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NEXT MATCH
ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE
Saturday, 6 December 2025
ALDERSHOT TOWN (Away), k.o. 3pm

ALTY HEADLINES

OTHER HEADLINES

1 December 2025

HIGHLIGHTS OF ALTY v SCUNTHORPE UNITED

Alty TV has nearly 19 minutes of excellent video highlights of the Altrincham v Scunthorpe United game.

NINE OUT OF TEN FOR TWO ALTY MEN

The Non-League Paper awarded two Altrincham players nine marks out of ten for their performance on Saturday against Scunthorpe United.

Right: Matty Kosylo pictured in the match against Wealdstone in March 2025

Man of the Match Matty Kosylo was one recipient and impact substitute Olly Crankshaw was the other to receive the accolade.

But it was Crankshaw who made the NLP's Team of the Day.

For Kosylo, the arrival of new manager Neil Gibson has been helpful. In the first 15 league fixtures this season he had made 1(+6) league appearances totalling 128 minutes of pitch-time.

Since Gibson arrived he has been named in all six league squads and has made five starts, amassing 370 minutes of game-time.

Crankshaw, too, has had a vote of confidence in that he has been named in all six ENL games under Gibson apart from one when he was ill and has got on the pitch in each of those games, albeit for short periods. His four consecutive appearances was the first time ha had achieved that sequence since joining Altrincham.

A third man to benefit in terms of game time under the new regime is Charlie Kirk who has started five and been a used substitute in the sixth game in the ENL. In the previous 15 league matches before the change in managership he had started only four times.

WATERS FLOWING AGAIN

Billy Waters (left) joined Altrincham on loan from Oldham Athletic just in time to make his debut from the bench in Alty's trip to Wealdstone on 4 October 2025.

However, Waters stay soon became an unhappy one. Booked within minutes of joining both his debut game and his second match from the bench, in his third appearance he suffered a PCL knee injury which seemed to have ended his loan.

In all he had played for just 34 minutes excluding added time in the three matches in which he appeared.

His return to Oldham was confirmed by Phil Parkinson on 21 October 2025.

However, 31 year-old Billy has now returned to fitness and was seen lapping the pitch before the game against Scunthorpe United last Saturday.

ALTY OLD BOYS

On Saturday in the NPL Division One Midlands, BRUNO ANDRADE netted twice for AFC Rushden & Diamonds as they won 3-0 away at Coleshill Town.

Closer to home, in NPL Division One West Trafford's SEAN HIGGINS faced Congleton Town's REMI RAYMOND at Shawe View. The game ended 1-1 leaving Trafford still rooted to the bottom of the division, nine points from safety.

UNDER 19S' DEFEAT

Altrincham's National League U19 Alliance team lost 0-2 at home to Blyth Spartans in a match played at Wallsend on Wednesday (26 November).

Alty remain second bottom of the division having gained two points from their six fixtures played.

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

Altrincham are away to Aldershot Town next Saturday, The Shots having lost 5-1 last Saturday at the LNER Stadium from where York City report that "City extended the winning run to six games in the National League following an impressive second half performance.

It took just five minutes for City to take an early lead... It was Greg Olley with the magic header from a left-sided cross...

Less than ten minutes later and Aldershot grabbed an equaliser out of nowhere. Ryan Jones collecting the ball on the edge of the box before rolling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner... Aldershot were having a strong opening period and came close again when... James Henry... rattled the crossbar...

After a first half with City on the back-foot it was crucial for Maynard’s men to have a bright start to the second half. They couldn’t have asked for much more when the ball fell to Malachi Fagan-Walcott on the edge of the box who volleyed the ball right into the net to give York the lead once more".

The Minstermen went on to win 5-1 and leave Aldershot Town 23rd in the National League table.

Aldershot: Boyce-Clarke, Hargreaves, Jones, Henry, Hill, Ghandour, Nightingale, Sheckleford, Inwood, Tetek, Penney. Subs: Dewhurst, Frost, Thomas, Anderson, Rai, Taylor, Armitage.

30 November 2025

NEIL GIBSON'S VIEW

Alty TV has a post-match interview with manager Neil Gibson following the 4-2 win over Scunthorpe United.

He praised his assistant Lee Jones and former Manchester City man Andy Morrison for their set-piece coaching which has led to recent goals for the team.

Sam Barnes's injury against Scunthope United has been initially diagnosed as a back spasm so it is hoped that he will not be sidelined for long.

ALTRINCHAM 4-2 SCUNTHORPE UNITED

After 88 minutes Altrincham were undeservedly 1-2 down; after the minimum of four added minutes had been played in torrential sleet and rain, the Robins had won 4-2.

