Spaulding 0 Altrincham 0

FA Trophy 1st Round

3 November 2001

Summary by John Laidlar for a full report go to the Official Site also run by John Laidlar

Altrincham arrived in buoyant mood after recent FA Cup and league victories, but Spalding also came into this Trophy game with only one reverse in their last five league matches.

An Altrincham side which began the game with a number of "walking wounded" players comfortably gained a replay in this disappointing match at Spalding. The injured-list grew worse during the game when Jason Gallagher was carried off on a stretcher and Kevin Hulme limped off with an apparent hamstring injury. Rod Thornley and Kevin Hulme both came close to scoring in the first half but Spalding spurned a good chance early in the second period before a Maddox header was well saved by Spalding keeper, Bunce. Sertori hit the bar from a second-half free-kick but overall this was a game of much effort but relatively little quality.

Altrincham arrived with a long sick list. Apart from long-term absentees, Carl Furlong and Paul Taylor, other absentee today was defender Chris Adams. Chris had stitches put in his ankle after the recent Accrington game. Into the Altrincham first-team squad for the first time came Patrick Claffey. Centre-back Pat was a mainstay of last season's double-winning Youth Team and this season he has been a regular in the Reserves. As well as Lee Poland, joining Pat on the bench were another Reserves' player, Anthony Hargreaves, the Reserves' captain Keith Mairs and substiute keeper Kurt Edginton. On the field, Jason Gallagher was selected though clearly not fit and Steve Hawes took to the field with a black eye, sustained in the game against Accrington.

Some of the Alty faithful

As many Alty fans will not have visited Sir Haley Stewart Field the home of Spaulding United FC I have included some images of the compact  ground which is dominated by the water tower

The Tulips have a very pleasant and welcoming Social Club which overlooks the pitch and allows supporters to quench their thirst on the porch whilst watching the game and to be very vocal. There was a friendly chant contest between them and the Alty fans, who were just to the right of the Social club. As with the game honors were about even

Attack from the right and a view of the stand.

Saved for a corner

A sad sight Jason Gallagher was stretched off with an ankle injury. There must be a shortage of stewards at Spaulding as manager Bernard Taylor had to bring on the stretcher, then Jason's team mates had to carry him off.

A free kick is cleared

Yet another corner for Alty

A good save from keeper Martin Bounce denies Lee Poland

A brilliant save form the keeper tips the ball over the bar.

Danny Murphy taking a rest!

Shall I dodge or duck?

A heated discussion results in several yellow cards

Another good save

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