Gateshead 0  Altrincham 2

in UniBond Premier League

6 April 2002.

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

Gateshead had lost 0-7 on Wednesday to Bradford P.A. but Altrincham had been having a poor time, too. They had not won in their last eleven league and cup games, their last triumph being in the North East at Blyth on 23 February. The game was played in bright sunshine with a strong, biting wind and the dry pitch had a bobbly surface, which made playing passes difficult.

Altrincham recorded their first win in eleven league and cup games at Gateshead today - their last win was also in the North-East, at Blyth, on 23 February. There was little flowing football on a bumpy pitch in a biting wind but Alty took the two clear chances that came their way in the latter stages of the first half. Thornley broke through the Gateshead back-line to round keeper Russell and score after 35 minutes, following a good pass from Craney. Then, a defensive error left Hulme in the clear with the ball and he made no mistake with his shot after 43 minutes. Altrincham let Gateshead make most of the second half running but the Robins' defence, marshalled by Sertori and Maddox, had relatively few serious worries.

Gateshead made four changes from their starting line-up against Bradford, bringing in Bowman and Jones at the back, as well as McKenzie and McAlindon. For Alty, Ryan returned after illness with Lee Poland being the man consigned to the bench to accommodate the change. Lee had limped off on Wednesday at Bamber Bridge, as had Kevin Hulme. Hulme, however, started this game and was to see out the full 90 minutes. Loan signing Gareth Strange started on the left of midfield, with Ryan on the right. 17 year-old Vernum Rowland retained his place at right back.

The superb stand at the International Stadium. Only half is used and less than  a third filled by only 172 fans. The Alty vocals did their best to liven up proceeding but it was hard work. As far as I was concerned Gateshead scored a record - the dearest whisky in the Unibond Premier League but as one local pointed out these were Council not Gateshead FC prices - so there are some disadvantages in being well supported by the Council.

Much of the play in the first half was the Alty half of the pitch

A Gateshead attack

Kevin Hulme wins the the aerial dual for the ball but his header is just wide

Rod Thornley gets round keeper Sam Russell to score Alty's first goal

Kevin Hulme on the attack

Kevin Hulme's goal. Not a keeper or other player in sight!

Kevin Hulme has a battle

Kevin Hulme supported by Rod Thornley (no 10 and Mark Maddox initiates an Alty attack

A job well done .Rod Thornley who was replaced late in the game waves to his supporters

Stuart Coburn, Marc Whiteman and Ian Craney applaud the traveling fans for their support

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