Altrincham 0 Vauxhall Motors 2 

UniBond Premier League

8October   2002

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

Altrincham had lost the away fixture at Vauxhall's Rivacre Park 0-4 in August. Since then Vauxhall's form had been indifferent until a recent revival had seen them both winning and scoring goals- only Accrington have scored more this season. Altrincham started the game with just one point gained from their last five league matches.
 In the crowd, after paying at the turnstile, was Lincoln City's former Hyde United striker, Simon Yeo.

Altrincham were overrun in the first half by a fast and organised Vauxhall side who should have been at least three up at the interval. However, at the break they only led by a fifth minute goal from Terry Fearns, who scored after getting past Peter Band on the Alty right touchline. A minute after the interval Gary Talbot was sent off for pulling back Fearns and, as he was the last defender, the acting Alty captain was shown a red card. Curiously Alty played better with only ten men but after Acton had performed heroics to keep the score down, Danny Collins headed home a corner ten minutes from the end. Acton was named Man of the Match. Alty have fallen to 20th in the table and have now lost four times to Vauxhall in the League in the last 15 League games that they have played!

The changes had to be rung again in the Altrincham line-up. Rod Thornley was absent at a Downing Street reception for the England international XI, to whom he is masseur. Defender Matthew Duffy, who made his debut on Saturday was omitted but into the side came the newly re-signed Kevin Hulme whilst Chris Barton made his full debut after an appearance as a substitute on Saturday. Andy McDonald remained on the bench, as he is carrying an injury, and was joined there by Adewale Ajetunmobi, who has yet to make a start for Alty, and newcomer Stuart Fenna who was formerly in Stockport County's Youth team (1999-2000). Missing were injured defenders Neil Murphy, Mark Maddox and Gary Scott, as well as injured midfielder Simon Woodford.

Hulme played up front, partnered initially by midfielder Ian Craney. Barton was in midfield. Peter Band therefore moved to centre-back, forcing Rose to the left-back berth. Gary Talbot was captain in Thornley's absence.

a Hale based firm involved in recruitment is now the sponsor of the renamed Blue Cannon Family Enclosure. The Enclosure was opened this evening and Blue Cannon were both Match and Matchball sponsor. Click on their logo to learn more about the Company

From l/r  Director Grahame Rowley presents the Matchball to Phil Buchanan of Blue Cannon and Chairman of Altrincham FC Geoff Goodwin presents the Certificate

Danny Murphy and Keeper Andy Ralph watch Danny's shot go on the wrong side of the upright

Kevin Hulme, who re-signed for Alty this week and Andy Ralph seem to be taking a well earned rest

Phil Buchanan of Blue Cannon presents the Man of the Match award to Alty's keeper Richard Acton, without his stupendous saves Vauxhall's score could have been in double figures

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