There will also be two Altrincham faces hoping to make their first starts for the club today. They are midfielder Regan Griffiths, who joined last week on a short-term contract; he was a used substitute in the midweek National League Cup clash with Wolverhampton Wanderers.

The other potential debutant starter is Kian Taylor, a 19 year-old midfielder who has joined his team-mate and fellow loanee Kacper Pasiek, on a loan at the J. Davidson Stadium from Preston North End.

TODAY: EASTLEIGH

Eastleigh face Altrincham at the J. Davidson Stadium this afternoon in the Fifth Round of the Isuzu FA Trophy. It is the only tie between two National League clubs, the other seven survivors from that league being pitched against lower league opposition.

Just two weeks ago, Altrincham won in the Vanarama National League at Eastleigh, 2-1, but Eastleigh had previously won the reverse league fixture at the JDS, so are the only team to have earned three points at Alty this season, to date.

At that time, the Spitfires were top of the Vanarama National League and they went on to win their first four league fixtures.

However, in the subsequent 24 league fixtures they have only won five times, to find themselves twelfth in the league, five places below Altrincham, despite having played an additional fixture.

They are managed by Kelvin Davis, who was appointed in February 2024.

Their leading scorer is Paul McCallum who has eight league goals to his credit but he has been out of action recently with an injury.

McCallum is one of eight over-30s to have played for Eastleigh in the league this season, underlining that they possess an experienced first-team squad, with an average age of 28.3 years. For Alty, 32 year-old Matty Kosylo is the only player over the age of 30 to have played in the league this season.

The Spitfires will also be without Tyrese Shade who is suspended following his red card in the league match at the J. Davidson Stadium a fortnight ago.

DIGITAL ONLY "ROBINS REVIEW"

On the eve of today's match, Altrincham FC announced that "the club have produced a reduced edition of our Robins Review matchday programme, and supporters can read this for free" via the above link.

[It] "includes articles from Co-Chairman Bill Waterson, Assistant Manager Neil Sorvel, a Altrincham Women's update from Erin Carroll and an in-depth look at our opponents Eastleigh. In addition, there's an updated list of all the key season stats, and Phil James looks at Alty's successes and heartache in the FA Trophy".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Atherton Collieries "announce the signing of midfielder JOE PIGGOTT, who returns to the Northern Premier League after a stint in Australia.

Piggott (right), who started in the ranks of the Everton and Rochdale academies, made the move to Scotland as a 17-year-old where he made two appearances for Dundee United, before returning to his native north-west with Warrington Town.

His performances with the Yellows earned a move back to the professional game with Wigan Athletic. Loan spells at Morecombe, Stockport County and Altrincham followed, before a permanent move to the Robins after a fine run of goalscoring form.

Piggott continued his form as a forward with further success at AFC Fylde, and has since transitioned into a midfielder, playing for [former Alty scout] MICHAEL CLEGG at Warrington Rylands before spending the last year in the Australian third tier with Pascoe Vale.

25-year old Piggott has also represented Nantwich and Radcliffe...

Michael Clegg adds... 'He's done well with Fylde and Alty. He's just such a good player, he's a great lad and a great character. Joe's going to be such a big player for us in the run-in'".

Footnote: Until this season Joe was the scorer of the last Altrincham FC first-team hat-trick, a feat achieved at Curzon Ashton. In all he scored four times in six appearances. He returned in 2021 and, by coincidence his second debut for Alty, like his first, was at FC United, this time in a home game switched from Moss Lane. And it was exactly two years to the day after his first debut in 2019.

His first period at Alty saw him score four times in six appearances, but his 2021 spell at the club proved less successful as he was unable to score in 8(+3) appearances, giving a total of four goals scored in 14(+3) appearances for the Robins.

Phil Jordan reports on Friday's fixtures involving former Altrincham players and loanees...

National North: It has been a difficult season Farsley Celtic, who have suffered through delays in installing a 4G pitch which has led them playing their home games almost 70 miles away at Buxton. There have been instances of players being paid late, and they have been forced to field a very young and inexperienced team. CONOR BRANSON (right) wasn't in the squad for tonight's "home" game against Alfreton Town, who ironically had to travel less than 30 miles for the fixture. HARRY PERRITT was in their side, as was LEWIS SALMON, who scored in their 1-4 win.

Welsh Premier League: Having scraped into the last spot for the Championship Group, Bala Town can expect the latter part of the season to be tough as they won't have any easy fixtures to look forward to. JOEL TORRANCE and his team mates started this new phase of their season by losing 1-3 at home to Caernarfon. JOHN DISNEY and his colleagues at Connah's Quay Nomads will hope to find life easier in the Relegation Group, where they open up tomorrow at home to Newtown.

