Gateshead 0 Altrincham 0
UniBond Premier
15 February 2003
Summary and other details by John Laidlar. His full report is in the Official Site
This was a clash between two of the form-teams of the UniBond Premiership, with Altrincham third and Gateshead sixth in the form guide over the last eight league matches.
TEAM NEWS
Altrincham were without Peter Band and Ian Craney who were both suspended, whilst Rod Thornley, Danny Murphy and Neil Ryan all remained sidelined by injury. This meant that only Mark Maddox from the 14-man squad who played for Alty in the corresponding fixture at Gateshead last April was in the squad today! Jason Gallagher made a return to the Alty side for his first league start since December but Alty manager Graham Heathcote was obliged to watch from the stand rather than the dugout as he had, apparently, been banned from the touchline for crossing swords with a referee earlier this season. He deployed Gardner as Sullivan's strike partner but the detailed coaching had to be left to Dalton Steele at pitchside.
On Friday, IC Newcastle's site had quoted Gateshead manager Derek Bell as saying "that there are serious fitness doubts about skipper Gareth McAlindon, midfield man Neil Shotton and defender Ben Cattanach. McAlindon hurt a knee during the win over Alfreton, while Cattanach has had food poisoning and Shotton is suffering from a leg injury. 'We are down to the bare bones', said Bell". In fact, only Shotton missed this game.
Altrincham gained a well-deserved point, despite the absence of Peter Band, Ian Craney, Danny Murphy, Neil Ryan and Rod Thornley. Indeed, this was their first away draw in the league this season. A poor playing surface made flowing football difficult, but a draw was probably a fair result, although Altrincham had the better chances, mostly created by Dave Gardner.
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A brilliant sunny day, which should have been great for action football but not much action in the goal mouth and few corners. Also the stand made life difficult because of the contrast between its shadow and the brilliant sunshine. It did however create interesting shots such as the silhouette of the goal keeper |
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| The superb, soulless stand which would be fine for several thousand but, with 264 fans is inappropriate. For those in the know Jezza's prediction has come true! |
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| Dave Gardner with his legs in a twist after passing the ball. Sean Smith in attendance |
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| Barry Shuttleworth on the run, Dave Gardner is not far behind. Alty banners on show |
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| Tony Sullivan shot is saved by keeper Jon Kennedy |
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| How did that miss? asks Dave Gardner who had a great game |
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| Goal keeper in silhouette saves from Dave Gardner |
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| Stephen Lunt who came on as a substitute towards the end of the game was very active and several shots came close |
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| A minute later he is up in the air |