By Joe Ward

Alty are back in Vanarama National League action this Saturday when we host Bromley at The J.Davidson Stadium for our first home fixture of 2023 (3pm kick-off).

The Robins launched the New Year in dramatic fashion last Sunday in an enthralling 2-2 draw away from home against FC Halifax Town.

In the dying embers of what had already been a remarkable battle, Alty were denied a stoppage-time winner when the linesman’s flag went up, ruling Marcus Dinanga’s goal as offside to the disbelief of our travelling away fans.

Nevertheless, a creditable point at The Shay, thanks to goals from Elliot Osborne and Chris Conn-Clarke, was enough to extend our outstanding unbeaten run to seven consecutive league games.

Phil Parkinson should have little difficulty concentrating minds on this weekend's opponents Bromley, who head into the game on the back of a goalless draw at home to Southend United.

Coincidently, the Ravens' only other 0-0 draw this season came against us. Alty were forced to play the remaining half an hour of that sweltering August fixture with our skipper Jordan Hulme in net after Matt Gould was forced off with concussion following a nasty collision.  

 Manager's Views 

In an online interview with Brian Flynn, Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson reflected on our 2-2 draw at FC Halifax Town.

About The Opposition 

Since being appointed as manager back in March 2021, Andy Woodman has already led Bromley to a National League play-off, as well as the first FA Trophy success in the club’s history after beating Wrexham 1-0 in last year's final at Wembley Stadium.

It might have seemed at the beginning of this season that the high expectations Woodman has built for the club could serve as a hindrance. However, he’s managed to govern those expectations relatively well, with the Lillywhites currently sitting in ninth place, just one point off the play-offs.

Alty will certainly be tested this Saturday, particularly from set pieces which have brought the likes of Omar Sowunmi and Michael Cheek plenty of joy so far in this campaign. At 6ft 5in, centre-back Sowunmi proudly stands second in Bromley’s scoring charts this season with six goals in 17 appearances.

However, the Ravens will need more than just height to deny the Robins from overtaking them in the league table. With only two wins in their last 11 league games, the London-based side will have to come up with something special to get anything from what promises to be a thrilling spectacle at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Recent Meetings 

National League 22/23:

Bromley 0-0 Altrincham, 13^th August 2022

National League 21/22

Bromley 1-1 Altrincham, 10^th May 2022

Altrincham 0-1 Bromley, 11^th December 2021

Ticket Information

£19 – Adult

£15 – Concession (Over 65 / Students / NHS Workers)

£7 – Junior (12-18)

£2 – Child (Under 12)

Buy your tickets online to reduce queueing times!

Matchday Information 

We are pleased to announce that Heyes Lane School has been selected for free school tickets for this Saturday's game against Bromley. 

The club will be helping to promote Alty Boys and their work towards a new 3G pitch. 

They will be giving us all a special message at half-time over the PA system, so make sure to listen out!

Turnstiles will open at 1.30pm.

Please note there will be the option to pay by cash at the turnstiles on the day. There is an ATM opposite the ground at the convenience store.

Alternatively, you can buy in advance online.

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 avoid late queues. 

We are pleased to announce that the Fan Zone will be open for Saturday’s fixture against Bromley.

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

A food menu is available in all three food outlets, offering a wide range of options to home and away fans.

For wheelchair or pushchair access, please enter gate 5 and you will be looked after. 

The matchday programme will once again be available to purchase around the stadium. The club shop, however, will not be open this Saturday due to staff shortages.

Parking is street only. 

And last but not least … 

We sincerely hope that both sets of fans enjoy this first 2023 fixture at The J.Davidson Stadium.