Altrincham 1 Frickley Athletic 0

UniBond Premier League

23 November    2002.

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

This narrow but deserved win for Altrincham has taken them up two places in the League. Rod Thornley, fresh from his audience with the Queen in midweek, skilfully headed the goal from a well-flighted McDonald free-kick after 33 minutes to exact retribution on Frickley's Jackson, who had fouled the Alty captain to the left of goal. After a fairly even first half, in which Altrincham missed several chances and Acton made a crucial save, Altrincham had most of the attacks in the second period. With sharper finishing, the win would have been more comfortable.

Altrincham brought back Simon Woodford after he had missed twelve league matches following a workplace accident. For the first time he started up front rather than in wide midfield, alongside Rod Thornley, who was back after his absence at Buckingham Place with the England team last Monday. Jason Gallagher was fit once again but Danny Murphy could play no part today. Neil Ryan was also still sidelined through injury as was Gary Talbot. Another player returning to the squad was Sean Smith, who was on the bench after missing the last two league games. Youth-team striker Steve Lunt was also on the bench, along with Andy Tunnicliffe. Peter Band played at centre-back rather than up-front, with Stephen Rose in midfield. In his programme notes Graham Heathcote alluded to new arrivals on the horizon at Moss Lane. In the crowd were former Alty man Anthony Hargreaves, recently released by Hyde and sporting the most striking blue bandanna ever seen at Moss Lane, and Paul Taylor, the Alty defender whose career was ended by injury last season.

Frickley included the former Barnsley player Curtis Bernard.

Mike Marsh and  his wife  of Polymer Processing Machinery UK who were today's match ball sponsors, being presented the ball by Neil Dawson

Many happy returns to Kimberley Prophet who, for her 18th birthday present, asked her father, Mike Prophet of the Amblehurst Hotel, Sale, to sponsor today's Match. Neil Dawson presents Kimberley with her certificate.

Simon Woodford back in the team

Jason Gallagher in action

Andy McDonald, who was named Man of the Match, Simon Woodford (10), Ian Craney (8)  and Mark Maddox

Keeper Mark Samways says "That way please" with Simon Woodford and Rod Thornley in attendance

Rod Thornley heads Andy McDonalds free kick into the back of the net for Alty's goal

A fine save from a corner by Mark Samways denies Altrincham

Match Sponsor Kimberley Prophet presents Andy McDonald's Thresher Man of the Match award.

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