Words Jack Worswick | Pictures Jonathan Moore

ALTRINCHAM began match preparations for the 2024/25 season with a 1-0 win against Colne at the NORI Stadium.

In a narrow game, Trialist 8 was the match winner, finding the net off an assist from Trialist 12, who twisted and turned to find the goal-scorer just after the break.

The first half saw Phil Parkinson’s side mostly made up of trialists, with first-team figures James Jones (on his return from injury), Owen German and new signing Lucas Weaver making up the starting XI.

In the first 45 minutes, Altrincham looked to play out of the back and effectively use the press. Throughout the half, Owen German impressed with a range of passes and dribbles to progress the Robins up the sloped pitch.

An end-to-end affair would be seen in the first half with both sides having minor chances. Most notably Colne’s number 10 was through on goal from an over-the-top through ball but his strike was straight at the Trialist 1 keeper.

Altrincham’s goal came in the 49th minute from Trialist 8 after a crucial contribution from Trialist 12. He would continue to be a threat as he hit the post from a direct dribble to break the opposition's defence.

Despite Phil Parkinson’s side beginning to dominate, a penalty would be given against the run of play. However, it would be saved by Trialist 20, with a rebound also prevented.

Youngsters Joel Bailey, Max Whittle, Jack Chandler, Vlad Shtyhlian & Afernee Denise would eventually enter the frame just after the hour mark.

First year pro Bailey was assured at the back, Denise looked a threat down the left, Chandler performed confidently off the right wing, Shtyhlian held the ball up well and proved a handful for Colne's defenders and Whittle provided a creative option with his turns to unlock the home defence.

There were plenty of positives to take into week two of pre-season for the Robins after the strong performance, with Lancaster the next port of call on Saturday, July 13th.

Altrincham Trialist 1 (Trialist 20, 46'); Trialist 2, Trialist 3 (Trialist 21, 31'), Trialist 4, J.Jones (c) (Bailey, 60'), Trialist 6, German (Whittle, 60'), Trialist 8 (Denise, 60'), Trialist 9 (Shtyhlian, 60'), Trialist 10 (Chandler, 60'), Weaver (Trialist 12, 31').

Next Up

Pre-season friendly number two takes us to Giant Axe next Saturday for a match-up with Northern Premier League side Lancaster City (kick-off 2pm).

Admission has been confirmed as £7 Adults, £5 Concessions, £3 Students/Under-18s - with tickets available from our hosts here.