Barrow 2 Altrincham 2

in UniBond Premier League

9 February 2002.

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

Barrow had been very unlucky to be beaten at Moss Lane earlier this season, as well as in last year's encounter at a very wet Holker Street. Torrential rain once again welcomed the Altrincham fans to Barrow but it stopped before kick-off and held off for the game itself, which was played for the most part in bright sunshine. A strong wind blew down the pitch, behind Altrincham in the first half and against them in the second period. The pitch was understandably soft but quite playable.

Altrincham were robbed by a very late goal of a three-point reward for their impressive performance with ten men for 51 minutes of this game. Rod Thornley put Alty ahead after 7 minutes when Furlong's shot came down off the bar for him to head home from close range. Having got himself booked for kicking the ball at goal well after the referee had blown his whistle for a free-kick (14 mins), Furlong then head-butted Warren after being fouled by the Barrow man. The volatile Alty striker was shown a wholly deserved red card (39 mins). Hume was gifted an equaliser for Barrow after Coburn failed to reach a cross (68 mins) before a superb breakaway goal from Craney restored Alty's lead (74 mins). Coburn then seemed to misread Maddox's intentions and Hume was allowed in for another very soft goal, just three minutes from the final whistle. This was an excellent performance from Altrincham, with one notable exception.

Altrincham had the same starting line-up as in their last league game but, on the bench, Dave Swanick and Barry Guildford gave way to Jason Gallagher (returning from a hernia operation) and Danny Murphy (awaiting a hernia operation). Before the match it had been reported that Hulme, Sertori and Thornley were all doubtful, but they all played. Barrow were without their suspended leading scorer, Grant Holt, and Wayne Bullimore was only fit enough to start on the bench

A minute's silence in memory of Princess Margaret

Mark Maddox seems to be squaring up to Barrow's Lee Warren, Paul Taylor ignores the proceedings

The defense in action, from l to r, Gary Scott, Mark Sertori, Paul Taylor and Mark Maddox

Steve|Hawes has been sitting in something!

I did not touch him says Mark Maddox

Mark Sertori coming straight at me

Alty defend a corner

Stuart Coburn receiving attention to his head from physio Gary Thompson as Paul Taylor probably discusses Barrow fans vocal accusation of faking and conning by Stuart of the referee Gary Wallace.

Carl Furlong being led of by Bernard Taylor after being red carded late in the first half. He was shown a yellow after needlessly booked for kicking the ball away and shown a second for a head butt.

Bernard Taylor had a lot to say to the referee as they left the field at half time

A sad sight. Barrow player, Nick Peverell is carried off to be replaced by Lee Rogers

Rod Thornley in action

Whose pushing who?

Home