Altrincham 2 Lancaster City

in UniBond Premier League

16 April 2002.

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

Both sides have fallen away badly in recent weeks after enjoying splendid first halves of the season. Had this match been played seven weeks ago it could have been a title decider as both sides breathed down the neck of Burton Albion. As it was, Alty's lowest league home crowd of the season saw two out of form sides playing a game which now had no bearing on the championship. The sides had also met in the FA Cup, in which Alty had won a memorable encounter at the Giant Axe.

The severely understrength Robins were a little unfortunate to take nothing from this game having taken the lead when Hulme lashed the ball home after good work from Hawes (30 mins). Lancaster were gifted an equaliser by a poor pass by Maddox five minutes later. Butler put Lancaster ahead after 50 minutes from close range before Craney mis-hit an equaliser (54 mins) when Murphy nodded back Thompson's cross. Against the run of play, an unmarked Birks headed home a Lancaster corner after 80 minutes to settle the game. Altrincham are literally limping to the season's finish line with keeper Stuart Coburn unable to take goal kicks throughout this match and Kevin Hulme playing on gamely with a heavily strapped left knee. They have now won just one game in the last fifteen over the last seven weeks.

Altrincham took to the field in a patched-up state. Goalkeeper Stuart Coburn returned after missing the last game through injury. Kevin Hulme started up front despite wearing a very heavy bandage on his left knee, whilst the suspension of Dave Swanick meant that loan player Gareth Strange started for the first time for Altrincham at right-back rather than in his customary midfield berth. Striker Rod Thornley was missing on international duty as masseur to the England squad, preparing for their match with Paraguay at Anfield. However, Danny Murphy made a welcome first start for seven weeks after his hernia operation and Youth team player Lee Thompson made his league debut, though playing on the right flank rather than his customary left-wing Youth Team berth. On the bench were two more Youth players, Mario Daniel and Vernum Rowland, along with Paul Taylor, who has not played since 2nd March because of injury. Lancaster had their own problems with regulars Andy Whittaker and Kenny Mayers both only fit to be named as substitutes.

Another Lancaster attack

Ariel ballet

Even though carrying an injury Stuart Coburn made some good saves

Cheryl Wright of match and ball sponsors, Carol Nash Insurance receives a presentation from Paul Taylor. It was good to see Paul  kitted up after such a long absence due to injury, even though it was only to make this presentation and sit on the subs bench

Scorer of Alty's first goal Kevin Hulme played with a heavily bandage thigh but this did not stop him being right in the middle of the action

Sarah Holt of Carol Nash Insurance presents man of the match Ian Craney with his award

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