Guiseley 4 Altrincham 3

Match report by Alty player Max Whittle

After last week’s win, Alty looked to build a bit of momentum and kick on with more positive performances and results. However, after last season’s fixtures, they knew this National League fixture would be a tough one against a strong Guiseley side.

Unfortunately, Guiseley started the first half quickly, and, with their first attack, they found the back of the net. A long ball over the top caught out the Alty defence and a good cross to the back post found the winger, who gave his side the lead in the first minute.

Alty continued to battle, but they struggled to clear a good cross from a free-kick,  and Guiseley capitalised, adding a second in the early stages.

Despite the slow start, the young Robins fought back and started to create chances, and they soon got themselves back in the game after a wonderful half-volley strike from Kyran Webster found the top left corner.

Alty’s number 10 continued to test the goalkeeper and soon after rattled the crossbar from the edge of the box.

Alty seemed to have shifted the momentum, but a lapse in concentration cost them when Guiseley’s defender played the ball forward to the striker. The ball then bounced into a fortunate position for the left winger, who cut inside and found the bottom left corner to extend Guiseley’s lead.

Guiseley continued to counter attack, and their left winger and striker were causing problems for Altrincham. The left winger put in a cross and Alty struggled to clear, which resulted in the ball falling kindly for a Guiseley midfielder, who impressively found the net from 20 yards out.

After a disappointing first half, the young Robins were eager to put it right, and they set out to press and fight back into the game. Although Guiseley led 4-1 at the break, Altrincham knew there was still an opportunity to take points back home.

Alty started the second half bright and intense, winning their battles, keeping possession and creating chances. Substitutions were made and the oncoming players made a difference.

Dominating the ball, it felt as though it was only a matter of time before a goal came. Substitute Blyth Bywater played a one-two with Max Whittle and then picked out a great line-breaking pass which set Jack Chandler for a cross.

Chandler played the ball square to Vlad Shtyhlian, who kept his composure and scored Alty’s second.

The momentum continued, with Raymond playing progressive passes and Mannion getting the better of his full-back. The third goal came when Mo Suwareh found Shtyhlian, who added his second after holding off the defender and tucking it into the corner.

The Robins grew more and more into the game and had chances to add more, however they were unfortunate to not get anything out of the game. In the end, Guiseley took all three points coming out on top with a scoreline of 4-3.

Despite the first-half frustration, Alty showed great character to fight back and can be proud of their second half performance.

Squad on the day:

Charlie Noble, Kyran Webster, Jack Chandler, Harrison Howells, Vlad Shtyhlian, Tom Whyte, Oscar Cooper, Kian Lecky, Remi Raymond, Blyth Bywater, Mo Suwareh, Issac Mannion, Will Knowles, Lucas Edwards, Max Whittle.