Words John Gbolagun Picture Jonathan Moore

Altrincham 3 FC Halifax Town 2

Altrincham were on the front foot from the first whistle in this National Football Youth League fixture, stopping Halifax from applying pressure to their back line.

The powerful duo of Callum Dakin and Raffi Fereday were particularly prominent in clearing every ball that came their way, but a sudden spell of attacks from Halifax finally told, as a run from the opposing 10 ended with a wonder strike from distance.

Shortly after, a great period of attacks from the likes of Savior Abanwa, Harley Renshaw and John Gbolagun produced an Alty equaliser.

A slick run through several players by Gbolagun led to a shot that was saved, and William Sneyd was on hand to pounce on the loose ball and slot it home to level the scores at 1-1.

After half-time, the game became a back-and-forth affair, with both sides having equal possession and chances.

It was Halifax who managed to turn one of them into a goal, as a visiting defender forced the ball into the back of the net from five yards out, following a mishap at the far post.

Parity was soon restored, as Abanwa received the ball in the air after a strong Altrincham press and calmly brought it down before releasing a lovely through ball that enabled Renshaw to cleverly chip the keeper.

Relentless pressure from Alty brought them loads of chances, and when Chris Antoniades  (pictured on main page) converted one of them in fine style, the young Robins were heading for all three points.

After a fine run by the Alty left-back, he took aim from the left-hand side and beat the Halifax keeper at his near post with a formidable strike to put his side in front for the first time.

For the rest of the game, Altrincham defended brilliantly. There was a spell of attacks from the Halifax side, but Fereday and Dakin stood tall to ensure Alty took the honours in what was a great game.

Squad on the day:

Theo Bunting
Jimmy Taafe 
Connor Summerfield
Chris Antoniades 
Harry Cain
Raffi Fereday
Callum Dakin
Harley Renshaw 
William Molloy
William Sneyd
John Gbolagun
Savior Abanwa
Tom Tattersall
Zack Crisp
Afernee Denise