After a full rehearsal programme, the curtain finally goes up on Altrincham FC's second campaign in the UniBond League.

Bernard Taylor's preparations for what Robins fans pray will be a promotion season have not been without set-backs however.

At times, the Moss Lane treatment room has been working overtime to cure the prevented the manager from fielding his first choice side so far.

Keith Russell's knee injury has kept him out of regular action, whilst new signing Paul Ellender was injured in training and only made his first appearance in the Peter Swales Challenge Trophy victory over Barrow.

Nathan Comley-Excell, Andy Dibble, Jason Donnelly, Ricky Harris and Mick Carmody have also been visitors to the treatment table of new physio Ian Liversedge, whilst last season's leading scorer Niell Hardy is recovering from a hernia operation.

"It's been frustrating to lose so many players, either as a result of playing on inferior pitches, or collecting knocks from teams which have been determined to turn us over, during evening pre-season matches.

It has been a busy time for "Soss" Liversage, but he's been brilliant in getting the players back as quickly as possible, although he would never let me risk anyone who wasn't ready.

Injuries haven't been the only problems though.

Business commitments and holidays have deprived Taylor of Paul France, George Shepherd and Danny Adams over the last six weeks, forcing the manager to try out players in different positions.

But Bernard remains unrepentant about the chopping and changing.

"No-one wins promotion in pre-season.

We have a big squad, and I needed to see how the new lads would gel with those who were here last year.

I hate getting beaten, but pre-season results count for nothing; the important stuff starts with Frickley on Saturday.

The players have performed well so far, and people should remember that we've won more trophies in the last four months than the club won in more than a decade before hand.

That's what counts."

Front: George Shepherd, Danny Adams, Sammy Harris, Niell Hardy, Jason Donnelly, Phil Power, Paul Hart, Steve Whitehead, Leroy Chambers and Nigel Gleghorn. (Missing from picture - skipper Mark Carmody and Martin Faulkner.) Picture by Chris Sumner.

Its amazing what difference 7 months makes. This time, even before the match started it was a pleasure to come to Barrow. The two sides were each in their own areas but there was not an area where the two sides were in close proximity. This time there was only one lonely policeman, and welcome to the social club which was refused last time and while insults continued to be hurled between the fans of both sides they were traditional rather than encouraging trouble. The ground is being refurbished and should be ready for the first match of the Conference season next Saturday.

The last time we visited here Altrincham fans requested a segregated match (  a mistaken move in my opinion ) which resulted in police escorts, a considerable police presence and segregation which encouraged fans on both sides to become abusive and aggressive.

The nature of the match a "friendly" and the size of the crowd  770 this time against 1400 in January might have helped to make this an enjoyable occasion but it confirms my view that, providing the appropriate stage is set clubs with a long history of intense rivalry can continue to visit each other with no serious problems.

Altrincham have a good record against Barrow. Since 1912, 51 games have been played between the two teams Alty have won 26 of these and Barrow 8, the rest being draws. Alty's goal advantage is 101 to 52, so the pools forecast of a home win could be wrong.

The size of the crowd was disappointing and I suspect a reflection of the importance Barrow placed on this fixture, particularly when one learned that this was the third fixture Barrow had played in as many days. They beat Stafford Rangers 1-0 on Thursday, and drew 0-0 last night against an Everton X1, using many of the players who played today. Their regular keeper Steve Farrelly was not available through injury and to the delight of the Alty fans behind the gaol a relatively inexperienced 'keeper was used. (his name escaped me)  Mark Maddox, ex-Altrincham player only came on as a substitute in the last few minutes of the game.

Altrincham took a different view and were hungry for a win. Bernard Taylor played his strongest available team, the composition of which came close to that one would expect when the season starts. It comprised Stuart Coburn ( Andy Dibble still unfit, Darren Lyons, Danny Adams, Chris Timons, Brian Kilcline, Martin Fualkner, Leroy Chambers ( the new signing from Macclesfield ) Paul Ellender playing his first match for Alty, Mick Carmody, Keith Russell, Phil Power and Nigel Gleghorn. Sammy Harris and Mat McNeil were substitutes who were used and Paul Hart was not used. Regulars who were not available included George Shepherd and Paul France on holiday, Niell Hardy recovering from a hernia operation and Ricky Harris due to have an operation for a long standing injury which has not responded to treatment.