Match report here.

Right: Olly Crankshaw

SCUNTHORPE'S VIEW

Scunthorpe United's Jake Pullan reported on the match at Altrincham.

NEXT: ALDERSHOT TOWN

Altrincham complete their first return fixture of the season on Saturday when they travel to Aldershot Town, who were their opposition at the JDS on the opening day of the season. Alty won that game 3-2.

In October, The Shots lost their manager Tommy Widdrington who chose to leave them to drop down and take charge at Eastbourne Borough. They are now managed by John Coleman, best known as the former Accrington Stanley manager.

The Shots were heavily beaten on Saturday, 5-1 at York City, and lie second bottom in the National League.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 6th December 2025

There is a reduced ENL programme owing to the FA Cup Second Round taking place over this weekend.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that on Saturday in...

League One : ALI SMITH played the whole game as AFC Wimbledon, having led 3 times, eventually shared 6 goals at Huddersfield Town.

Shortly after Northampton Town opened the scoring at Home Park, Plymouth Argyle withdrew OWEN DALE in the 62nd minute. That did nothing to help their cause as the Cobblers added 2 further goals, taking full advantage of Argyle having a man sent off just 3 minutes after Owen's departure.

Surprisingly, Stevenage left CARL PIERGIANNI on the bench at Wigan Athletic, where they forced a goalless draw.

League Two : Given his appearance for Blackburn Rovers U21 in midweek, it's probable that CHARLIE OLSON'S loan spell at Oldham Athletic has been terminated. However REAGAN OGLE (left) was an unused substitute at Accrington Stanley, where they fell to the only goal of the game.

Both TOBY MULLARKEY and HARRISON HOLGATE played throughout Fleetwood Town's 2-1 defeat at MK Dons.

All the goals in Chesterfield's 1-2 home defeat by Swindon Town had been scored when they withdrew JAMES BERRY after 68 minutes.

A full shift from JAKE BICKERSTAFF couldn't prevent Cheltenham Town going down 2-0 at Cheltenham Town.

Barrow trailed 2-1 at Newport County when they withdrew ELLIOT NEWBY after 65 minutes, before coming back to draw 2-2.

Crawley Town are still without DANNY CASHMAN, and despite leading twice they lost 4-3 at Salford City, for whom KEVIN BERKOE was a 90th minute substitu

National League : Both goals in Wealdstone's 1-1 draw at Solihull Moors came before the break. Moors withdrew TYRESE SINCLAIR (right) after 57 minutes.

CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was withdrawn in the 91st minute, but REGAN LINNEY stayed the distance as Carlisle United eventually broke down the stubborn resistance of visitors Tamworth to win 2-1.

JUSTIN DONAWA picked up a yellow card, and was withdrawn after 65 minutes as Brackley Town lost 2-0 at Woking .

MATT PENNEY last started a league match for Aldershot at Altrincham on the opening day of the season. This afternoon was actually his first full match performance for the Hampshire club, but it ended badly for him at York City, for whom ALEX NEWBY put in a full shift as they won 5-1.

In the evening kick-off at Boreham Wood, JEFF KING completed ninety minutes for the home side who maintained their good form by beating FC Halifax Town 2-1

National North : MICHAEL GYASI (left) recently transferred from King's Lynn to Kidderminster Harriers, and he scored his first goal for them to give them the lead in their home clash with Chorley. He was substituted after 84 minutes as his new team went on to win 3-1.

SAM HEATHCOTE gave Macclesfield a half time lead, but visitors Scarborough Athletic fought back to draw 1-1.

Chester went ahead through DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY after 15 minutes at Spennymoor. TOM PEERS also started. Chester increased their lead, but it was to no avail as the game was abandoned due to waterlogging after 56 minutes, denying JAMES JONES the chance to join the action.

National South : ASHLEY HEMMINGS wasn't in the Dagenham & Redbridge squad at AFC Totton, but they won 0-5, largely due to Andy Carroll notching a hat trick in the first 33 minutes.

Maidenhead United hit 6 goals in midweek, and, while MILES WELCH-HAYES (right) and his colleagues were less prolific this afternoon, they comfortably won their home match against bottom club Chippenham Town 3-0.

Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE was withdrawn after 75 minutes as Linfield won their home game with Carrick Rangers 3-1.

Scottish Premiership : MARCUS DACKERS came off Kilmarnock's bench after 81 minutes of their 1-1 home draw with Dundee United.

NWCL Premier Division : SHERIFF NJIE put Cheadle Town ahead at AFC Liverpool, but the hosts earned a 2-2 draw in added time.

