Altrincham 1 Gainsborough Trinity 1

in UniBond Premier League

16 March 2002

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

After a bad run of six successive league defeats, Gainsborough had recently got back on track with a fine win over Lancaster City, whilst Alty had suffered three consecutive defeats in by far their worst run of the campaign. The game was played on a mild sunny afternoon and was refereed by Mr David Commins, the man who sent off Carl Furlong in the tempestuous league match at Lancaster City earlier this season. Alty had lost to Gainsborough at Moss Lane in the President's Cup some weeks ago.

Altrincham continued to limp towards the finishing line with this draw which took their run of league games without a win to five. Naming three loan players in their squad and lacking first-teamers Adams, Scott, Taylor, Gallagher, Murphy and Hawes, it was not surprising that the Robins were not at their most fluent. However, Carl Furlong shot Alty ahead after 26 minutes, finishing well from a Thornley pass. Gainsborough deserved their point which came from a header by Hurst which seemed to go through Coburn after 48 minutes.

Alty showed four changes to their squad from last Wednesday's game. Kevin Hulme and Barry Shuttleworth returned to the starting line-up after injury, whilst two new players appeared on the teamsheet, apparently on loan. These were Gareth Strange, a former Manchester United youngster, who has been more recently at Accrington Stanley and Marc Whiteman from Bury. Whiteman started in place of the indisposed Steve Hawes. Out of Wednesday's squad went Barry Guildford, David Wills and Youth players Mario Daniel and Lee Thompson. However, it was good to see another Youth team player, 16 year-old Vernum Rowland, retain his place on the bench after a fine debut at Bishop Auckland. The home formation varied from the normal 4-4-2 with newcomer Whiteman playing in an advanced role supporting Furlong and Thornley. Shuttleworth played on the left of midfield. For Gainsborough Mark Lewis was absent due to knee ligament damage.

On behalf of the FA, Chairman Mark Harris presents cheques to representatives of  the Club Theatre Altrincham and the Scouts Association who are registered as charities. Looking at the amount of the cheques Mark quips "perhaps Alty FC should become a charity

Newcomer Mark Whiteman, on loan from Bury with Captain Mark Sertori and Barry Shuttleworth

Keeper Gary Ingham makes a good save denying Carl Furlong who later went on to score Alty's goal

A diving header by Kevin Hulme just misses

Hands, knees and boomps  a daisy

Stuart Coburn hidden by a challenging Gainsborough attacker makes a good save

Marc Whiteman ready for a corner

Barry Shuttleworth in action

Divoting Director.  Jeremy Pollitt, of Hillcrest Holdings, proves he does not mind his boots getting dirty as he gives a hand on the field. Meanwhile some of the Alty faithful are not aware of what is happening

Director David Tracey with his guests from the St Anne's C of E  school at Sale Moor. The children provided a very vocal support for Alty

Stuart Coburn makes a high jump for another brilliant save

Ian Craney, No 8 , Man of the Match continues to battle away although full time is nigh

Substitute, 16 year-old Vernum Rowland, on the left, came on in the second half. Vernum retained his place on the bench after a fine debut at Bishop Auckland is a  member of the youth team

Keeper Gary Ingham has been in the wars

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