Brief report John Laidlar from  his  Alty Pages where a full report can be found

Photographs by Alan Johnson 

LEEK TOWN 0 ALTRINCHAM 0

SCORERS

• None

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  REFEREE: Mr Martyn Short (Grantham)

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  ATTENDANCE: 327

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  TEAMS
  

  16.12.00	LEEK TOWN	versus.	ALTRINCHAM
  3pm	All blue	---.	Red and white striped shirts and black shorts
  1.	Mark STATHAM	1.	Stuart COBURN
  2.	Bradley SANDEMAN	2.	Adam FARLEY
  3.	Wayne McDERMOTT	3.	Gary SCOTT
  4.	Matt BEEBY (capt)	4.	James GLENDENNING
  5.	Dale HAWTIN	5.	Mark MADDOX (capt.)
  6.	Colin ROSE	6.	Steve HAWES
  7.	Alan DODD	7.	Stuart SCHEUBER
  8.	Dave WHITTAKER	8.	Ian CRANEY
  9.	Andy MASON	9.	Alex HAY
  10.	Jamie MARROW	10.	Steve FINNEY
  11.	Aiden CALLAN	11.	Danny MURPHY
  12.	Scott WILLIAMS	12.	Barry CROWE
  14.	Paul HARRIS	14.	Eric SEEKIE
  15.	Michael WOODRAY	15.	Leroy CHAMBERS

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  BACKGROUND
  Leek went into this match with just one win in their last thirteen League games, whilst Altrincham were seeking three points to remain in contention for promotion. Neither side got their wished-for three points on a very damp pitch to which rain added more moisture for most of the ninety minutes. Leek and Altrincham had passed each other in recent years; Leek's two years in the Conference coinciding with our previous spell in the Unibond and then our promotion to the Conference coincided with their relegation. So, for many Alty fans this was a first visit to Harrison Park, which is compact on three sides but has an elevated main stand along the fourth side. The souvenir shop is particularly noteworthy for its excellent range of merchandise.

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  SUMMARY A very damp pitch, on parts of which the ball would not run freely, meant that this was a difficult game for the players. The opening period of the first half saw plenty of stalled moves and misplaced passes but things greatly improved, especially in the second half, as players got used to the conditions. After an end-to-end opening to the second half, Altrincham grew increasingly dominant and were very unlucky not to score when both Hay and Finney had fine shots which rebounded off the uprights. Statham in the home goal also made several fine saves, as did Coburn at the other end.

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  TEAM NEWS
  After the initial shock of reading the programme where the team sheet showed that Leek were apparently playing Eastwood Town, it became clear that Altrincham were, in fact, the visitors. Only Ian Craney and Adam Farley of the recently injured players were fit to start the game, with Jason Gallagher and captain, Gary Talbot, as well as Phil Power still sidelined. It was encouraging to see Kevin Ellison, who has not played since 8th October, fit enough to be involved in the pre-match warm-up. Leroy Chambers and Barry Crowe were restored as subs, with Eric Seekie also occupying the bench. Dickie Landon was absent, having gone to Droylsden on loan whilst Steve Porter was nowhere to be seen, despite the absence through suspension of his successor, left-back Steve Morgan. Also suspended was player-manager, Mark Ward. Farley played at right-back, whilst Scott switched to the left side. Leek surprisingly welcomed back injured keeper, Mark Statham whilst Andy Mason played what may have been his last match on loan from Leigh RMI. Another familiar face to Alty fans was that of Colin Rose, recently at Northwich Victoria.

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  FINAL SCORE: LEEK TOWN 0 ALTRINCHAM 0

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Photographs by Alan Johnson 

	The ground at Leek Town is at Conference level here is the main stand
The flood level at Leek Town some two years ago. This year the ground was again flooded but only to a level of 18inches!
	Leek Town provided Christmas carols curtsey of the St. Johns Scouts and Guides band, Longton. Here Kenny from Altrincham takes over the role of conductor
Stuart Scheuber waits for a corner ball
	Leek Town keeper Mark Statham makes another good save, this time with his legs
Stuart Scheuber getting a knudge in the back from a defender
	Another Alty attack brings no results

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