Altrincham 2 Worksop 0

in UniBond Premier League

27 April 2002.

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

This fixture had been rearranged twice, from 8th December and 26th February but it was now Altrincham's last home Saturday match of the season and the first of their run-in of three games against the teams lying second and third in the table.

Alty clinched their first home win in nine attempts with a 21st minute strike direct from a free-kick by Barry Shuttleworth, followed by a first League goal for Mario Daniel (76 mins) who had come on as a substitute just three minutes earlier. In between, Worksop enjoyed a lot of possession but looked lightweight up front after losing Gavin Smith early on following a foul by Shuttleworth.

Altrincham made three personnel changes from their last game. Dave Swanick returned at right-back after suspension, whilst at left-back Barry Shuttleworth made a surprising return to continue his loan spell from Macclesfield Town after an absence of eight games. So, Vernum Rowland was displaced from the defence to the right of midfield, with Gary Scott continuing alongside Mark Sertori. Neil Ryan played in an unaccustomed central midfield role, alongside Ian Craney. Kevin Hulme partnered Thornley up front. Long-term absentee, Paul Taylor, returned to the bench, having not got onto the field since the home draw with Bishop Auckland in February- the match which precipitated our recent poor run of games. The players displaced today were the injured Mark Maddox, and both Gareth Strange and Lee Thompson. Also missing was the suspended Steve Hawes and long-term invalid, Jason Gallagher. Worksop were without Chris Waddle, who is thought by some Worksop fans to be lined up to take over as manager of the side next season. Also missing from the Tigers' starting line up was Gary Townsend, who was on the bench, and the ex-Droylsden midfielder Carl Holmes.

Billy Ferris of Ferris International Transport, match sponsors receives a certificate from Jason Gallagher

Jacqui Forster of Alty in Exile, Matchball sponsors receives a ball from Jason Gallagher

Barry Shuttleworth's free kick beats the wall and despite a valiant effort  by keeper Jamie Holmshaw heads straight into the top corner of the net for Alty's first goal

I bet that hurt - a Worksop defender get tangled up with Kevin Hulme's legs, while Danny Murphy looks on and Ian Craney ignores the event

The keeper beaten a defender saves the situation for Worksop by turning the ball round the post for a corner

Alty's defence, Vernum Rowlands, Barry Shuttleworth, Gary Scott and Kevin Hulme deal with  another corner

Neil Ryan fly's  high

Its not often I "score" a goal but I did here but it was disallowed.

Vernum Rowlands had another good game, and showed his versatility by playing in yet another position, right midfield

Kevin Hulme receiving some attention  from the keeper

Selected by Ferris International Transport Man of the Match Gary Scott receives his award,  from Billy Ferris