Words Erin-Beau Carroll | Pictures Freya Richards

Altrincham FC Women take on Nantwich Town on Sunday (2pm) for a place in the Cheshire Women's & Youth Football League Challenge Cup Final.

Setting the Scene

The Robins are on the road this weekend as they take on the Cheshire Women's and Youth League, Premier Division champions Nantwich Town FC Women at the Swansway Stadium.

Altrincham go into this game having not played a competitive fixture since the 23rd of March, having defeated Congleton Town Ladies 5-2 at Partington Sports Village.

In Altrincham’s last six games they have secured five victories, two coming in the league and three in the Challenge Cup. In these five games the Robins have scored an impressive 27 goals whilst conceding only 12.

The winners will face either Witton Albion or Vauxhall Motors who play their semi-final at Wincham Park on Wednesday April 23rd, kick-off at 8pm, in the final.

Pre-game thoughts

Ahead of the semi-final we spoke to Robins captain Natalie Lowe and Head of Women's Football Duncan Jones.

Nat “All the girls are looking forward to this weekend's game. We have been preparing for a few weeks now. We are improving every week as the season progresses, and hopefully things go our way this weekend!!!”

Duncan “Alty are on a great run in the Women’s Challenge Cup, and I am looking forward to the semi-final against Nantwich Town on Sunday. In the cup so far we have both been ruthless and difficult to score against, scoring 16 goals while only conceding four. 

"I have confidence that we will continue this form, but we do have a tough semi-final on our hands. Nantwich are a formidable team; they have won our league, and they did the double on us in the process.

"I could try to explain previous results... saying that in the first match we had a makeshift defence and in the other we were comfortably winning but self-destructed at the very end... but this is competitive football, and results are results. 

"The Ladies have been progressing brilliantly this season, and we are now far stronger, smarter, and better than ever. Our Ladies are not afraid of anyone, and we are ready to take our revenge on Sunday. Nantwich has a terrific stadium to host the event, and it would be fantastic to get some supporters there to boost our chances to get to the final.”

This season's Challenge Cup run

Altrincham kicked off their Challenge Cup run facing Stockport County Ladies development side. Altrincham went into the break 3-0 up in that game at Marple High School and ran out confident 5-2 winners, with goals from Holly Lloyd, Brogan Walsh, two from Grace McArdle and one from league top scorer Kira Saycell.

Following their win against the Hatters, Altrincham were drawn against Winsford Town. Much like the first game against Stockport, the Robins were firmly in the driving seat for all of the game. They were 3-0 up at half time again before finishing as 6-0 winners, progressing to the quarter finals, where Congleton Town were beaten 5-2 at Partington Sports Village.

Grace McArdle & Kira Saycell grabbed a brace, with a goal in each half & Elise Jones made it 5-0, although Holly Lloyd may have helped the ball over the line, before The Bears scored twice from the penalty spot late on. 

Admission

Live coverage from Radio Robins

For those unable to attend the match, Radio Robins on Radio Alty will be broadcasting the match live.

Join your commentary team of Brian Flynn and Sam Hodkin live from 1.55 PM so you don’t miss any action from the big game.

Come On You Robins!!!