Alty host relegation strugglers Torquay in final home game of the campaign
By Joe Ward
Alty return to The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday for our final home game of the 22/23 Vanarama National League campaign when we host relegation strugglers Torquay United (3pm kick-off).
It's all to play for this weekend as the Robins will look to improve on last season's points tally against a Torquay side desperately fighting for National League survival.
In our previous game, Phil Parkinson's side overturned half-time arrears only to be pegged back late on in a dramatic 2-2 draw at home to Dagenham & Redbridge.
After the game, the gaffer previewed Saturday's fixture in a post-match interview, saying: "It will make for a cracking game. Gary Johnson is a great manager, we always have a good battle and it'll be great to see him, but we won't be out to do anybody any favours.
"We've got a points tally that we've not achieved yet and we'll be going to win the game and make sure we give respect to everybody that's fighting for survival."
Manager's Views
Altrincham Manager Phil Parkinson spoke with AltyTV following Alty's 2-2 draw against Dagenham & Redbridge.
About The Opposition
After five straight victories in the league, Torquay United suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat away to Chesterfield on Tuesday night, making Saturday a must-win game for the Gulls.
The Devon-based side currently sit 21st in the league table, with 46 points to their name. But, with Maidenhead United and York City just three points above them, the Yellow Army still have a chance of survival going into the final two games of the season.
It's been quite the downfall for Torquay, who were just one game away from promotion to the Football League two seasons ago, only to miss out by losing a penalty shoot-out against Hartlepool in the play-off final.
Nevertheless, manager Gary Johnson has done a good job of reviving hopes towards the end of this season and will be calling on centre-forward Aaron Jarvis once again this Saturday as he enjoys a rich vein of form in front of goal.
The 25-year-old tops the visitors' scoring charts with 15 goals so far this season. Jarvis carried Torquay to a 3-2 win over York City last Saturday with a hat-trick and will be hoping he can help his side once again this weekend at The J.Davidson Stadium.
In our last meeting, the Gulls scored a last-gasp equaliser in a breathless 4-4 draw away at Plainmoor earlier this season. After the home side went down to 10 men and Alty went ahead late on through Jake Cooper, the match seemed to be won. However, in a dramatic ending, Dylan Crowe fired home from the edge of the area in the 97thminute.
Recent Meetings
National League 22/23:
Torquay United 4-4 Altrincham, 22nd October 2022
(Chris Conn-Clarke 6, Marcus Dinanga 29, Jordan Hulme 85, Jake Cooper 90)
National League 21/22:
Altrincham 1-2 Torquay United, 22nd January 2022
(Toby Mullarkey 30)
Torquay United 1-3 Altrincham, 21 August 2021
(Marcus Dinanga 14, Connor Kirby 19, Toby Mullarkey 84)
National League 20/21:
Altrincham 0-0 Torquay United, 29th May 2021
Torquay United 1-2 Altrincham, 2nd February 2021
(Josh Hancock 33, Ryan Colclough 45)
Ticket Information
£19 – Adult
£15 – Concession (Over 65 / Students / NHS Workers)
£7 – Junior (12-18)
£2 – Child (Under 12)
Buy your tickets online to reduce queueing times!
Matchday Information
Our friends at Oranjeboom have kindly provided a free bottle of beer for the first 250 people in the Community Sports Hall, so make sure you arrive in plenty of time to be in with a chance of receiving one.
Altrincham players will be in the CSH after the game on Saturday for autographs and photos.
Additionally, we will be showing the FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Sheffield United immediately after the game in the CSH.
Matchday hospitality tickets are still available for Saturday's fixture.
Turnstiles will open at 1:30pm.
Please note there will be the option to pay by cash at the turnstiles on the day. There is an ATM opposite the ground at the convenience store.
Alternatively, you can buy in advance online.
We kindly ask all supporters – home and away – to arrive early to ensure you are in the ground in plenty of time for kick-off and avoid late queues.
Please note that all supporters will be searched with a metal detector on entry to the stadium for your safety.
A food menu is available in all three food outlets, offering a wide range of options to home and away fans.
For wheelchair or pushchair access, please enter gate 5 and you will be looked after.
The matchday programme will be available to purchase around the stadium.
The club’s retail shop will be open.
Parking is street only.
Match Coverage
Radio Robins is broadcasting full live commentary on RadioAlty. You can listen to Radio Robins in any of the following ways:
Listen live on RadioAlty: https://streams.
Listen live on RadioAlty: https://www.
In addition, the match will be covered on our Twitter page @altrinchamfc
And last but not least…
We sincerely hope that both sets of fans enjoy the game.