EMIRATES FA CUP FIXTURES

Second Round Proper

Friday 5 December 2025

Saturday 6th December 2025

Sunday 7 December 2025

Monday 8 December 2025

29 November, 2025

ALTRINCHAM 4-2 SCUNTHORPE UNITED

After 88 minutes Altrincham were undeservedly 1-2 down; after the minimum of four added minutes had been played in torrential sleet and rain, the Robins had won 4-2.

Although Altrincham had started well and had created, but spurned a couple of early chances, The Iron took the lead against the run of play in the 14th minute when Ubaezuonu's impressive over head kick found the net from a ball from the right.

Alty found an equaliser in the 34th minute from Crawford's clever near-post header, converting an Osborne corner from the right.

With centre-back Sassi suspended, his replacement Barnes suffered a back injury just before half-time and had to be replaced by midfielder Ward.

Left: Olly Crankshaw

In the second half Scunthorpe retook the lead just before the hour mark when a low ball from the left was smartly finished by Beestin (59 mins).

Alty struggled to find a leveller but, with time running out and manager Neil Gibson cutting an increasingly frustrated figure, Matty Kosylo converted a ball from the right from Reddin to level the score once again (89 mins).

The manager's spirits were lifted following an Alty corner, when the ball reached Crankshaw via Ward and the substitute winger's lob found the net to give Altrincham the lead (90+1 mins).

Scunthorpe keeper Mahady had already come up for one corner before advancing for a second flag-kick for his side deep into added time. On this occasion, however, from the Iron corner Crankshaw got past an opponent deep in the Alty half and ran the length of the pitch to score into the unguarded net and make it 4-2 (90+5 mins).

Crankshaw's goals were his first for the club in his 27th game across two and a half injury-ravaged seasons.

Match report here.

NEIL GIBSON INTERVIEW

Brian Flynn has interviewed Neil Gibson to discuss today's match against Scunthorpe United. The interview is available courtesy of Alty TV.

As well as discussing the opposition, the interview also revealed that defender Lewis Banks (right), who has missed recent games through injury, has had to have an unspecified operation.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

Saturday 29th November 2025

BEFORE THE GAME: ALTRINCHAM v SCUNTHORPE UNITED

Altrincham welcome Scunthorpe United to the J. Davidson Stadium today for the first match since Neil Gibson and Lee Jones were conformed as permanent managerial appointments.

So far the duo have secured three wins, a draw and a defeat in their Enterprise National League tenure as interim manager and assistant respectively.

No fewer than eight players have started every one of those four games, a total that might well have risen to nine had goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson been sidelined by the concussion protocols.

As well as the suspended centre-back Dan Sassi, Altrincham are expected to be without a number of long/medium-term injured defenders and goalkeepers, namely Ethan Ross, Billy Sass-Davies, Sam Reed, Louis Fallon and Lewis Banks.

In addition, winger Olly Crankshaw missed the previous game through illness and his state of fitness today is unclear.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan reports that in the Premier League Cup, captained by JACK KINGDON, Cardiff City U21 visited their Burnley counterparts, but went down 3-1.

The defeat practically ends their involvement in the competition, which is still in its group stage, as they have only a single point from 3 games.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

York City "announce the signing of defender Zak Johnson on loan until January.

The 21-year-old defender joins us on loan from Premier League side Sunderland AFC...

In the 2023/24 season, Johnson took two loan spells away from Sunderland, joining Hartlepool United in the National League and then League of Ireland side Dundalk for the second half of the season. Featuring 28 times for both clubs.

In January 2025, Zak joined up with Stuart Maynard’s Notts County side where he featured 10 times for the now City manager.

The defender will now team up with the Minstermen until January".

Aldershot Town "are delighted to [join] with South Western Railway [to] showcase a project which has been in the making since our trip to Wembley.

To celebrate our historic FA Trophy win in May, there has now been an introduction of a South Western Railway train named the ‘Phoenix’.

At Aldershot station yesterday, Hady Ghandour, Dejan Tetek, Olly Scott and ATFC staff attended the unveiling.

This train will be travelling all over the south east, so make sure to take some snaps if you find yourself travelling on the Phoenix train.

The Aldershot station also has a new sign, and when entering or leaving the station, you’ll see you’ve arrived at Aldershot Town, home of the FA Trophy winners 2024/25.

The club would like to give huge thanks to the South Western Railway staff for their work with this project, which highlights our continued work together".

The Daily Star adds that "Shots chairman Shahid Azeem led the unveiling...

