Altrincham 0 Marine 1

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

After three successive defeats (two league, one cup) and a blank fixture last Saturday, Altrincham had slipped to 18th in the league, whilst Marine were only just above them on goal difference.

In their programme notes, Bernard Taylor and Andy May wrote of the recent defeat at Ashton, that "if we had taken our first-half chances, we would have been well out of reach...When we are on top, we must drill home our advantage". Unfortunately, much the same can be said of this match against Marine though a depleted Altrincham never quite played as well as in the first half at Hurst Cross ten days ago. Without the injured Rod Thornley, Altrincham lost, as at Ashton, to a 25 yard goal. This one was struck by Marine midfielder Anton Lally after 26 minutes. Alty created and missed several first-half chances before putting in a disappointing second half performance in which they failed to translate plenty of possession into goals. It was Alty's fifth blank scoresheet in ten league games and to make things worse, Neil Murphy picked up a suspension as he got booked for the fifth time this season.

Altrincham were without the injured Rod Thornley and Gary Talbot whilst Richard Acton, the former Hyde and Runcorn keeper, was brought in to keep goal in place of Andy Moore, who has done such a good job since coming into the side. So, three of Alty's regulars were missing. Neil Ryan returned to the side, after losing his place through suspension, and there was a new face on the bench in Jamie Phoenix, a youngster from Bolton Wanderers. On the bench he was joined by Adewale Ajetunmobi, who has yet to start a game, and the still not fully fit Jason Gallagher. Though suffering from a virus, Mark Maddox was named as captain. Simon Woodford was present but, sadly, on crutches. Marine featured a number of players who have progressed through their Youth and Reserve sides, as well as the returning Ged Courtney who had a recent spell at Stalybridge in the Conference after leaving Marine.

Carole Nash, match and ball sponsors, being presented her certificate by Neil Dawson.

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Andy McDonald after the ball

Marine's goal about to be scored by Anton Lally

Mark Maddox get a lift

New "behind the goal" fan. An injured Rod Thornley looks worried as Alty fail to put the ball in the net

Phillip Weaver and mum are keen Alty fans. Phillip got more than he bargained for when he was hit by an failed attempt at goal. Phillip's comments were "That ball was hard. How do they manage to head it?" It did not put him off and they hope to be there on Saturday for the FA Cup match

Carole Nash presents the Man of the Match trophy to Gary Scott