By Joe Brayne

Altrincham return from their Dutch dreamland to face a stiff test against local rivals Macclesfield at The Leasing.com Stadium on Wednesday evening (7.45pm kick-off).

NEC Nijmegen may have run out as 4-0 winners, but Saturday’s historic experience for Alty's players, staff and supporters merely underlined the special nature of the upcoming season.

Despite facing a wealth of international talent, the Robins proudly maintained our positive 4-2-3-1 mentality and were unfortunate not to be rewarded with our first goals in continental Europe.

The vocal Robins support was particularly deserving of praise, with the travelling fans making their presence felt from the first kick of the game and delivering unwavering backing well after the final whistle had been blown.

As the dust settles, our focus shifts swiftly to our local rivals and the much shorter journey to Moss Rose this Wednesday.

Aside from a knock to Justin Donowa sustained in the Netherlands, Alty manager Phil Parkinson has the opportunity to fine-tune his starting XI ahead of our Vanarama National League 2023-24 season opener against Dagenham & Redbridge at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday August 5th (3pm kick-off Purchase your season ticket here)

Manager’s Views

Phil Parkinson spoke with AltyTV after our historic pre-season friendly against NEC Nijmegen on Saturday.

About the Opposition

Macclesfield FC, the phoenix club of Macclesfield Town FC, have soared under the ownership of Robert Smethurst and board member Robbie Savage, who rescued Macc from liquidation in 2020.

Since their re-emergence in the 2021-22 season, the Silkmen have coasted to consecutive promotions in the North West Counties League and Pitching In Northern Premier League Division One West – enjoying impressive 15 and 14 point gaps at the top, respectively.

Former Altrincham forward James Berry has thrived for our Cheshire rivals, earning the NPL Division One West’s golden boot with a sensational 24 goals, including a clinical first-half hat-trick against promotion rivals Leek.

Robins fans will also recognise a familiar trio in Sam Heathcote, Hayden Campbell and Tom Peers (pictured on main news page), with all three ex-Alty players having joined Macclesfield this summer on free transfers.

Recent Meetings

Friendly:

Altrincham 1-0 Macclesfield, 17 July 2018 (Tom Peers 8)

FA Trophy, Round 1

Macclesfield 2-1 Altrincham, 4 January 2017 (Harry Cain)

Ticket Information

£7 – Adult

£5 – Concessions (Over 65s)

£3 – Students/Under 18s/Disabled (Carer free).

Free – Under 12s

Travel and Matchday Information

Tickets are only available on the gate. There are options to pay by cash or card on the gate. Gates will open one hour and fifteen minutes before kick-off, at 6.30pm.

Altrincham fans will occupy the North Stand terracing, in addition to a section of seats in the West Stand.

Food and drink options are available in-ground at Bar Twenty Seven.

Car parking spaces are available behind the South Stand of Moss Rose, but spaces are limited. Roadside parking is available in the immediate areas around the ground.

The nearest train station is Macclesfield. Leave the station and turn left up Sunderland Street until you reach a major crossroads at the war memorial.

Match Coverage

Radio Robins is broadcasting live commentary on RadioAlty.

Join Brian Flynn, Niall Finnegan and Frankie Griffiths from 7.30pm.

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.