Also in attendance was club legend Terry Brown, first team goalkeeper coach David Smalley and David Josey, a life-long Aldershot fan and formerly SWR’s Station Manager for Aldershot, who ensured that the club's flags were flying at the station for many thousands that took SWR services to the FA Trophy final".

Rochdale "announce the signing of Ryan Galvin.

The 24-year-old joins the club on an initial two-month loan from League Two side Barnet.

Galvin, who operates as a left-sided defender... [said] 'I’m delighted to be here... I’ve played the last two seasons in this league and got to the playoffs twice, so hopefully I can come to Rochdale, go all the way and get promoted'...

In June 2023, FC Halifax Town captured his signature, [with him] going on to spend two seasons at the Shaymen, making over 70 appearances...

After the Bees’ promotion to the EFL, he made the move down south".

In other news, Rochdale state that at the Crown Oil Arena, "the playing surface continues to suffer from waterlogging, which has resulted in two postponements so far this season. The pitch has performed worse than expected, sooner than expected, to such a degree that the Club has no confidence that we would be able to complete our scheduled fixtures this season without taking immediate action.

We have been deploying the inflatable MacLeod Cover system for recent fixtures, which has proved invaluable. However, it is not, in our view, a viable solution for a sustained period of time and will ultimately not prevent the continued deterioration of the playing surface over the winter months.

Faced with this situation, the Club has sought, and received, permission from the National League to undertake a mid-season full rebuild of the pitch at the Crown Oil Arena... This rebuild will involve removing the entire profile of the pitch down to the drains. We will install new drainage and a gravel bed... a HERO hybrid carpet will form the playing surface, which will then be immediately playable.

Undertaking a pitch rebuild mid-season is not a straightforward process and does place an unwelcome financial burden on the club...

The build process will take approximately 4-5 weeks. Works are scheduled to commence on Sunday 7th December, immediately after the rescheduled match against Southend United. There are two matches which will be affected by the rebuild, against Hartlepool United (Tuesday 30th December) and Brackley Town (Saturday 3rd January).

The Club is in advanced discussions regarding an alternative location for these games to be played... Our planned return to the Crown Oil Arena is for the match against Truro City on Saturday 24th January".

DAZN SCHEDULE

The current schedule for DAZN's live streaming of Enterprise National League games is below...

Right: Dan Sassi is suspended for today's game.

Saturday 6 December 2025

Friday 19 December 2025

Saturday 20 December 2025

Sunday 21 December

Saturday 3 January 2026

Saturday 17 January 2026

Saturday 24 January 2026

Saturday 31 January 2026

Saturday 7 February 2026

Saturday 14 February 2026

Saturday 21 February 2026

Saturday 28 February 2026

* Matches selected for enhanced coverage.

28 November 2025

SIXTH ALTY FIXTURE CHANGE ANNOUNCED

On X Hartlepool United announce that "Our Enterprise National League fixture at home to Altrincham on Saturday 17th January will now kick off at 12:30 due to DAZN coverage".

To date, no Altrincham league fixtures have had to be rearranged due to bad weather or a clash with a cup-tie date but, with the season less than halfway towards completion, the latest announcement is already the sixth alteration to a date or kick-off time, or both, announced to facilitate DAZN's streaming of an Altrincham league fixture.

So far, the announced changes have been:

  1. Sat.16.8.25 Away v Rochdale, kick-off changed from 3pm to 12.30pm
  2. Sat.23.8.25 Away v Morecambe, kick-off changed from 3pm to 12.30pm
  3. Sat.6.9.25 Home v Sutton United, kick-off changed from 3pm to 12.30pm
  4. Wed.5.11.25 Home v Boston United, date moved from 4.11.25
  5. Sat.20.12.25 Home v Rochdale, date moved to 19.12.25 and kick-off changed from 3pm to 7.45pm
  6. Sat.17.1.26 Away v Hartlepool United, kick-off changed from 3pm to 12.30pm

NEXT: SCUNTHORPE UNITED

Alty are at home to sixth-placed Scunthorpe United on Saturday. The Iron have a game in hand on Altrincham yet have a lead of 14 points over their hosts.

Altrincham have met eight teams in the top eleven this season and taken just a single point, from a draw at Wealdstone), from the 24 available.

But Alty can take some hope from Scunthorpe's recent form which has produced just two wins in their last seven outings. In the six league matches in that sequence all of their opponents were currently 12th or lower in the table.

