Alty outplayed by Dragons

Altrincham 1-3 Wrexham
Blue Square Premier; attendance 1,821


Under estimated how cold it would become. Glad when the final whistle came and we could stomp off to the tram station. I know you can leave early but it's not the sort of behaviour a proper football fan should do.. Besides the last five minutes of the game were gripping as Altrincham were fired up after scoring a penalty.

So Saturday afternoon stood on terraces in bright sunshine and freezing air. The stuff of a film set you couldn't have located it better. The old regulars moaning, the young kids easily distracted by the surroundings whilst dad has come to see the local team, the away supporters at the far end doing some singing, and the queue for the refreshments. That queue...it never got below 30 punters even throughout the game. So missed out on coffee and chips. Even got a mascot dressed like an unclassified furry brown mammal with a tail but it is suppose to a robin.

Wrexham scored in the first three minutes and that set the tone for the match. Essentially they played better football in the passing style. Well as much passing style that can happen in the lower divisions as lots of long ball hoofing takes place.

Admission £13; programme £2 (actually 1 and a half programmes - the postponed game programme and an eight page wrap around); tram ticket £2.90; bus fare £1.20.

Had just the one pint of Holts bitter in The Bridge Inn which my mate Dave bought. A small unpretentious public house in need of decorating but would the gaggle of career drinkers milling around appreciate a coat of magnolia paint.

If you have an interest in lower division football then I'd recommend the excellent Altrincham website. It is updated every day, sometimes more and gives a balanced view of happenings in the Blue Square Premier. I check it everyday as a source of football news and the goings on at a sustainable local club.

Day out in Altrincham

Altrincham 1-1 Ebbsfleet United
Blue Square Premier (Conference) att: 914

The season flickers into life. We opt for a trip to Altrincham to see some competitive football. It's an all afternoon affair. Want to use public transport and the tram system is closed for an upgrade. The replacement bus service is fast and takes us through parts of leafy Timperley I'd never seen before. Then wanted to go to The Green House Vegetarian cafe (41-43 Oxford Road WA14 2ED ) which I haven't visited in years. It used to have that old-school veggie 1960's feel of soups and shives of wholewheat bread. But today it's had a good lick of paint, the sun is reaching through the windows and we get absolutely stuffed on a slice of pizza and five portions of different salads. Thoroughly enjoyed it, if you want to keep out of the pub before the game they'll no room for beer after eating here.

To the match. We're in the queue to go in when there is a minute's silence announced for the late Sir Bobby Robson. Nobody is going in and everybody in line and inside respects the memory of legendary man.

We take up a position at the front and it has to be outdoors 'cos the Biffa wants some sunny tanning rays. Don't do match reports - Alty have one here but suffice to say Chris Senior scores a well worked opener for The Robins. Seen him play quite a few times, one of those nippy terriers who will chase every ball and any opportunity to get a goal. After that Ebbsfleet have more of the game. They equalise in the second half on 59 mins with substitute Lindie coming on. From our viewpoint the Alty defence had gone to sleep.

For the last part of the game Alty lost their impetus and it all resulted in long hopeful balls and wasted half chances. Three minutes of added time and the sun is shining and we've a BBQ to drop into on the way home. I think the Ebbsfleet manager and their 30+ fans at the game would be more pleased with the result as this a new team who haven't played together before .

Stats: Admission £13, couldn't find a programme seller, pre-match lunch £10, bus fares £5.20. Temperature 25 °C, very slight breeze, t-shirt weather.
Some photos