Altrincham 1 Kendal Town 0

FA Cup 2nd Qualifying Round

28 September  2002

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

These sides had never previously met in the FA Cup. After Alty's poor recent run and Kendal's good start to the season, an upset was a distinct possibility. The game was sponsored by Bob Peters's 20/20 Research, who are the Club's FA Cup Sponsors for this season. Bob also kindly sponsors the Alty Youth Team

Kendal started tentatively but improved as the first half wore on whilst Altrincham played moderately throughout the first 45 minutes. Following a double substitution at half-time which saw first-team regulars Young and McDonald restored to the side, Altrincham were much improved and had the better of the second half. The only goal of the game was a little fortunate as keeper Ward met Gary Scott's cross with a punch which seemed to rebound off Chris Young and loop into the net (72 mins). On his full debut, Jamie Phoenix got himself needlessly sent off eight minutes from the end when he foolishly pushed over the Kendal player-manager Peter Smith deep in the left-hand corner of the Alty half. The game was not a classic but Altrincham deserved to win it.

Rod Thornley was restored to the starting line-up for Altrincham after injury but regular first-teamers Craney, McDonald and Young were all on the bench. Gary Talbot returned to the starting line-up and Jamie Phoenix was given his first start for Altrincham. Gary Scott started in right midfield as Mark Maddox moved across to left-back. Richard Acton kept his place in goal instead of Andy Moore and Alty elected not to name a substitute keeper amongst their five on the bench. Adewale Ajetunmobi was present but was omitted from the squad.

Rocky Robin has again emerged from obscurity. I am confidentially informed that beneath that garb is Gary McQueen of Alty's FA Cup Sponsor 20/20Research, but not a word to anyone    Click on the logo to learn more of 20/20 Research

Young admirers seek Rocky's signature

2020 Research Alty's FA Cup Sponsors. Director Grahame Rowley and Rocky Robin present the certificate  to Bob Peters together with Thomas Fort, who is holding the sign

Neil Dawson and Rocky Robin presents the match ball to David Fort and his son Thomas of 2020 Research, the match ball sponsors

Led by the mascots the teams come on to the pitch

Kendal Towns captain Richard Close with the three match officials, S Mitchell, J Collin and P Fearon and Rod Thornley behind the mascots of Kendal Town and Jay Goodwin Alty's mascot, son of chairman Geoff Goodwin

The Alty team minus captain Rod Thornley who had other matters in hand (see above) Back row l/r Gary Talbot, Neil Ryan,  Stephen Rose, Peter Band, Jamie Phoenix, Richard Acton, Danny Murphy and Mark Maddox Front row l/r   Neil Murphy, Neil Dawson of Alty FC, Bob Peters of 2020Research and Gary Scott .

Jamie Phoenix who almost had his first full game had a mixed afternoon. At time he was brilliant but got a red card towards the end of the game.

Its Peter Band under that ball

Jamie Phoenix first yellow card

The agony.  Jamie despairs as his shot just missed the net. Keeper Lee Ward also looks  worried

The ecstasy. With the keeper on the ground Rod Thornley cannot disguise his delight as substitute Chris Young finds the net

The Alty defence were kept busy in the closing stages of the game.

Man of the Match Mark Maddox receiving his trophy from George Peters of 2020

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