  1. National League Away 1-1 DRAW v Boston United
  2. National League Away 1-1 DRAW v Eastleigh
  3. National League Home 2-1 WIN v Aldershot Town
  4. FA Cup First Round Away 0-1 LOSS v Blackpool
  5. National League Home 1-0 WIN v Yeovil Town
  6. National League Away 0-3 LOSS v Solihull Moors
  7. National League Home 1-1 DRAW v Braintree Town

Overall, however, having lost just twice this season in the National League, Scunthorpe would be even higher in the league but for their having drawn more times per fixture than any other club; seven draws in 19 outings.

Conversely, apart from Rochdale, Altrincham's two draws this season make them the second bottom of the draw specialists' table.

One player has appeared in all 19 league fixtures for Scunthorpe United this campaign; he is Declan Howe but six of his appearances have been from the bench. In terms of starts, midfielder Joe Rowley is the leader with 18 starts.

The club's leading scorer is Danny Whitehall with eight goals and two assists to date. Whitehall's former clubs range from Southport, Marine and Prescot Cables in NW England, via Chatanooga (Tennessee) and Bugeaters FC (Nebraska) in the USA, to Maidenhead United, Kilmarnock and Eastleigh.

Indeed, three years ago last Wednesday, Whitehall scored at Moss Lane against Altrincham, for Eastleigh.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Former Alty player PETER BAND (right) has posted on X that "After been [sic] out of football for a couple of weeks I am happy to be joining @FGRFC_Official [Forest Green Rovers] and join up with the Gaffer [Robbie Savage] as the scout for the North 💚⚽️💚.".

Band previously worked alongside Savage at Macclesfield FC.

News of former Alty players or loanees in action on Thursday comes from Phil Jordan...

League Two: CONNOR JENNINGS started for Tranmere Rovers at Grimsby Town, where his side, having led at the break, had been pegged back by hosts when he picked up a yellow card, and was soon substituted in the 79th minute.

The Mariners brought on JUSTIN AMALUZOR in the 87th minute, but the Merseyside club snatched a 96th minute winner to pull further clear of the relegation zone, and prevent their hosts from going into the weekend in the playoff spots.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Boston United "have clinched the loan signing of Southend United centre-half Adam Crowther.

The 24-year-old has linked up with the Pilgrims until mid-January initially, with captain [and ex-Alty trialist] ZAK MILLS set for a spell on the sidelines with a hamstring injury.

Prior to joining the Shrimpers, Crowther enjoyed two seasons with King's Lynn Town and featured in all four festive encounters against the Pilgrims in 2022-2023 and 2023-2024".

27 November 2025

NEIL GIBSON INTERVIEWED

Altrincham FC's press and media officer Brian Flynn has conducted the first interview with Neil Gibson following his confirmation as permament manager of the club after being in charge for six games as interim manager.

The full interview is available, courtesy of Alty TV.

Accompanying text says that "Neil and Lee have made a positive impact that has been felt on and off the pitch since their arrival in an interim capacity a month ago.

Our Enterprise National League results have taken a significant turn for the better, with a goalless draw on the road at Braintree Town followed by maximum points from the next three games to herald a welcome return to winning ways for the team.

As outlined by chairman Mark Luby when the appointment was announced yesterday, the same favourable impression has been felt beyond the changing room and throughout the club, making Neil the ideal candidate to take us forward, with Lee alongside him.

It is a move that has been greeted with widespread approval".

And in the Sale & Altrincham Messenger press and media officer John Edwards quotes the new manager as saying " “My overriding emotion is one of excitement at the opportunity that presents itself to move this club forward.

“What a fantastic club, and what a fantastic opportunity... The players have been fantastic in the way they have bought into everything we are trying to do, and all the staff and volunteers have been so welcoming. We felt like it was somewhere we wanted to be. It felt like home".

NEXT: SCUNTHORPE UNITED

When Altrincham entertain Scunthorpe United on Saturday, they will be without the suspended Dan Sassi, who was sent off at Southend last week.

Also likely to be still missing are the injured Ethan Ross, Lewis Banks, Sam Reed, Billy Sass-Davies and Louie Fallon. Winger Olly Crankshaw missed last weekend's match with illness but his current state of health is unknown.

Last time out, in a Clash of the Irons, Braintree Town reported that they journeyd "north for their first visit to fellow Iron - Scunthorpe United - on Saturday and returned home with a deserved point from a 1-1 draw.

The North Lincolnshire side took a fifteenth minute lead when Jean Belehouand nodded home a flick-on from a left side corner. Braintree could have levelled minutes later, but Sahin Kamara saw his spot kick well saved by home keeper Rory Malady after Terrell Works had been fouled in the home 18-yard box.

