Altrincham 0 Wakefield & Emley 1

UniBond Premier League

26 October   2002

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

After two consecutive wins against top-five sides, Altrincham were again pitted against a team from that level. This was Alty's first game with Dalton Steele as Assistant Manger to Graham Heathcote.

 After a reasonably balanced first half, Altrincham went down to Rob Tonks's 57th minute shot from just outside the box. They could not complain too much at the result, their sixth consecutive defeat in games against Emley who, as always, were well organised at the back and in Wilson had a lively presence in midfield. Alty lost both Gallagher and Murphy to recurrences of injury inside the first 25 minutes of the game. The Robins' best chance came late on when Peter Band got free after an error by Paul David. Band's first effort was saved and he was then bundled off the ball in the aftermath. 

Alty were without three regular defenders, namely the suspended duo of Gary Talbot and Gary Scott plus the injured Neil Ryan. Making his first start of the season was 17 year-old Vernum Rowland, who has just returned to Altrincham from Nantwich Town. Stephen Rose reverted to centre-back to replace Talbot, whilst Rowland replaced Ryan at right-back. Matthew Duffy got a recall to the bench after missing the last three league games. Wakefield & Emley were welcoming back a number of previously injured players but were still without striker Simeon Bambrook.

Goodwins Coaches  sponsored this game Geoff Godwin, who is also Chairman of Altrincham,  as a thank you he had as his guests the many unsung hero's who help to keep this club running. Here Geoff receives his certificate surrounded by  some of his guests.

Peter Band on the trail

Keeper Paul Cuss has his head down, and who can blame him with Ian Craney and Wakefield's Ryan Crossley about to kick it!

Richard Acton makes a good save by tipping the ball over the bar

Excuse me says the man from Yorkshire I was first

Andy McDonald makes an effort to go for the ball but the high jumping defender gets there first

Andrew Tunicliffe who came on as a substitute was brought down and received attention Andy McDonald walks away, Ian Craney lines up a free kick and Rod Thornley looks concerned. Another reason selecting this picture was the hump in the pitch. Is it as big as it appears or is this an optical delusion

The "behind the goals regulars" watch as Peter Band goes for a ball

Man of the Match Ian Craney receives his award from Sarah Rowley representing Goodwins Coaches