Vauxhall Motors 2 Altrincham 1

in UniBond Premier League

30 April 2002.

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

A fixture quirk meant that Altrincham's home and away league matches with Vauxhall Motors were the last two games of the season. However, the sides had already met in the UniBond cup competition, when Alty won at Moss Lane. Since then Vauxhall had improved and confirmed themselves as league runners-up. Before the match the runners-up trophy was presented by Duncan Bayley to the Motormen.

Without Kevin Hulme and Barry Shuttleworth from last Saturday's line-up, Alty just failed to hold on to a point, losing to a fine goal from Lynch just as the three minutes of added time began. Alty had started well and went ahead through a superb goal by 17 year-old Mario Daniel who outpaced two defenders before scoring neatly (16 mins). Vauxhall came back into the game and Haddrell drilled home an equaliser from the edge of the box (33 mins) before they went on to have the better of the second half of an entertaining game. Alty had several second-half chances but were unable to convert them.

There was a surprise return to the starting line-up for Mark Maddox, who had been thought to be sidelined for the rest of the season with a rib injury. However, Kevin Hulme and Barry Shuttleworth were both missing from the side which played last Saturday, whilst loan players Gareth Strange and Marc Whitmena appear to have played their last games for the Robins. Youth players Mario Daniel and Vernum Rowland started the game, with a third Youth team member, Lee Thompson on the bench. Ryan started at right-back with Rowland in right-midfield. Vauxhall also had injury problems with 36-goal striker Terry Fearns out with a broken arm, whilst Paul Cumiskey was also out. Ex-Alty front man Paul Hart started for the Wirral side and another former Moss Laner, Steve Cross, was on the bench. The pitch was in excellent condition and Alty fans making their first visit to Rivacre Park were also impressed by the extensive and modern social facilities adjacent to the ground. Amongst the spectators were Conference managers Phil Wilson (Southport) and Mark Wright (Chester), presumably on scouting missions.

In their first season since promotion to the UniBond Premier League Vauxhall Motors achieve success in ending 2nd in the table. Here is their very happy team.

Duncan Bailey presents Stuart Dawson with his runner's up medal

The light was not good for action photography and only "still" shots were possible. For most of the time Vernum  Rowland was very active but here he is having a quiet moment

Keeper Steve Dawson thinks the ball is some where up there

Rod Thornley on the move watched by Mario Daniel

Youth team players  on the team -Vernum Rowland and Mario Daniel caught in the same shot

Danny Murphy in the goal mouth

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