Altrincham 5 Burnley SYT 1

Match report by Jimmy Taafe

The young Robins took on Burnley at home in their latest National Youth League fixture and grafted out a good win following the winter break.

The game started off in a tight fashion in the first half, with the lads struggling to get going.

Nevertheless, Altrincham showed their class in possession against an intense Burnley side and repeatedly found joy attacking the opponents' half of the pitch, with forward balls from the centre-backs Blyth Bywater and Charlie Hough reaching dangerous areas.

Alty were ruthless, with wingers Ryan Knowles and Harley Renshaw firing multiple crosses and shots into the opponents box, yet still struggling to find the back of the net.

Just before half-time, a lapse in concentration allowed Burnley's striker to bury a well-placed shot into the top corner of the goal.

The first half closed off with Altrincham paying the price for poor levels of concentration, after dominating the game with the ball, but still confident in their ability to come out on top.

The second half started with Alty’s full-backs Christopher Antoniades and William Knowles growing into the game, assisted by some outstanding ball playing from the skipper, Max Beddow.

To Altrincham’s relief, Renshaw finally hit the back of the net after driving the ball into the box and firing it home.

After that, the goals came flooding in, with Kyran Webster and Kian Gonzalez really utilising their impressive passing ranges to create attack after attack.

Some crucial hold-up play from striker Noah Lavin led to another goal from Renshaw and then again by Knowles.

After a spell of continuous corners, Bywater ventured into Burnley's box to attack a flag-kick in a routine that had been organised with Webster, the ball reaching him at the edge of the box for him to fire it into the top corner.

With the game becoming dominated by Altrincham, substitutes Henry Watts, Jacob Hill and Harry St Romaine helped the Robins see the game out comfortably.

There was even time for a fifth Alty goal through, as Callum McCormack finished off an assist from Gonzalez to round off an excellent win for the young Robins.

Squad: 

Max Beddow 
Kian Gonzalez 
Blyth Bywater 
Kyran Webster 
Jacob Hill 
Henry Watts 
Charlie Hough 
Callum McCormack 
Noah Lavin 
Harley Renshaw 
Ryan Knowles 
Will Knowles 
Chris Antoniades
Jimmy Taafe
Harry St Romaine