Altrincham Preview

[Kingmouse]

_________________ York City vs Altrincham
____________________-___Bootham Crescent, York
______________-____Saturday 17th September 2005, 3.00pm
________________________


York City will be looking for their third back-to-back victory when the Robbins fly into town.

Billy Mac’s men battled out a 2-1 win away at Forest Green Rovers last Saturday but their performance wasn’t up to the usual high standards City have been producing under the Scotsman. James Dudgeon (17min) scored his second goal this season making it two goals in two games, very impressive for a player who has fought back from debilitating syndrome ME and tenacious midfielder Mark Convery (68min) bagged the second to cap off another impressive individual performance for the former Darlo man. A late rally from the hosts ended the game in edgy fashion but once again City got all three points from a match where neither side really dominated.

Last years top scorer Andy Bishop place maybe in jeopardy after a “misunderstanding” with gaffer Billy McEwan ended up in the striker being substituted and then barracked on the bench by a noticeably angry McEwan. Bishop and McEwan exchanged words after confusion over whether Bishop should be marking at a Forest Green corner. The City boss later told his version of events; "It wasn't an argument, it was a misunderstanding. I had a good chat with him after the game and there's no problems”. It will be interesting whether Bish’ keeps his starting place on saturday and with Billy looking to bring in a new striker “with Football League experience” to the club very soon Bishop better book-up his ideas.

City team news; Enigmatic striker Clayton Donaldson had no flair-up at of the foot injury that had him in doubt for the trip to Forest Green and will more than likely be on the team sheet much to the annoyance of his next opponents. Both left-back Nathan Peat (sore calf) and skipper Mark Hotte (stiff back) failed late fitness tests on Saturday but may have recovered in time to be considered for the Altrincham game. The defensive duo may however be left out because of the form of Saturday’s replacements rather than their lack of fitness. Goal hero James Dudgeon and full-back Dave Merris both performed admirably last weekend and Billy McEwan might not want to alter his settled back-line for the visit of the Robbins.

Conference National new-comers Altrincham will be hoping a recent run of poor results will improve when they make the trip to Bootham Crescent on Saturday.

There last game against Dagenham & Redbridge at home ended in a high scoring win (five) for the visiting team, 5-0 sounds like a thumping for the home side but this was far from the case. The score was 1-0 at half time but had Altrincham converted their chances early on they could have found themselves ahead at the break. If Alty were lacklustre in front of goal the opposite could be said about the Daggers. The steel of the Dagenham attack was razor sharp as the visitors converted five of their six shots on target into goals and left both the home team and fans in a daze.

Before their trip to York, Altrincham have a game away at the Lambeth Stadium on Tuesday night against local side Woodley Sports in the first round of Cheshire Senior Cup. Hopefully for Alty the match will provide a good moral booster ahead of the Conference game against City. The Cup game is also a chance to test the fitness of returning first team players Richard Acton, Steve Aspinall, Kirk Hilton, George Melling, Lee Hendley and Lewis Chalmers, some regulars such as Peter Band and Colin Little may also feature against the "SteelMen".

Although without several key first teamers the Robbins have an injury-free Colin Little who will pester York’s back-line throughout the game. The ex-Crewe front man Little scored 38 goals last season and has bagged two more this term. City’s defence will be tested by this goal line predator who'll be hoping to add to his tally on Saturday but with Dudgeon and particularly McGurk in fine form their battle will surely be something to look forward to.

Alty team News; This season has been a nightmare for Altrincham injury-wise, nine of their first team have injury problems; Steve Aspinall, Kirk Hilton, Karl Munroe, Lewis Chalmers, George Melling, captain Eddie Hussin, Richard Norris, Gary Scott and Lutel James all out with various problems. Graham Heatchcote had suggested that he may adapt a more defensive formation, possibly one up-front, against York to give more cover to his defence when they face City’s three-pronged attack.

Altrincham may be underdogs on Saturday but they should not be ruled out as they have a hungry team that will hurt City if they aren't shown the proper degree of respect.


How the Teams Line-Up

York City (Possible Team) – Porter; Price, McGurk, Dudgeon, Peat; Convery, Panther, Dunning; Bishop, O’Neill, Donaldson.
Substitutes; Afandiyev, Merris, Staley, Yalcin, Mallon.

Altrincham (Possible Team) – Coburn, Rose, Band, Talbot, Adams, Potts, Hawes, Owen, Olsen, Williams, Little.
Subs Not Used: Acton, Munroe, Maddox, McKenzie, Thornley.

Form Guide (Last 5)

York City – DWLWW – Grays (A), Woking (H), Halifax (A), Cambridge (H), Forest Green (A)

Altrincham – WWWDL – Forest Green (H), Aldershot (A), Morecambe (H), Hereford (A), Dagenham (H)

Related Links

Need a Lift to BC on Saturday?? Try Here
Alty Supporter?? Try YorkCityFC.com’s Guide for Away Fans
YorkCityFC.com Prediction League

Official Altrincham FC Website
AT Supporters Trust
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Thanks to 'Alty Fan' for the Altrincham team and injury news