Droylsden 2 Altrincham 0

in UniBond Premier League

5 March 2002.

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

The soft pitch at the Butcher's Arms looked as if it had just been mechanically raked as it was covered completely by parallel grooves about six inches apart. The uneven surface, combined with a strong wind blowing down the pitch made playing conditions poor. As the floodlights were not the brightest in the UniBond, identifying the Droylsden players with their black numbers on red shirts was very hard so, apologies, for any errors in the match report below. Since our visit last year the goal at the Manchester Road has had its fence removed and there is now a spectatorless open space behind that end's net. Dave Pace, the Droylsden boss, had threatened Alty with a difficult game and so it was to prove.

Altrincham could not complain at the outcome to this match as they created only one worthwhile chance in a game played on a very poor surface in windy conditions. The Bloods took the lead with a fine strike from just outside the box by Wright (38 mins) and doubled their lead when Evans rounded Coburn after 53 minutes. This goal provoked a major protest for offside and the game then degenerated into a bad-tempered affair with, first, Farley being dismissed after a run-in with Hulme (61 mins) before Alty captain Steve Hawes was also sent off (70 mins). Hawes also appeared to be struck in the tunnel as he left the pitch. Just before this, Coburn had made a magnificent penalty save after a foul by Maddox had conceded the spot-kick.

Altrincham's injury list continues to grow and in addition to the long-term absentees, Jason Gallagher and Chris Adams, new loan-signing Barry Shuttleworth was ruled out of this game with an ankle injury and left-back Paul Taylor had succumbed to tendonitis. Danny Murphy was on the bench but he expected to enter hospital today (Wednesday) for his long delayed hernia operation. Even coach Graham Heathcote had been under the surgeon's knife, having had a cartilage operation on Monday. So, Altrincham brought in Dave Swanick at left-back and Barry Guildford and David Wills were named as substitutes. Neil Ryan started at right-back with Gary Scott in midfield, whilst Rod Thornley was supported by Kevin Hulme. Striker Lee Poland was played out of position on the left side of midfield. Droylsden included three ex-Alty men in their back four, namely Robert Trees, James Glendenning and Adam Farley but there was no place for a fourth ex-Robin, Steve Porter.

Guess what it is? A ploughed field - nearly right its the pitch at Droylsden. Last year we complained about too much grass so this year they corrected that. A tractor with some sort of device which creates half inch furrows had been used all over the pitch. apart from confusing the opposition and creating a poor playing surface no one could tell me the theory behind this technique - perhaps to improve drainage? Apart from the fact we lost it was a bad evening the lights were the worst we have played on this season making photography very difficult. Most of the action pictures had to be discarded and the following are the best I could do. At least I got Stuarts penalty save.

There was also very little action in front of the Droylsden goal  and only one real attempt at scoring This shot by Steve Hawes went over the top of the bar

The first of several confrontations at least at this stage the players were stationary

Kevin Hulme remain stationary by taking a high jump

Alty fan Simon helps out by removing some of the divots

Rod Thornley and Steve Hawses in action

Yet another dispute

A brilliant save of a penalty by Stuart Coburn

More arguments - not a very friendly match in the second half

Steve Hawses gets his marching orders. For what I know not

The management team were not impressed with some of the refereeing and linesman decisions

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