ATTENDANCE: 548
BACKGROUND:
After last week's disappointing defeat in the Trophy to Aylesbury United, Altrincham were hoping to continue their good league form against Blyth, who are now managed by Paul Baker following John Charlton's dismissal which had occured since our last meeting, which Alty won at Croft Park in August. Today's game was played in dry conditions but on a very dull afternoon.
TEAM NEWS
Rod Thornley, Alty's captain and leading scorer, was again not fit enough to make the squad; nor was Neil Ryan or Danny Murphy. So, Mark Maddox assumed the captaincy once more. Sean Smith was reduced to the bench as Barry Shuttleworth operated in his place in left-midfield. Peter Band was also missing as he was finally serving his suspension for the red card received against Hyde United nearly 12 weeks ago, on 18 November. Blyth had new signing Gary Innes on the bench, along with player-manager Paul Baker.
SUMMARY
Without Rod Thornley and Danny Murphy (both injured) as well as Peter Band (suspended), Altrincham secured the points with a late winner from 17 year-old Steve Lunt - his first league goal. In fact, all three Alty goals came from players who had not scored in the league this season. Alty started well and Anthony Sullivan's low drive gave them a deserved lead (19 mins) before Blyth equalised when Emerson got the better of Talbot two minutes later. Alty then went off the boil and the game descended into a scrappy affair. But Alty's centre-backs combined six minutes after the interval when Gary Talbot did well to get on the end of an Adams free-kick and, though his own effort was blocked, Gary managed to find Mark Maddox who bundled the ball home from close range. Hutton equalised, against the run of play, after 80 minutes with another drive from the edge of the box. However, Spartans will feel that the goal which beat them after 82 minutes from Steve Lunt should have been ruled out. Ian Craney seemed to foul the Blyth keeper in the air as a ball was played in by Burke and, from the rebound, Lunt scored at the second attempt. Alty are now 11th in the table and have now lost just 1 league game in their last 10
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| Gill Keown who came over from the Isle of Man to be Match Ball sponsor receives the ball from Rod Thornley who is still on the injury list |
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| Priestley and Partners were the Match Sponsors. They were represented by Georgina Shaw who is presented the certificate by Rod Thornley |
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| Congratulations to Ian Craney who has been called up into the England National X1 to play in Belgium next Tuesday, (11th February). Chairman Geoff Goodwin presents him with something to help his celebrations. |
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| Dave Gardner's shot just shaves the upright |
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| A fine diving save by Richard Acton |
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Francis Heald is a long-time Marine supporter, who has
also sponsored match balls for Altrincham. |
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| Stephen Lunt receives congratulators after scoring his first goal for Altrincham, which was also the decider. |
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| Captain and Man of the Match, Mark Maddox, receives his Thresher award from representatives of Priestley & Partners |