Altrincham 4 Hyde United 1

UniBond Premier league

7 September  2002

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

Hyde had lost their previous three games whilst Altrincham were unbeaten in their last three and had not conceded a goal in the process. There had been heavy showers before the game but the match was played in bright and dry conditions.

Long odds would have been offered against the final 4-1 scoreline after a goalless first half in which Hyde had twice hit the woodwork and had had another effort cleared off the line, whilst Alty had not won a single corner. Without leading scorer Rod Thornley (on England duty), it was ex-Hyde captain Peter Band who opened the scoring for the home side after 59 minutes when he finished off a move which he had started. Andy McDonald made it two after persistence by Chris Young had won possession (68 mins). Hyde deservedly pulled one back when Dominic Crookes drove home a 20 yarder (73 mins). The decider was Neil Ryan's penalty (86 minutes) after Dave Swanick had fouled Gary Scott, who had made a fine run into the box. In the last minute Chris Young netted the fourth from a Talbot free-kick taken from his own half. Stephen Rose was named Man of the Match.

Peter Band, who missed the midweek game with a mouth injury which he had suffered last Saturday, was passed fit to play and captained Altrincham for the first time as he lined up against his former club. Alty striker Adewale Ajetunmobi, who had made an impressive late appearance against Burscough in midweek, was absent at a wedding in London. Also missing was Rod Thornley, who was on masseur duties for England's friendly against Portugal this afternoon. Andy Tunnicliffe, who broke his leg early in the corresponding fixture last season, was on the bench for Alty, along with Mark Maddox and Jason Gallagher who was the man to step down for Band's return. Danny Murphy also remained sidelined by injury but warmed up with the team and is expected to be available for selection next week. Also warming up was Richard Acton, the former Hyde keeper, who has joined Altrincham. Hyde included some familiar faces to Alty fans. Dave Swanick was at right back, Anthony Hargreaves was up front and former Alty Reserve Lee Evans was also a starter.

Barry Heaton of match sponsor Assembly Techniques is presented a certificate by Neil Dawson of Altrincham FC

Director Andrew Shaw, the match ball sponsor and his son Elliot, in the Alty strip and friend Andrew Grey are presented with a match ball by Neil Dawson of Altrincham FC

Danny Murphy and Ray Armstrong present a birthday gift to Mathew Jamieson who was 9 today. Danny while not in today's  squad was limbering up in anticipation to a return to match fitness after his recent ankle injury .

Mascot Jay Goodwin, son of Director Geoff was today's mascot . Here he is with the match officials, Referee G. W. Foulkes and Linesmen A. D. Haslam and S Wright and Hyde's captain Dominic Crookes and  Peter Band captain of Altrincham Photo by Cliff Hase

Peter Band, who was captain for the game, and a Hyde player show determination in toe to toe event

Peter band, who scored Alty's first goal against his old team Hyde does a juggling act

Mike Lomax takes a firm grip on Andy McDonald's shirt

Is a hand being used?

A heading game

A good save by Hyde's Peter Crooks

To the delight of the Alty fans Neil Ryan scores from the spot. The ball's in the net, but where is the keeper?

Chris Young, the scorer of a last minute goal, is somewhere under the pile of, at least Neil Murphy, Andy McDonald and Peter Band, while Jason Gallagher is about to add his weight.

Barry Heaton of match sponsor Assembly Techniques presents Stephen Rose with his Man of the Match award

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