Altrincham 1  Gainsborough Trinity 2

in UniBond Presidents Cup Quarter Final

5 February 2002.

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

This game had been postponed by bad weather from 26 January. Most of the game was played in lashing rain on a pitch which played remarkably well considering the last fortnight's downpours. A predictably small crowd turned up but at least it was double that which saw us play Vauxhall earlier in the UniBond Cup competition. The prize for the winners was a home semi-final against UniBond First Division side Guiseley.

After a disappointing first half Altrincham took the lead when a Paul Taylor pass sprang the offside trap and Steve Hawes advanced on goal to score well (52 mins). The Robins then looked reasonably comfortable as they showed more zest than had been evident in the first half. Nevertheless, a couple of fine saves were necessary from Coburn as Gainsborough stepped up their game in the closing stages and Hurst equalised from close range, after Norton had done well on the right (78 mins). A less than clear-cut penalty was then awarded against Taylor and ex-Robins' player Lee Ellington chipped the spot-kick cheekily into the net (85 mins) to clinch the tie.

Altrincham were without both Mark Sertori and Kevin Hulme. They started with Dave Swanick at left-back, Gary Scott at right-back and Paul Taylor partnering Mark Maddox at centre-back. Danny Murphy returned to the side and Carl Furlong was again preferred to Lee Poland up front. Joining Lee on the bench were Barry Guildford and Lee Thompson, a regular with the Reserves and Youth team this season.

Lee Poland presents the certificate to representatives and guests of 20/20 Research the Match Sponsor. Yes for those in the know its Skipper in the center

Gainsborough's Gary Ingham makes a fine save from Danny Murphy

At this stage the rains came down so, with the Chief Stewards permission (thanks Doug) I retreated into the unoccupied shelter provided and built by Alty in Exile for disabled fans. It was a little remote from the action in both of the goal mouths but it did  keep my camera dry and allowed me to continue to take pictures.  Alty's defense at work

Another free kick for Alty

Carl Furlong and Steve Hawes appeal for something

During a lull in the action I tested the ability of the camera to take a picture through the plastic wall. It works and here is a ball boy, Mathew Summerfield, getting very wet but doing a god job rescuing the ball from the muddy surrounds.

Neil Ryan congratulating Steve Hawes on scoring Alty's only goal

Stuart Coburn guess wrong and fails to stop ex-Alty player Lee Ellington (not in picture) scoring from a dubious penalty

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