Altrincham 1 Darlington 2

in FA Cup 2nd Round

8th  December 2001.

Summary and other details by John Laidlar. His full report is in the Official Site by John

FA Cup 2nd Round: ALTRINCHAM 1 DARLINGTON 2

BACKGROUND
This was Alty's first Second Round FA Cup tie at Moss Lane since 1994 and the team's 15th match in cup competitions this season. These two sides had previously met in this same Round of the FA Cup in 1983, when Darlington won 2-0 in a replay. Today's kick-off was brought forward to 1pm at the joint instigation of the police and the BBC, whose cameras recorded highlights. As well as fixed cameras at the 20/20 (Hale) End and on top of the Popular Side, where commentator Barry Davies was located in a make-shift cabin on the roof, there was an aerial "cherry-picker" camera at the Golf Road End and a roving mobile cameraman. Amongst the media faces at the ground were the BBC's Barry Davies and Stuart Hall. Both sides wore red and black strips which was a surprising decision.
SUMMARY

Darlington put in a professional performance to ease Alty out of the FA Cup. Thornley almost scored twice in the opening five minutes but Darlington went ahead after 21 minutes when a routine punt upfield was allowed to bounce on the edge of the Alty penalty area and neither Maddox and Scott could clear it before Chillingworth lifted it over the stranded Coburn. Before 3,302 spectators and after sustained pressure, Alty deservedly equalised with a header from Maddox from a free-kick on the right by-line by Hawes, which had been won by Carl Furlong (67 mins). But just four minutes later, another defensive lapse saw Maddox fail to head clear a left-wing cross from Clark and Wainwright came in behind him to head home. Thereafter, Darlington were reasonably comfortable as they played out time. Nevertheless, Altrincham can be proud of their performance both today and in the previous rounds and the Robins were the only survivors from our League to have reached this stage of the FA Cup this season.

TEAM NEWS
Chris Adams lost his battle against a hamstring injury and his place at left-back went to Dave Swannick. Longer-term absentee Jason Gallagher was still missing but Paul Taylor, who had been out injured all season to date, and Carl Furlong, absent for several weeks, were both on the bench. Indeed, the Alty bench had another less than match-fit player on it in the shape of Anthony Hargreaves, who sustained a broken nose last Tuesday. Darlington were without striker Conlon and midfielder Ford, who were both suspended. On-loan Gary Caldwell had been refused permission to play by his employers Newcastle United, but Cambridge United had permitted another loan-player, Dan Chillingworth, to start. Danny Mellanby started for Darlington after a six week injury absence.

 

Before the game
Up up and away
TV cameras everywhere
More TV camera's and BBC commentators
John Gill (left) and some of his London colleagues arrived early
Every one was there, well 3302, including Frank Sidebottom
Darlington provided their own stewards and they were getting the latest information from Doug Ashton, Alty's Chief steward with his ever present mobile  
Bob Peters and Sarah Rowley get on the back of Maria Dennett with the 20/20 Logo 
Jacqui Forster, organizer of the Alty in Exiles selling badges and CD's to raise money for their  "Keep Andrew dry campaign" to build a shelter at Moss Lane for the use of the disabled, Helping, or buying  are from left to right Alan  Brotherton (SAFE), brother Steve, Jacqui, Janet Bingham and London Exile Johnathon Stack
My mobile chair collapsed in the excitement of the game, perhaps I should have moved upstairs

Presentation of the match certificate to Mike McGuire of CJM Transport by Paul Taylor. This was a welcome return of summer signing, Paul who unfortunately was injured in a pre season friendly. This was his debut, he was listed as a sub and late in the game was called into play to allow Mark Sertori to move up front   
Paul Taylor presents the match certificate to Subash Lad and Vjaj Lad representing Match Sponsors 20/20 Research
Barry Pond presents  the match ball to Neil Faulkner, of Robinson Preservation 
The  mascots were Jamie and Alex Hartley From Altrincham and Scott Shevels  from Darlington
Some Christmas dress in the Alty crowd
The game

At the other end
Mark Sertori's free kick failed to beat the wall
Regulars in their regular spot 
A good take by Andy Collett stops another Alty attack

Mark Maddox gets above the defense to score Alty's goal
 A packed stand just like old days-
Carl Furlong (14) back after a long break for injury with no recent match practice came on as a sub and showed he had lost none of his skill. Rod Thornley (10) was also in the picture on many occasions.
Game over
You would have thought Alty had won

The team thank the fans

Was that father Christmas I saw or was it Paul Johnson

The fans are still at it

|The Thresher Man of the match, captain Steve Hawes,  being presented with a wee dram by Sarah Rowley representing Hillcrest Homes after being chosen by CJM Transport