Eastleigh next up for in-form Alty - here's your full match preview
JOE WARD takes a look at our latest opponents, as he sets the scene for Altrincham’s Vanarama National League fixture with Eastleigh at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday afternoon, kick-off 3pm.
The Robins can take plenty of positives into this weekend’s game following a fantastic performance in our last outing against fourth-placed Woking last Saturday.
Unfortunately, the hosts managed to grab a last-gasp leveller to deny Phil Parkinson’s boys all three points, but even that couldn’t take the gloss off what was one of our most impressive performances of the season.
Elliot Newby further underlined why the boss brought him in on loan, scoring his second goal in as many appearances. However, Alty’s luck ran out in the final minute when Pádraig Amond levelled it up, sending us home with just a point to show for a significant contribution to an enthralling 1-1 draw at The Laithwaite Community Stadium.
Frustrated as he was in the immediate aftermath of that late blow, the Alty manager will now redirect his attention towards this Saturday’s opponents, Eastleigh, who head into the game off the back of a 2-1 loss away to Maidenhead United.
Eastleigh will be at the forefront of everyone's thoughts on the terraces and in the stands as well, but there's an extra attraction for Alty fans this Saturday, with the club screening live World Cup action in the Community Sports Hall before, during and after the game.
Proceedings start with Saudi Arabia, fresh from their remarkable win over Argentina, taking on Poland in a 1pm kick-off that has added significance in the wake of the rank outsiders' heroics at the expense of Lionel Messi and Co in their opening game.
Some Golf Road turnstiles will open at 12.45 to allow fans to get into the hall in time for the game, and all turnstiles will be operational by 1.30, as usual. Turnstiles at the Chequers End will not open for this fixture which will not be segregated.
The France v Denmark game will also be shown, kicking off at 4pm and running until who knows when, considering the amount of added time that has been played in just about every game so far!
Manager’s Views
Phil Parkinson gave his reaction to the 1-1 draw at Woking in an interview shortly after the final whistle.
About The Opposition
The Spitfires are currently in their ninth consecutive season in the National League following promotion in 2014.
Manager Lee Bradbury has done a good job in steadying the ship during his first season in charge.
The Hampshire side presently sit in 11th place in the league, six points above Alty, and head into the game having only recently had their 11-match unbeaten run ended at home by promotion-chasing Notts County, after which they lost at Maidenhead United.
A concern for Eastleigh will be an away record of just one win all season, the third worst in the league.
However, the Spitfires will be hoping leading scorer Danny Whitehall can help the squad turn their fortunes around on the road. The 27-year-old was recently given extra support up front in the form of 19-year-old Alfie Lloyd, who joined Eastleigh on-loan from Queens Park Rangers.
The youngster started their last game and will surely hope to open his tally against us on Saturday.
Nevertheless, it will be a tough task as we look to move as high as 15th-place in the league with a win in front of what everyone hopes will be a packed out J.Davidson Stadium.
Recent Meetings
National League 21/22:
Altrincham 4-0 Eastleigh, 12th March 2022
Eastleigh 2-1 Altrincham, 23rd October 2021
National League 20/21:
Altrincham 1-1 Eastleigh, 25th May 2021
Eastleigh 1-1 Altrincham, 10th October 2020
Ticket Information
We are happy to announce that we will be offering a discount to season ticket holders of Premier League and Football League clubs during the FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The discount will apply for both this Saturday’s game against Eastleigh and the clash with Maidenhead on Tuesday December 13th.
Prices are:
| Adult | £19 |
| Concession (Over 65 / Student / NHS | £15 |
| Premier League / EFL Season Ticket Holder | £10 |
| Junior (12-18) | £7 |
| Child (Under 12) | £2 |
Buy your tickets online to reduce queueing times!
Matchday Information
Turnstiles will open at 1.30pm.
Please note we do not accept cards on the turnstiles so please buy online in advance or use the ATM opposite the ground at the convenience store.
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.
Please note, all supporters will be searched with a metal detector on entry to the stadium for your own safety.
Full 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 be available to purchase around the stadium and the club shop will be open.
Parking is street only.
And last but not least …
We sincerely hope that both sets of fans enjoy the game!
