Altrincham FC manager Phil Parkinson with his latest column for Altrincham Today…
A busy week culminates with a trip to Hereford today for a Vanarama National League North fixture and we will be hoping that we can continue our recent good run, which has seen us move to within touching distance of the play-offs.
Last Saturday’s 3-0 home win against Ashton United was followed up on Tuesday night as we beat Nuneaton Borough 4-0 to make it six points, seven goals scored, none conceded in two matches… which are all highly satisfactory stats. Although we didn’t hit the heights in either game, it’s a testament to the quality of our team that we can still produce great results, yet knowing that we are capable of a lot better in terms of performances.
Highlights of the win over Ashton:
Defensively, we played very well in both games, which is really pleasing as we have been working hard on that side of our game. John Johnston scored twice in each game, so it’s been a great week for him… strangely enough, our leading scorer Jordan Hulme hasn’t scored, which he is never happy about but he has still made a big contribution in terms of his general play and particularly goal assists.
Highlights from the win over Nuneaton:
We were disappointed to lose Tom Peers, who has joined FC United of Manchester, who have been trying to sign him for a few weeks. Tom was an important part of what we achieved last season and his goalscoring record at Altrincham has been excellent, but the lure of starting regularly for FC United has eventually swung his decision and he goes with our very best wishes.
Liam Goulding has joined Witton Albion on a month’s loan. Liam played four out of the first five games of the campaign but has not been able to force his way into the starting line-up since then, due to the excellent form of both James Jones and Tom Hannigan. He is in need of match time now, which he will get at Witton, where he has played previously on loan, when an Accrington Stanley player. I rate Liam very highly, which is why we worked so hard to recruit him in the summer from Warrington and he has an important part to play in our season.
Charlie Scott has joined us, having been released by Manchester United in the summer after 14 years at Old Trafford. Charlie trained with us during the summer and we are delighted to sign such a high quality young player, who can play in central midfield, centre-back or full back.
Having turned our home form around with five straight victories at the J Davidson Stadium, we need to see if we can maintain our very good form away from home at Edgar Street this afternoon against a Hereford side that like us was promoted last season.
Pictures: Michael Ripley
