Words by Joe Ward

Alty will journey to the East Midlands on Saturday as we take on promotion chasing Notts County in the Vanarama National League (3pm kick-off).

Manager Phil Parkinson was gifted the perfect birthday present in our last game as the Robins secured a deserved first win of the season over Aldershot Town.

Alty can go into Saturday’s fixture with our heads held high following a resilient defensive performance and persistent attacking display which, if not for the impressive Aldershot keeper Luca Ashby-Hammond, could have been much more than a 1-0 victory margin.

As it stands, we travel to Meadow Lane 23^rd in the league. However, with only three points separating ourselves and 16^th place, Saturday makes an enthralling vision if we can make it two wins on the bounce.

Nevertheless, it will be no easy task as we take on an in-form Notts County who currently sit third in the league and head into the game off the back of a 3-1 win away to York City.

Team News

Dermot Mee, Aaron Bennett, and Dan Malone all return from their international duties and will therefore be available for Saturdays fixture against Notts County.

Bennett had an excellent hour of football on Tuesday night as he started and grabbed himself an assist in Wales under-19s emphatic 9-2 victory over Gibraltar under-19s in their European Championship qualifier.

Managers Views

In a post-match interview with AltyTV, manager Phil Parkinson gave his views following our 1-0 victory over Aldershot Town and spoke on the fans influence in picking up all three points.

About The Opposition

Notts County are the oldest professional association football club in the world and were previously known as English football’s oldest league club side. However, this all changed when the Magpies were relegated to the National League at the end of the 2018-19 season.

County have finished in play-off positions in all three of their first seasons in the National League and so far, this campaign looks to be no different.

The East Midland side have started well losing only one of their opening ten games to Dorking Wanderers, albeit due to two stoppage time goals.

The club have recruited well this summer bringing in striker Macauly Langstaff, who joined the club from Gateshead in July. The 25-year-old currently sits top of the scoring charts in the National League with 12 goals in ten games.

Alty will also need to keep a keen eye on Cedwyn Scott, who also signed from Gateshead this summer. He finished as the fourth top scorer in the National League North last season and has scored four in his last six games for Notts County.

Additionally, playmaker Ruben Rodrigue has massively impressed since joining from FC Den Bosch in 2020 and is developing into an influential playmaker under manager Luke Williams during his first season in charge of the club.

All in all, Saturday has the potential to be the hardest test of the season so far for The Robins. However, with the first win under our belt Phil Parkinson’s men will travel to the Midlands with more hunger than ever to come back to Altrincham with something to show for.

Recent Meetings

National League 21/22:

Notts County 3-0 Altrincham | 7^th May 2022

Altrincham 1-0 Notts County | 25^th September 2021

FA Trophy 21/22:

Notts County 2-1 Altrincham | 18^th December 2021

Ticket Information

Tickets can now be purchased here. Alty fans will be seated in the Jimmy Sirrel stand, Block Z2. 

Advance Prices

Prices for supporters aged 12 and over rise by £2 on match day.

Travel Information

We are pleased to confirm that we have booked a 50-seater coach to Notts County on Saturday.

Thank you to the board who are subsidising this trip, which will have a flat rate price of £15.

As there are widespread rail strikes scheduled for Saturday, the supporters' coach will be the cheapest, quickest & most convenient way for Robins fans to get to Meadow Lane.

Departure Times

With just a handful of spaces now left, to reserve your seat, please email brian.flynn@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk.

And last but not least …

Safe travels to all our supporters that are heading to Nottingham and enjoy the game!