Alty looking to put Vale struggles behind them - here's your match preview

By Joe Brayne

Altrincham seek a statement victory over Wealdstone on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) after struggling at Grosvenor Vale in recent times and failing to score in any of their last three visits there.

A humbling 3-0 defeat to Barnet last Saturday served as a stark reminder to the Robins of the quality required to compete with the leading sides in the Vanarama National League.

Goals from Danny Collinge, Zak Brunt and Nicke Kabamba secured a well-deserved three points for the hosts, despite Alty’s tireless efforts under the scorching September sun.

Nevertheless, Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson remains in high spirits about the progress he sees within his young squad.

“We have massively improved on last season,” he said. “We are bridging gaps all over the place. I know I said that last season but that is where we are, we are on a journey. It doesn’t just happen, it is a long-term project.”

Manager’s Views

Phil Parkinson spoke with AltyTV following the 3-0 defeat at Barnet.

About the Opposition

Wealdstone, currently sitting just one spot above us in 11th place, put an end to their three-game losing streak with a fiery 2-1 victory over Ebbsfleet United.

Tahvon Campbell’s brace proved the difference in a hard-hitting match that saw both sides reduced to 10 men. The gutsy victory was described by Wealdstone manager Stuart Maynard as his “favourite win”.

Crucially for the Robins, Micah Obiero’s 97th-minute red card dealt a blow to the Stones' preferred starting XI. The striker had been on the field for every minute of the 2023-24 season before his dismissal.

Alty are looking to break a long-standing dry spell and score their first goal at Wealdstone since the 1980-1981 season, an unwelcome record influenced in part by the clubs playing in different divisions for four decades.

To achieve this, Alty will need to overcome the formidable presence of Bristol Rovers’ loanee goalkeeper Jed Ward, who, at just the 20 years old, has established himself as one of the league’s top shot-stoppers and distributors.

Recent Meetings

Vanarama National League

Wealdstone 4-0 Altrincham, 4th March 2023

Altrincham 0-1 Wealdstone, 1st November 2022

Ticket Information

£18 – Adult

£13 – Concessions (Over-65s, Mature Students, Armed Services, Emergency Services)

£11 – Next Generation (19-23 year olds)

£7 – Under-19s

Buy your tickets online for the match to reduce queueing time!

Travel and Matchday Information

Turnstiles will open at 1.45pm for Saturday’s fixture.

Supporters are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance as it is cheaper than purchasing on the gate. Tickets are available at The Vale on match days, either via the Ticket Office outside the turnstiles or on the gates themselves. However, these prices are £20 Adult, £15 Concessions, £13 19-23 year olds, £8 Under-19s.

Altrincham supporters have been allocated the west end of the stadium; a total of 1,025 tickets, which includes 369 unallocated seats in the Modu Stand and a mix of covered and uncovered terracing.

If you require a seat, please book a seating ticket, but please note that seats are unallocated. 

Disabled supporters are eligible to purchase a Concession Ticket. If a ticket is required for a Carer, please email tickets@wealdstonefc.com with your order number and one will be issued free of charge.

The Vale Social Club will be open before and after the game for Wealdstone and Altrincham supporters. It is NOT open at half-time to Altrincham supporters due to segregation. Food and drink options are available in the Vale Social Club, as well as other outlets in the home and away stands.

Match Coverage

Radio Robins is broadcasting live commentary on RadioAlty.

Join Brian Flynn, Mark Simpson and Laurence Howarth from 2.45pm.

Listen live on RadioAlty: https://streams.radio.co/s4d51ef3bf/listen

Listen live on RadioAlty: https://www.radioalty.co.uk/listen.html

And last but not least…

We sincerely hope that both sets of fans enjoy the game.

AFC Fleece Scarf

Altrincham FC

AFC Fleece Scarf

£20.00 GBP