Altrincham  Crewe Alexandra

in Final of Cheshire Senior Cup

19 March 2002.

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

This was Alty's third CSC Final in four years, having lost to Macclesfield in 2000 and having won against Northwich at Wincham Park the previous year. With the UniBond title looking to be elusive this year, this game represented Alty's best chance of winning something this season. Surprisingly, Crewe had not won the CSC since the 1920s. The pitch was very damp and down the centre it was particularly bobbly, making it difficult to run quickly with the ball at the players' feet.

History repeated itself as this 114th CSC Final ended like the 112th in 2000 in a defeat for Altrincham brought on by a sending-off. For Phil Power in 2000 against Macclesfield, read Carl Furlong in 2002 against Crewe. Furlong's red card, (his third this season to add to his 7 yellow cards) came after 89 minutes. An injury ravaged Altrincham side had played very well until then and but for a spot-kick miss in the first half by Rod Thornley might well have won the Cup without the need for extra time. However, Furlong's dismissal for a totally needless foul 40 yards from his own goal on the touchline, after an earlier booking for an equally pointless handball, led to Crewe making the extra man tell in extra time. The first goal came from Trainer (101 mins) and, as the gaps appeared on the Alty right, a brace followed from ex-Hyde man, Colin Little (110, 114 mins).

With Adams, Taylor, Gallagher, Murphy and now Maddox out injured. the recently acquired Shuttleworth, Whiteman and Strange all ineligible and captain Steve Hawes suspended, Alty fielded an understrength side. However, Gary Scott did make a welcome reappearance though not fully fit. Kevin Hulme moved alongside Sertori at centre-back in Maddox's absence, with Ryan and Scott at full-back. 16 year-old Vernum Rowland made his first start for the first team after two impressive substitute appearances last week. Vernum played in central midfield alongside Dave Swanick, whilst striker Rod Thornley started in an unaccustomed right midfield role, Ian Craney being his counterpart on the left. Carl Furlong was up front, supported by Lee Poland. Crewe included recent first-team keeper Ademole Bankole in goal.

There is always a silver lining. Alty's current injury problems has meant that the management has had to rely more and more on the reserve and youth team to make up a team. Vernum Rowland is a good example. He was included in the first team line up and played a very good game which belied his age

Rod Thornley and Carl Furlong waiting a pass

Carl Furlong who was sent off 2 minutes just before the start of extra time for a harsh tackle, was earlier was given a yellow card for a hand ball. Was this it?

In the first half Altrincham were awarded a penalty which Rod Thornley took. His shot went straight to keeper Ademola Bankole who saved

The lighting at drill field appeared to be good for the spectators but not for the camera. However it was worth recording this as Drill field will close at the end of this season and this is the last occasion that Alty fans will be able to visit Drill field to provide their very vocal support to an Altrincham team

A great save by keeper by keeper Bankole keeps Alty out

Lee Poland leads an Alty break-out

Despair and delight. Crewe break the deadlock in extra time

James Wilkinson, a young ex-Macclesfield Town defender came on as a substitute

The Cheshire County FA UniBond senior Cup Final Cup

Stuart Coburn, Ian Craney and Rod Thornley go to receive their Runners-up medallion

The Cup Final so travel in style.  Bob Peters of the market research company 20/20 Research is a director of the Club and and one of its major sponsors. For most home games Bob and  his friends travel from Yorkshire in a mini-bus. Seeing that this was the Cup Final they decided to do it in style and switched to a limo. The limo arrived at the ground after I did and I missed it and  it was just moving off as I went for the supporters coach after the game - pity no pictures. However two miles down the road  there was the limo in a lay-by- Horrors its broken down! Daren the coach driver obliged me by stopping to allow me to take a very hurried photo under difficult lighting conditions.  Bob Peters revealed to me the real reason for the stop - it was to open the bottle of Champaign bought in anticipation of a an Alty victory

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