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday, 1 February 2025

VANARAMA NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Another two new faces have arrived at Oldham Ahtletic as the Oldham Times tells us that the Latics "have signed young Barnsley midfielder Vimal Yoganathan on loan...

Manager Micky Mellon believes the 19-year-old will be an attacking asset... for the remainder of the season...

Said Yoganathan, who was on Liverpool's books at the age of just six, where he remained for seven years before joining Barnsley's Under 16s... 'The move came around fairly quickly, there was other interest but I feel this is a great opportunity for me to gain some much needed experience'...

Latics boss Mellon added... 'He loves getting on the football, wants to score goals and when driving forward he is a very, very talented player... Wwe’ve lost a lot of midfield players recently either from them moving on or injury'"

Also at Oldham Athletic the Latics "announce the signing of Matt Worthington from Yeovil Town on a deal until the end of the 2025-26 season.

Matt joins the club on a free transfer after making 22 appearances for the Glovers this campaign.

The 27-year-old joins with lots of National League pedigree, making 250 appearances for Yeovil in his six-year stint at the club.

'When I was presented with the chance to join, it was something I couldn’t turn down,' he said. 'The move came about very quickly to be honest, I found out yesterday it could get done so I headed up here this morning...

'I’m an aggressive midfielder, box-to-box, I like to get around the pitch and get on the ball. I’m all action'...

Born in Southampton, the midfielder’s youth career was based on the South Coast... before joining Yeovil in 2017, helping them to survive in League Two.

In the January transfer window in 2019, Yeovil Town... signed him on a free transfer... He was made club captain..

Micky Mellon said... 'Players like Matt are hard to find'".

The chairman at Yeovil Town responded to Oldham's signing (see above) by saying "Whilst I, as well as the club’s supporters, am saddened to see Matt go, I am also fully supportive and excited for him receiving what is a great offer and an exciting move for him and his career...

Matt has shown great loyalty and service to Yeovil Town, and I am always reminded of his commitment in staying with Yeovil Town after they were relegated to the National League South, despite offers he had at the time from clubs in higher leagues".

Following that departure, Yeovil Town announced "signing of Kyrell Wilson who joins on loan from Swansea City until the end of the season.

The 20-year-old initially joined Swansea on scholarship terms, having previously been part of Chelsea’s academy...

Earlier this month, the talented forward signed a new contract with the South Wales club".

Barnet "are delighted to announce the signing of experienced EFL striker Dom Telford on loan from Barrow until the end of the season.

The 28-year-old goal scorer joins the Bees from League Two side Barrow...

Dom began his career with Blackpool in 2014... before moving to Stoke City for the following three years... He went on loan to Bristol Rovers and later moved permanently to Bury...

In 2019 he transferred to Plymouth Argyle... But it was in 2021 where he had his breakthrough as he joined Newport County in League 2... Telford was the first Newport County player in nearly 40 years to score over 20 league goals for the club in one season...

He later decided to join Crawley Town in the summer of 2022, then later transferring to Barrow at the start of the 2023/24 season.

Gaffer Dean Brennan said, 'We’ve been in the market for a box player since last summer and have had to be extremely patient for this profile of player. We identified Dom over 18 months ago and have been tracking him on a regular basis.

The bottom line is Dom’s a killer in the box and the right fit for our system@">

York City "announce the loan signing of Lewis Richardson on loan from Burnley FC.

Richardson will join up with the Minstermen for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.

The 21-year-old forward began his career through the youth setup at Burnley where he worked his way up through the ranks to earn himself a spot in the senior team back in 2021. He made his professional debut that same year when he came off the bench to face Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League...

Lewis joined League Two Grimsby Town on loan for the first half of the 2022/23 season".

Dagenham & Redbridge confirm "that Aaron Loupalo-Bi has agreed to join the club on loan for the rest of the season from Fulham u21.

Aaron is a physical striker/winger who has been at Fulham since pre-Academy. In the 2022/23 season, Aaron proved himself as the most prolific Under-18s striker in the country. His 18 league goals, with 25 in all competitions, saw him claim the Golden Boot.

He was rewarded with his first professional contract that summer".

Also arrriving at Victoria Road is "Regan Clayton [who] has agreed to join the club on loan for the rest of the season from West Ham u21" reports Dagenham & Redbridge.

"The 20-year-old played every minute of West Ham United’s FA Youth Cup-winning campaign in 2022/23. He joined West Ham’s academy at just ten years old...

He was part of a bright group of young Hammers who recorded a historic 2022/23 season, clinching the Premier League South Division title and the FA Youth Cup".



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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