Braintree continued to take the game to home side after the interval and were eventually rewarded when substitute Tom Blackwell pounced on an under hit back-pass to steer the ball past Mahady with just four minutes remaining to secure a deserved equaliser".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Cumbria's News and Star reports that "Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony has confirmed that Carlisle United have an option to sign CHRIS CONN-CLARKE on a permanent basis...

Last week, Darragh MacAnthony said that Posh, who have loaned the 24-year-old to Carlisle United until January, have a 'deal in place' that would see the League One club make 'a profit' on the 24-year-old.

He clarified his quotes... stating 'What I said was, Carlisle have an option to buy him, of course they do, which is a profit on what we paid.

'But there are other clubs, who are going to want to buy him as well, because he is flying, what I want to say is there is a deal done if Carlisle want to do a deal, and the player agrees. But there are other league clubs who want to buy him'...

He has made eight appearances for Mark Hughes's side, scoring three and assisting five... His current loan deal runs out in January".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Gateshead confirm the loan signing of Oxford United defender Aidan Elliott-Walker.

The wing-back joins... on temporary terms until January 4, 206, having spent the 2024/25 season on loan in the enterprise National League North and South with Oxford City and Salisbury, racking up a combined 27 appearances.

Captain of Oxford United's under-21 side, Elliott-Wheeler made his senior debut in Septmeber 2023 at the age of 17 and has also spent time with Banbury United and Hemel Hempstead Town in recent seasons...

'I want to prove to myself and to other people that I'm not a step-two player' said Elliott-Wheeler... I want to be a bit of a leader at the back. I don't want to see myself as a young lad who is quiet and I think I'll be able to show that in the coming weeks'".

Rochdale "have hired inflatable dome pitch covers again, ahead of Saturday’s Enterprise National League game at home to Eastleigh.

The MacLeod Covers, which were used ahead of our match against Aldershot Town less than a fortnight ago, will be in situ from Wednesday lunchtime.

They will remain on the Crown Oil Arena surface until as late as possible on Saturday morning, after which time the groundstaff will prepare the pitch for the game.

As previously communicated, the pitch has 100% focus of the Club, and we are looking at all available options that can help provide a solution to our issues".

Over the Pennines at FC Halifax Town, their under-19s' fixture on Wednesday had to be postponed owing to a frozen pitch.

They may be struggling in the league but Truro City have "sealed a spot in round two of the National League Cup despite a 3-0 reverse against a slick West Ham United under-21s, writes Tom Howe...

Other results however, mean City’s progress in the competition is now confirmed.

The opportunity to get minutes into players was one not passed up by City boss John Askey, who made eight changes to the team that started Saturday’s 3-2 domestic defeat at home to Sutton United

With the top two teams in each group progressing to the knockout stage, tonight’s set of results leave the Tinners facing an anxious wait to learn their fate, with group winners being seeded in round two and runners-up unseeded.

The Hammers’ triumph... moves them within a point of leaders Truro and with a game in hand, against Aldershot on December 9".

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP

Wednesday, 26 November

26 November 2025

ALTY'S NEW MANAGEMENT

Alty chairman Mark Luby confirmed on 25 November that Neil Gibson had been appointed as permanent manager of Altrincham FC till the end of 2026-27 season. This decision came after Gibson had been in charge of the team for six matches since his appointment as interim manager on 23 October 2025.

Also confirmed by the Altrincham Board as a permamanet appointment was Lee Jones, Neil's assistant manager.

The duo initially inherited an Altrincham team which had not won a game inside ninety minutes after ten attempts.

in seven league fixtures the team had suffered six defeats and one draw and in three cup games, (two in the FA Cup and one in the Cheshire Senior Cup) the team had produced a draw, a defeat and an extra-time win against ten-men.

Since taking over on an interim basis, in their six matches in charge, Gibson and Jones have halted Alty's poor run, securing a draw and three wins in their first four league matches before a 3-0 defeat at Southend United last weekend.

Also disappointing for the duo was a defeat at Slough Town in the FA Cup, a tie in which Altrincham were reduced to ten men, although that dismissal of Elliot Osborne was later rescinded.

Overall, therefore, the interim management period of six fixtures had witnessed three wins, a draw and two defeats.

Neil and Ian had previously overseen 20 games at Wealdstone in 2025, winning eight fixtures, drawing four and losing eight, earning 28 points to keep the north London club in the National League at the end of last season.

FAN ZONE PLANS

The Manchester Evening News reports that "Fifth-tier football club Altrincham has applied for planning permission to extend the fan zone area at its ground.

The club... has submitted a planning application to Trafford council for consent to expand the area currently measuring 2,500 sq ft.

