Humanity Hallows Issue 4 Out Now!
Pick up your copy on campus or read online
Altrincham’s first-ever footballing clash with Salford ended in tears as they lost 2-0 at home and drifted even further from safety at the bottom of the Vanarama North league.
Under Gary Neville’s watchful eye Salford improved their promotion chances, moving up to eighth place with a comfortable win.
Salford were on the front foot from the whistle, spending much of their time in possession in the Altrincham half early on. The Robins were clearly wary of Salford’s attacking threat as they adopted an unusual 5-2-3 formation to tighten gaps at the back.
Jim Harvey made wholesale changes to his line-up, dropping captain Alan Goodall to the bench, and handing the armband to prominent center-back John Cyrus.
Altrincham’s defending was sloppy and they appeared especially vulnerable at corners. Salford dominated in midfield and piled on the pressure relentlessly, feeding through balls to Michael Phenix, Nicholas Haughton and Richard Allen.
Salford on the attack from a corner.
But for the fact that Salford spurned numerous chances it could’ve easily been three or four nil by half time, though Altrincham were unlucky to concede the one goal City did score; a Michael Phenix strike on the stroke of half-time.
Five minutes after the re-start Salford scored again; a beautifully curled effort from attacking midfielder Richard Allen but apart from some promising moments from Curtis Obeng Altrincham offered little threat and had goalkeeper Andrew Dawber to thank for keeping the score respectable.
Dawber pulled off a cracking double save in the 19th minute to deny Allen and Haughton and then, at full stretch, tipped Jordan Hulme’s second half header over the bar.
What was astonishing is that nearly 2,000 loyal Altrincham fans turned out to see this disappointing performance, with the gate swollen too by 400 travelling Salford fans, clearly cheered by their team’s slick passing and efficient finishing.
414 Salford fans travelled for the game. The total attendance was 2403.
Altrincham are still waiting for Jim Harvey’s re-build to produce match-winning performances – nine changes here couldn’t find the winning combination. Perhaps meeting a strong and confident Salford will show where they need to improve.
But now nine points adrift of safety and with another disheartening result under their belt, they need to discover winning ways quickly, or the trip back from Alfreton Town on Saturday may be a long one.
Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Fcukers headline a sold-out show at Manchester’s New Century Hall, in support of their long-awaited debut album, ‘ö’. Opening the night are Sydney-based Sleepazoid, whose hazy, atmospheric sound offers a sharp contrast to the headliners’ explosive energy. Their set feels cinematic and dream-like, serving as both a striking opener…
Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan Hailing from Manchester and playing a sold-out show at Manchester’s Lion’s Den, with an imminent EP on the way, aAh! speaks to Fred Farrell (vocals) and Danny Atherton (bass) of Dr Dr. Did you start the band during Covid times? Is that where it all originated? F: It was…
Featured image: Gary Walker Neo-blues soul artist Yellow Days, the stage name of Haslemere’s George van den Broek, returns to Manchester with his seventh album, Rock And A Hard Place, and a live show that proves just how far he has come. Before he steps out, London-based act Brian Nasty warms the room up nicely,…
Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch The Royston Club perform alongside Overpass and Permanent (Joy) at a sold-out O2 Victoria Warehouse. Welsh indie rock band The Royston Club, school friends who began playing together in 2017, now headline O2 Victoria Warehouse in Manchester. Touring second album Songs For The Spine, they generate an energetic sold-out…
Leave a reply