Altrincham 0 Frickley Athletic 2

in UniBond Premier League

9 March 2002.

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

This game took place after a morning of strong winds and heavy showers but the game itself was played in sunshine throughout. Altrincham were seeking revenge for a defeat at Frickley earlier in the season, whilst Frickley had an FA Cup defeat at Moss Lane to avenge.

A second defeat inside a week saw Altrincham's title hopes effectively disappear as Frickley deservedly completed a league double over the Robins. As at Droylsden last Tuesday, injury-weakened Altrincham rarely looked like scoring and for the first time this season have now gone two consecutive league games without a goal. It was ex-Robin Leroy Chambers who almost inevitably got the first, converting Evans's pass after 30 minutes. Evans himself settled the game after 48 minutes converting a fine pass from Reece. Altrincham enjoyed a lot of second half possession but to little effect. It was probably a pointed statement on the Alty performance that Gary Scott was named Man of the Match despite being substituted after 54 minutes.

Ex-Alty striker Leroy Chambers, who had scored twice against the Robins in the 3-3 draw at Frickley last season, was in the starting line-up today for the Yorkshire side, whilst another former Moss Laner, Mark Ogley, was on the bench. Altrincham gave a first league start to David Wills on the left of midfield, in place of Danny Murphy who finally had his hernia operation this week. Wills's previous UniBond experience had been as a substitute in Division One for Trafford. This meant that Lee Poland dropped to the bench, where he joined Barry Guildford and Keith Mairs. Guildford is not only the first player to come to Moss Lane after playing in the Vietnamese League, but he must also be the only Robin ever to sport a dyed red head, styled in a semi-Mohican style! Carl Furlong remains suspended but participated in the warm-up but regulars Jason Gallagher, Chris Adams and Paul Taylor were once more unavailable for selection through injury, as was recent loan signing Barry Shuttleworth. Hulme partnered Thornley up front, with Wills on the left of midfield and Scott on the right.

Whose presenting whom with what? Director Jeremy Pollitt of  Hillcrest homes and Financial Consultant David Tracey having a bit of fun and killing  time prior to kick-off

Kevin Hulme says "excuse me" as he tries to get to the ball

At the other end. Ex-Alty player and scorer of Frickley's first goal, Leroy Chambers, has an heading dual

Gary Scott leaves a man on the ground, with Kevin Hulme to his left and Ian Craney to his right

David Wills gets a card in his first full game

Mark Maddox in action watched by Kevin Hulme

All eyes on the ball which goes on the outside of the post

Rod Thornley and Kevin Hulme in action  watched by Andrew in his shelter

Mark Sertori bears down on keeper Mark Wilkinson

Three to one, substitute Lee Poland tries to beat the odds

Photographer Cliff Hase poised in the background to take a picture of David Wills

Mark Sertori, who was moved from defense to attack, and substitute Barry Guildford

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