Altrincham 1 Hyde United 2

UniBond League Cup

18 November    2002.

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

Not only did Altrincham go out of the UniBond Challenge Cup, 1-2 against Hyde United at Moss Lane last night, they had Richard Acton and Peter Band sent off. Troy Hayder scored a strange opening goal after just 3 minutes following a goalmouth melee, before Alty's 17 year-old debutant striker Steve Lunt netted a fine volleyed equaliser (11 mins). Just a minute later Meszaros was given plenty of space to drive home a shot from the right of goal to restore Hyde's lead. Despite a lot of possession Altrincham could not score in a second half. Then in the second and last minute of added time Richard Acton caught a punt from the Hyde keeper just outside his own box as Foster closed on him. Referee Tarry sent him off then, after the whistle had gone at the end of the game, he also showed Peter Band a red card for a verbal offence. With Andy Moore now at Trafford, Altrincham now have a major goalkeeping problem looming. The performances of youth players Steve Lunt, Jon McEvoy and Francis Evans gave some cause for consolation to Alty fans. Altrincham now go into the Chairman's Cup draw.

 Altrincham were without their regular centre-backs, Mark Maddox and Gary Talbot, through injury, whilst leading scorer Rod Thornley was absent on duty with the England team. Vernum Rowland was also missing with an ankle injury. The absences gave openings for Steve Lunt, who started the game, and his fellow youth teamers Jon McEvoy, Francis Evans and Luke Killeen, who were on the bench. None of them had yet played for the first team, though Jon had been on the bench last week. Jon and Francis are midfielders whilst Luke is a striker who has represented Bolton & District Schools and was on Bury's books. Pictured right are Francis Evans and Jon McEvoy, playing for Altrincham FA in September 2002. Jason Gallagher and Danny Murphy, both of whom have been injured recently, started the game but neither was able to complete it. Peter Band and Richard Acton were both playing against their former club and there were some Hyde players doing the same. The Tigers have a large contingent of recent ex-Alty players in their squad but although Kevin Hulme, Dave Swanick and Anthony Hargreaves did not play tonight, Ryan Hevicon did play, as did former reserve striker Lee Evans. In fact it later emerged that Hargreaves had left the club at his own request. On the Hyde bench was Leon Smith, who also had a brief spell at Moss Lane. The transfer listed Paul Ashwell also started for the Tigers.

Referee Mr Tarry had been the man in charge of Graham Heathcote's testimonial game in 2001 but in the light of the two dismissals and the missed penalty-award in tonight's game, his visit to Moss Lane this time was less happy. He had more recently been at Moss Lane to officiate in the friendly against Blackburn Rovers in the 2002 pre-season.

Stars of the future? Youth team players Jon McEvoy, Luke Killeen and Francis Evans were promoted to be substitutes for this evening. Both Jon and Francis were called to duty and played well.

Youth team player Stephen Lunt celebrated his first  line up with a well taken goal

Waiting

In the final minute of extra time the man in black referee Mr. R Tarry sent Alty's goal keeper Richard Acton off for handling the ball outside his area. This harsh decision was followed by the sending off of Peter Band for some verbal comment.

A dejected Richard Acton comes off after his red card.

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