Altrincham 2 Whitby Town 1.

UniBond Premier League

19 October   2002

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

Alty were looking to build on their fine midweek win at Burscough in their first game under Graham Heathcote. This had followed eight league and cup games without a win. However, Whitby, lying fourth in the league would be a tough test even if they had only just gained their first away win of the season. The fact that that was by 7-1 at Frickley was a clear warning of the Yorkshire visitors' firepower. Whitby manager Harry Dunn was forced to watch from the directors' box, as he is still on crutches after an operation on his leg some weeks ago.

Altrincham made it six points out of six under Graham Heathcote's managership with this narrow win over high-flying Whitby Town. Whitby shaded the first half before Rod Thornley won and converted a penalty just as the 3 minutes of added time board was displayed. Alty played better in the second half but another penalty restored parity when Ryan was penalised after Acton had missed a cross. Veart scored for Whitby from the spot (63 mins). Peter Band almost immediately made it 2-1 when he skilfully hooked home a Thornley cross (65 mins). Acton made two magnificent saves to keep out Whitby and Zoll drove a fine shot against the upright but Altrincham held on for a win.

Rod Thornley was back after missing three games due to his masseur duties with England and he replaced Danny Murphy, who had been injured at Burscough in midweek. Gary Scott remained suspended whilst on the bench Andy McDonald replaced Neil Murphy.

Whitby included keeper David Campbell, who has returned to the club after a spell at Gateshead. Craig Veart, the former Spennymoor midfielder was also in the Whitby side, along with Stefan Zoll, the German student acquired from Pickering Town and Aaron Wilford, another youngster, who had scored a hat-trick at Frickley last week. On the bench was Craig Skelton formerly at Altrincham and Blyth Spartans.

A good omen There is something at the end of the rainbow
Carsville Coaches which SAFE uses for their away travel were the Matchball sponsor. Jean Heathcote and her grandson Carl, representing Carsville are presented the ball by Altrincham's Neil Dawson
	were the match sponsors. Andrew and Dane Beckett of CJM Transport receive the certificate from Neil Dawson. Click on the logo to see how CJM can help with your haulage needs
The Alty singers were in good voice
Gary Talbot, Rod Thornley and Mark Maddox go for a corner ball
Gary Talbot and keeper David Campbell are in flight
The keeper, Ian Craney and another Whitby player are grounded
Rod Thornley scores from the penalty spot, wheels and does his cartwheel, which I have yet to catch as a photo
Gary Talbot again flying high
Richard Acton dives correctly but could only get his finger tips to the penalty ball from Whitby's Craig Veart
Rod Thornley is delighted as he sees his cross to Peter Band volleyed into the net
The ball on the way in to the net watched by ecstatic Alty fans and a dejected Whitby player
Connor and Mike McGuire of CJM Transport make a presentation to man of the match Rod Thornley

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