The latest column for Altrincham Today from manager Matt Doughty, who spoke to Jacque Talbot
It was truly a game of two halves against Macclesfield on Wednesday night in the FA Trophy. I was happy with the team’s first half performance, but in the second half we showed them far too much respect.
I told the players during the break that we needed to press higher up the pitch but the players did the total opposite of this. We gave them far too much space and time on the ball and they were able to carve out dangerous opportunities.
The second goal was always coming for them; William Foster was becoming tired, leaving Danny Rowe with enough room to create chances and eventually he got a goal. I have no complaints with that whatsoever.
I thought Darius Palmer and Joshua Graham from the youth team did very well even though it was a match against tough, competitive opposition who are in the league above.
Watch highlights from the game:
#TWITTERGOALS. See the goals from our 2-1 @BuildbaseUK FA Trophy victory over @altrinchamfc. Full highlights on Player HD now. pic.twitter.com/CtZ4uDyW6p
— Macclesfield Town (@thesilkmen) January 5, 2017
I brought on Palmer for Harry Cain who had worked hard but was giving away possession too easily. The kid, Palmer, could have even scored a couple of goals at the end as he forged enough room for himself down the left-hand side.
We face a 12th placed Gloucester City next in the league and our preparation has started now. We worked with the players in training on Thursday night to see who would be a right fit to play on Saturday at The J Davidson Stadium.
In terms of new injuries for the game, we have Simon Richman who might not feature as he had a knock in the warm up against Macclesfield, but we hope to have Sean Miller back into the fold. Jake Moult will be able to play on Saturday, before starting his three-match ban for his sending off at FC United on New Year’s Day.
I truly believe this Altrincham side can stay up this season 100%. I honestly would not have taken the job otherwise. We have players in our squad that are very talented and capable, I only wish they would listen to my instructions more often!