A previous application was submitted five years ago, amid the Covid pandemic, followed by an amended one in 2023 that was approved in 2024.

The submission tabled with drawings by B2 Architecture says 'Since the opening of the area, the club has seen its success and improvement of the home fans’ game experience together with the re-arrangement of the exit gate in the north-west corner.'

Under the plans, the container that [is] home to the club shop would be resited, making the exit from the ground easier and safer...

'The area wouldn’t increase how many people are employed there, or the times of opening, only an increase in capacity of the footprint area of the fan zone.'”

NEXT: SCUNTHORPE UNITED

Neil Gibson and Lee Jones's first match as interim managers of Altrincham was in late October against The Iron (Braintree Town). Now, their first fixture as permanent managers is also against The Iron, albeit this time the club in question is Scunthorpe United not Braintree Town.

Coincidentally, both "Irons" met last week and Scunthorpe United report that they have "received a report of an alleged racist incident in the Threadgold Stand from Saturday's home encounter against Braintree Town.

The club condemns this allegation in the strongest possible terms and reaffirms that there is absolutely no place for racism or discrimination of any kind at the Attis Arena or within our football community.

We are treating this matter with the utmost seriousness and have begun an internal review. We are now appealing for witnesses who may have seen or heard anything relevant to come forward".

Happier news from Scunthorpe United is that The Iron are now "offering a unique opportunity to be part of our latest stadium tours during this December, with one exclusive viewing.

With a unique, limited chance to get behind the scenes at the Attis Arena, Head of Partnerships Glyn Sparks will be leading the tour around the ground into all available areas of our home.

From the home dressing room and tunnel, to the boot room, our executive areas, and even an exclusive visit to our Boardroom, where many of the Iron's past accolades are housed, supporters will be able to get up close and personal to a number of areas otherwise unseen by the general public on a day-to-day basis.

With photograph opportunities throughout the tour, there will also be chance to meet some familiar faces around the club over the course of the experience, along with the opportunity to have your picture taken with our Promotion Final winning trophy".

ALTY OLD BOYS

Phil Jordan's update on Tuesday's games starts in the Professional Development League, where, captained by JACK KINGDON, Cardiff City U21 comfortably won their away fixture at Charlton Athletic 0-3.

National League Cup : MATT PENNEY got a full appearance under his belt, although he picked up a yellow card as Aldershot beat visitors Fulham U21 2-1. Meanwhile LIAM HUMBLES (right) also took his opportunity to play a full game for Rochdale, who saw off Everton U21 by the only goal.

Leicester City U21 were 1-3 ahead at Boreham Wood inside half an hour, but eventually lost 4-3. JEFF KING was booked only 4 minutes after coming off the bench in the 54th minute.

Tamworth rested KENNEDY DIGIE, but an unexpected face in the lineup for visitors Blackburn Rovers U21 was CHARLIE OLSON, who hasn't been getting much action during his loan spell at Oldham Athletic. Unfortunately he was on the wrong end of 3 unanswered goals.

JUSTIN DONOWA played the whole of Brackley Town's 2-1 defeat of Burnley U21.

Northern Ireland Premiership : SAM ROSCOE played the whole of Linfield's 1-0 home win over Crusaders.

National North : Macclesfield were reduced to 10 men in the 88th minute at AFC Fylde, and 3-1 became 5-1 in added time - the Coasters 4th was scored by GEORGE WILSON.

Radcliffe, without the suspended JORDAN HULME (right), were beaten 2-0 at Southport.

It wasn't a good night for Worksop Town skipper LUKE WATERFALL, as visiting League leaders South Shields comfortably won 0-3.

National South : Despite Alan Devonshire announcing his resignation yesterday, Maidenhead United were in prime form this evening at Salisbury. With MILES WELCH-HAYES playing the full game, they thrashed their hosts 0-6.

NPL Premier Division : Despite a full shift from JONNY MARGETTS, Gainsborough Trinity were well beaten 1-4 by visitors Hebburn Town.

A Lancaster City Facebook post says that "In a quest to get to full match fitness AARON BENNETT (right) has joined Ramsbottom United FC on dual registration".

Aaron made his Rams debut as a second half substitute 6 weeks ago.

NPL Division 1 West : SEFTON LLOYD GONZALEZ APPLETON, as he is shown on the NPL website, was a 65th minute substitute for Clitheroe who were held 1-1 at home by Chasetown.

NWCL Premier Division : It took JOHN JOHNSTON just 2 minutes to give Irlam the lead at Atherton Laburnum Rovers. 18 minutes later he struck again, and then rounded off the scoring in a 1-4 win to complete a hat trick just after the hour mark, before leaving the action in the 76th minute.

