October 12, 2023

All you need to know about a massive day for famed Cup fighters Alty

By Joe Brayne

Altrincham lock horns with Greater Manchester rivals Oldham this Saturday (3pm kick-off) in a highly-anticipated Emirates FA Cup fourth qualifying round clash at The J. Davidson Stadium.

The Robins are determined to secure local bragging rights and, more importantly, to advance further in the competition than last year’s disappointing replay defeat to Gateshead.

After fielding a heavily rotated squad in Tuesday's Cheshire Senior Cup victory against 1874 Northwich, a more recognisable Alty line-up will look to carry their scintillating Vanarama National League form into this prestigious cup competition.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_cUjPgVINu8&ab_channel=AltyTV

With the Premier League shutting down to make way for internationals, and both Manchester City and Manchester United without a game, a sell-out crowd is expected for the biggest footballing clash in Greater Manchester this weekend.

Despite his team enjoying a remarkable six-match winning streak, and currently occupying a position eight places above the Latics in the league, Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson still regards the visitors as the “Goliath” in this encounter.

“Some people might suggest Chesterfield would have been (our most difficult draw),” he said. “But it honestly doesn’t get any harder than Oldham in terms of bragging rights and everything else that comes with the two teams’ locality, plus the fact they are not far behind us in the form table.”

Matchday Information

Turnstiles will open at 1pm for Saturday’s fixture, and entry to the ground will be possible through all sets of turnstiles including those at the bottom of the Golf Road, nearest the Popular Side.

Season tickets are not valid for FA Cup games and therefore all season ticket holders will be required to buy a ticket for the game.

With a limited number of spaces currently still available in the home section, there will be the option to pay by cash at the turnstiles on the day, but, due to continuing high demand, it is strongly advised to buy a ticket in advance if you want to be sure of getting in. There is an ATM opposite the ground at the convenience store.

Please note, the away end is ticket only. Away supporters can purchase tickets through Oldham Athletic directly. Any away supporters purchasing tickets in the home end will be ejected from the stadium without refund.

REMINDER – Altrincham fans can still purchase or renew their season ticket for the 2023-2024 season. Benefits include guaranteed access to all home fixtures, priority access to away and cup tickets and 10% of all retail purchases. Purchase or renew your season ticket here.

We kindly ask all supporters – home and away – to arrive early to ensure you are in the ground in plenty of time for kick-off and to avoid late queues.

Be advised that all supporters will be searched with a metal detector on entry to the stadium for your safety.

Live music will be held in the Fan Zone at 1pm, with a match ticket providing free entry to the event.

A food menu is available in all three food outlets, offering a wide range of options to home and away fans – including curry for both sets of fans.

For wheelchair or pushchair access, please enter gate 5 and you will be looked after. The club’s retail shop will be open. Parking is street only.

The matchday programme will be available to purchase around the stadium.

Manager’s Views

Phil Parkinson spoke with AltyTV following our victory at Gateshead last Saturday.

About the Opposition

Since interim managerial duo Steve Thompson and Neil Redfern took over the reins at the Latics in early September, they have orchestrated a turnaround in form.

Over their eight matches in charge, Oldham have shown notable discipline, avoiding any red cards (compared to three red cards in eight matches under David Unsworth). Additionally, they've secured two victories and four draws, pushing them back into the top half of the National League table.

However, it was announced this morning that our visitors will be without their interim managers this Saturday – with no official manager registered ahead of their trip to The J. Davidson Stadium.

The three-time FA Cup semi-finalists will be keeping their fingers crossed for the full fitness of former Altrincham Player of the Year, Josh Lundstram. The midfield maestro has seen limited action in the league this season, having played just three times due to an impact injury sustained during the pre-season.

Recent Meetings

Vanarama National League

Oldham 2-2 Altrincham, 7th April 2023

(Maxi Oyedele 80, Tyrese Sinclair 89)

Altrincham 1-0 Oldham, 25th October 2022

(Chris Conn-Clarke 72)

Ticket Information

£20 – Adult

£15 – Concessions (Over-65s / Student / NHS)

£9 – Junior (12-18years)

£4 – Child (5-11years)

£1 – Infant (Under-5)