Albion suffer first defeat of season at the hands of title-favourites

ALTRINCHAM reach the end of August with much still to improve on but they have regained momentum after inflicting a first defeat on Witton Albion after this, the very first Northern Premier League fixture played between the Cheshire clubs.

Carl Macauley’s men were swept aside by the Robins, who were too good despite losing two players to injury to join those already ruled out. It was a game too far for the hosts, who were overwhelmed as much by a schedule, that has sent them long distance to Workington and Barwell in the past six days, as they were by capable opponents.

Needing to muster a response after a flaccid first half during which they conceded twice, they were fatigued in mind as well as legs. Still, their start has been one to savour and a return of 11 points from six games is not to be sniffed at. Despite their obvious improvement, that’s still more than the Robins have.

Witton did not register a shot on target until Rob Hopley swivelled inside the penalty area on 72 minutes, but his attempt lacked the force to trouble goalkeeper Tony Thompson. In truth, they never looked likely to rescue themselves from an interval deficit established by strikes from James Poole and former Witton favourite Josh Hancock. Indeed, they have yet to score twice in a game this term.

Both Altrincham goals, while finished beautifully, were constructed far too easily. Jordan Hulme turned away from Anthony Brown after quarter of an hour, and steered a pass into Poole’s path. The attacker had time to steady himself before arrowing a perfectly-placed shot past Albion custodian Calvin Hare.

And it was a similar story for the visitors’ second goal eight minutes before the break. This time Hancock drifted inside off the left touchline before spearing an unstoppable shot out of Hare’s reach and into the roof of the net.

Witton had again adjusted formation, reverting to a four-man defence with Anthony Gardner and Michael Wilson at full-back. Occupied by Hancock and John Johnston respectively, they rarely had chance to venture forward.

With Ben Hedley and James Foley naturally stationed narrowly either side of Prince Haywood and Paul Williams, the hosts were unable to counter from wide positions. Their best chance fell to Hedley after a cross reached him at the far post, but he hurried his finish and scuffed off-target.

Macauley sent on Ben Greenop for his debut in the second, changing to 4-3-3, but it made next to no impact. Alty were less prominent in attack, although Hulme nudged wide at the near post from Johnson’s centre.

After Hopley had at least dirtied Thompson’s gloves, the ex-Salford winger prompted Hare to block with a boot after he had turned away from Wilson. Hancock’s chip drifted over, then Poole waltzed through only to be denied a goal by the Witton number one’s flailing arm. Hopley had one further glimpse of goal late on, but James Jones was swift to intervene with a well-timed tackle.

Alty have won three straight now, while it has taken the title-favourites to halt Albion’s unbeaten start. Next up South Shields in a potential mouth-watering F.A. Cup tie.

Witton | 4-4-2 | Hare (GK), Gardner, Brown, Ryan, Wilson, Hedley, Williams (Greenop 46), Haywood, Foley, Hopley, Jones (Evans 62) Subs not used Tames, Newby, Neild (GK) Booked Greenop (foul)

Alty | 4-4-2 | Thompson (GK), Richman (Hannigan 33), Densmore (Taylor 53), Jones, Harrison, Moult, Johnson, Sheridan, Hulme (Peers 65), Poole, Hancock Subs not used Harrop, Deasy (GK) Goals Poole 15, Hancock 37

Referee Ben Atkinson Attendance 754