Altrincham 3 Droylsden 1

UniBond Premier League

26 December   2002.

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

Altrincham wished their fans a Merry Christmas before today's match (see picture) and then presented them with a fine performance and three points against a Droylsden side which, nevertheless, enjoyed a lot of possession. Altrincham debutant Dave Gardner had a fine game on the right flank as did Craney, Maddox and Band but Barry Shuttleworth lifted the Man of the Match award. A finely placed shot by Craney opened the scoring (23 mins) before a 25 yard Gardner shot took a huge deflection off Farley to loop into the net for the second just before the interval. Band set up Craney for the third (58 mins) before a foul by Adams allowed Hall to net from the penalty spot for the visitors (64 mins). Alty played some fine football on the break but further chances went begging.

Danny Murphy returned for his first league start in nine games, whilst Dave Gardner made his "debut" after signing from Salford City. Dave had played one game for Alty in the Conference three seasons ago. With Gary Talbot injured, Chris Adams moved to centre-back, allowing Barry Shuttleworth to emulate Gardner by also making his second League "debut", following his recent return to Moss Lane from Accrington. Peter Band started up front with Murphy, with Gardner on the right flank. In the absence of Rod Thornley, Mark Maddox captained the side. Rod was present at the game but was still limping after his recent operation. Richard Acton was restored in goal after Kurt Edginton had filled in so capably in the last two games. Neil Ryan and Vernum Rowland were also still out injured, as was Simon Woodford who completed 45 minutes for Flixton last weekend.

Droylsden included two former Robins, Adam Farley and Steve Porter, but there was no place for two other ex-Alty players, James Glendenning and Stuart Locke, though both were present at Moss Lane today.

The referee, Mr Kellett was a good omen for Altrincham as we had convincingly won the last three games in which he had officiated for us.

An afternoon which started with light rain, followed by bright sunlight  and a superb rainbow and the rain kept off. A small complaint - the team had the nice idea of wishing all a Merry Christmas but forgot to tell the photographers that some sort of event was to take place  so have your cameras ready. I was busy taking sponsor photos. John Laidlar  saw the team assembling for this Christmas wish from the stand and took a very good shot. If the Club is to maximize the publicity from such events they should inform those concerned.

Taken through the turnstiles. Is it a) a Christmas decoration b) saving on electricity or c) has the bulb gone?

A Boxing Day rainbow was complete but impossible to catch all in a photo

New stewards pairing of father and daughter  Peter & Zoe Lewis

Rod Thornley, recuperating from an injury has many young admirers. He provided plenty of support to his more active team mates

Tony Garmen of one of the match Sponsors Autotech receives his certificate from Neil Dawson

Tony Crawford of Match Sponsors Crawford Car Sales receives his certificate from Neil Dawson

David Walker of Matchball sponsor Ark Veterinary Surgery receives his Matchball from Neil Dawson

Man of the Match Barry Shuttleworth in action watched by Droylsden's Chairman/Manager Dave Pace in the visitors box

Danny Murphy back after injury had a good game

Some of the fans were in the Christmas spirit. Is that Kenny I see bottom left? he has a habit of getting into pictures.

From the other end a good header clears the line in front of a very small contingent of Droylsden fans

Ian Craney's first time shot is goal bound

Ian Craney watches his second goal head goal wards

& celebrates

Dave Pace looks bemused about the way things have gone. Graham Heathcote should be delighted but still looks apprehensive

Man of the Match, Barry Shuttleworth receives his award from Tony Crawford representing one of the Match Sponsors Crawford Car Sales

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