SHERIFF NJIE put Cheadle Town ahead twice, but visitors Longridge Town fought back to draw 2-2.

Manchester Premier Cup 1st Round : RON SITHOLE was handed a start for FC United, but they trailed visitors Abbey Hey until the 94th minute. However, they lost the resultant shootout 4-5.

Wythenshawe Town reacted to being 2 goals down at the break to Glossop North End at Ericstan Park by bringing on ASTLEY MULHOLLAND for the second half. They achieved a fine comeback to win 5-3.

14 MANAGERIAL CHANGES IN 6 MONTHS

Whilst ten managers, excluding interim appointees, have left Enterprise National League clubs since the start of this season, a further four clubs changed their management in the 2025/26 pre-season.

Changes between end of 2024/25 season and start of 2025/26:

  1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
  2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
  3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
  4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox

Departures since start of the 2025/26 season:

The ten departures (so far) this season are listed below; all were sackings unless otherwise stated...

  1. MORECAMBE: Derek Adams, sacked on 18 August 2025, replaced by Ashvir Singh Johal
  2. YORK CITY: Adam Hinshelwood, replaced by Stuart Maynard
  3. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper, replaced by Danny Webb
  4. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor, replaced by Chris Millington
  5. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison, replaced by Chris Agutter
  6. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis, replaced by Scott Bartlett
  7. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation), replaced by Billy Rowley
  8. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Simon Grayson, still to be replaced on permanent basis
  9. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Tommy Widdrington (resignation), replaced by John Coleman
  10. ALTRINCHAM: Phil Parkinson, replaced by Neil Gibson

So, whilst there have been 14 dismissals or resignations, thirteen of the 24 members of the National League have changed managers in the past six months, with Yeovil Town doing so twice.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Like Altrincham, Yeovil Town have been operating recently with an interim manager; in their case it was Richard Dryden.

However, unlike Altrincham where hours earlier, the interim manager was made permanent, the Glovers have gone for an outside appointment as the BBC confirms that they "have named Billy Rowley as their new manager on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

Rowley has left seventh-tier Walton & Hersham to become Yeovil's fourth manager in the dugout this campaign.

He has taken over from Richard Dryden, who had been in interim charge of the National League club since replacing Danny Webb.

Webb quit his role as manager after just one game and returned to former club Chesterfield as assistant manager in October, after Mark Cooper was sacked in August...

Rowley told Yeovil's website 'When a club like Yeovil call you up, it is incredibly hard to turn that down'.

Walton & Hersham say they received an approach for Rowley during their Southern League Premier South match against Hungerford Town on Saturday.

He spent 18 months in charge of the Surrey club and has left them top of the league with a game in hand".

At Yeovil Town, "Chairman Prabhu Srinivasan added, 'Our focus is clear: progressive, attacking football, a strong identity, and a commitment to developing players at Huish Park.

In Billy Rowley, we found exactly what we were looking for. I’ve watched his Walton side firsthand, the quality of his setup, the clarity of his ideas, and the intensity of his football are unmistakable. Speaking with him only reinforced that he was the standout choice.

'Billy is the manager we wanted, and we are delighted to bring him to the club.'”

Also arriving at Yeovil Town is "Darren Simpson as Assistant Manager, reuniting him with new manager Billy Rowley... following him from their successful time together at Walton and Hersham".

Aldershot Town's "First-Team Management and the Club wishes to update supporters on several members of the squad...

At Carlisle United "The Backing the Blues project has been honoured with the Celebrating Community Sporting Heritage Award...

Backing the Blues is a community heritage project that celebrates and preserves 120 years of Carlisle United’s history through exhibitions, storytelling, workshops and collaborative activities.

The Sporting Heritage Awards recognise outstanding projects, organisations and individuals who preserve, celebrate and share the UK’s rich sporting history with their communities..

Delivered in partnership between the University of Cumbria, Carlisle United, Tullie and the Carlisle United Heritage Group (CUHG), the project has brought together fans, students, volunteers and local residents. Exhibitions, workshops and heritage activities have helped preserve and share 120 years of the club’s history...

The Carlisle United Heritage Group, with the support of the University of Cumbria, is now working to digitise the memorabilia, and develop a programme of activity that will help fans engage with it for years to come".

NATIONAL LEAGUE CUP FIXTURES

Tuesday 25th November

Ten of the thirteen games on Tuesday were won by the National League side.

Group A

Group B

Group C

Group E

Wednesday 26th November

Group E

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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