Altrincham   began well and it was attack attack . Keith Russell was brought down in the box during  an incident with with the Barrow goal keeper which left Keith with nasty stud marks on his thigh and a bad limp. He managed to continue for a further 20 minutes but was then released by Mat McNeill. The referee saw nothing untoward in the challenge a view not shared by the Alty fans.

Alty continued to attack and their persistence was rewarded when there was a mix up in front of the Barrow goal with the ball bouncing all over the place, Paul Ellender took charge and sent the ball into the net 1-0. This was a fine start to Paul's first game with Altrincham, but unfortunately he had to come off later with an ankle injury, the right one this time. it is to be hoped he will recover by the start of the season in two weeks time because he showed he was a very impressive player. 

At one stage Altrincham forced four corners in as many minutes and while Barrow launched the occasional attack Stuart Coburn had little to do .

Sammy Harris came on for Mick Carmody at half time and on 60 minutes scored Alty's second in a similar fashion to the first, the ball bouncing around and Sammy taking  control and forcing the ball home 2-0

In the last 15 minutes Barrow put more effort into the game and on 85 minutes, just when some of the Barrow were starting to leave, a strong header from Lee O'Keeffe gave Stuart Coburn no chance. The last few minutes were nail biting with Barrow pressing but the Alty defence held firm to end the game 2-1 and win the Peter Swales League Challenge Shield.

A cup to end last season and a Shield to start the new cannot be bad and augers well for the forth coming season which opens on Saturday 22 August against Frickley Athletic at Moss Lane 

At the meeting prior to the Stockport match Chairman Gerry Berman and Vice Chairman Mark Harris reported on on Alty's moves to recruit a strong squad with the aim of going back to the Conference in 1999. in addition to the signings already reported an additional signing was that of Jason Donnelly a midfielder   There had been considerable speculation amongst supporters and in the press about the signing of a goal keeper. Several big names were either considering the position or being considered for it. An announcement was expected shortly.

These signings were costing a lot of money and could only be justified if good results were obtained on the pitch and equally importantly an increase in attendance figures. All supporters were urged to try to persuade their friends and families to come to Moss Lane and see a good side in action. More collectors and investors in the Saturday Yankee would also be of considerable help.

Manager Bernard Taylor introduced new signings Phil Power and Brian Kilcline to the supporters

New strips would be used this season. The home one would revert to the traditional red and white stripes and would be first seen at the match against Frickley on August 22nd. The away strip would be a day glow yellow with a black trim. Both would be available from the Club shop which is moving to larger premises within the ground.

You will be able to Buzz Bernard - Now 24 hours a day on 0640 69 99 29 - your chance to quiz the manager. a new Robins Round up number is now available on 0640 69 99 39.

There was a request for volunteers to replace divots at half and full time and to tidy the ground after matches

The name of the new club sponsor would be announced shortly

Jamie Taylor who was the player of the year last season has left the club to join John King at Bangor.

Questions were then put to the officials and players by the supporters.

Peter Read  said that the Chairmanship of SAFE would be shared between George Benson and Paul Dewey.

A monthly news letter would be produced the first of which would be posted to all members. Thereafter it would only be posted on request to those outside the area. Locals could pick up their copy on match days from the SAFE hut which was being transferred to the current club shop when that makes its move.

SAFE had participated in the Altrincham and Partington festivals with a well designed float. Trombola's raised over a £1000 for which would be used to help the club.

A "proper" race night will be held at Haydock Park race course on August 7th using a coach for transport. details later.

Volunteers are required on match days to sell 50-50 tickets where by if you have the winning ticket you win half of the sales the other 50% going to SAFE. this methods of raising money is successful at other clubs.

SAFE will again be using Carsville Coaches for their  travel to all away matches. There is a considerable reduction in price if you are a SAFE member. So why not join now.

Over three years SAFE has raise over £30,000 for the club. You can demonstrate support for the club at a small cost to yourself so why not join now

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