Altrincham 4 Gateshead 0 

UniBond Premier league

26 August 2002

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

Some photographs by Cliff Hase 

Both teams started this game with no points and only one goal between them from a collective 450 minutes of football this season. Altrincham had conceded four goals in each of their last three games.

Altrincham started well and dominated the game until they won a penalty after 20 minutes, converted by Thornley. This had been awarded for a clear handball after Scott had driven the ball across the box. The goal, however, signalled something of a revival by Gateshead and as half-time approached they went close to an equaliser, with Lawson crashing a shot against the angle of upright and crossbar. Alty improved again in the second half scoring twice in six minutes through Thornley (55 and 61 mins). Altrincham finished strongly with Band rounding off a fine debut with a goal two minutes from the end. Rod Thornley received the Man of the Match award.

Peter Band made his debut after serving a three-match suspension incurred whilst at Hyde United; he replaced the injured Ian Craney. Band started in midfield having spent most of the pre-season at centre-back. Former Squires Gate keeper Andy Moore was also given a debut in goal, in place of Nick Stephens. Stephen Rose started in place of Maddox at centre-back and Simon Woodford swapped places with Jason Gallagher who had been on the bench in the last game. Gateshead played their new signing Nicky Mohan from Hull City but Dave Colvin, recently signed from Sheffield United, started on the bench.

Neil Dawson of of Altrincham FC presents the certificate to Tom McGuire representing SAFE, the sponsors of the game

Rod Thornley sent Siddall to his right and put the ball to the keeper's left to record his first goal of the season. Cliff Hase behind the net.

Another goal coming up for Rod Thornley

Andy McDonald gets past Alex Lawson.

Celebrations as Rod Thornley scores his second goal

Post-goal celebrations led by the topless Peter Band who ran to the touchline to hug manager Bernard Taylor.

Gary Talbot leads Andy McDonald, Simon Woodford, Neil Murphy and Peter Band off the pitch at the end of the game.

Mr. and Mrs. Ashton sponsored the Match Ball and Mr. Ashton makes a presentation to Rod Thornley Man of the Match

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