March 16, 2023

Alty almost home and dry, but first, one more away trip against the Spitfires

By Joe Ward

Alty's run of six consecutive away games comes to an end on Saturday with a trip to the Silverlake Stadium where we take on Eastleigh in the Vanarama National League (3pm kick-off).

The Robins head into the fixture full of confidence following back-to-back away victories against York City in both the Isuzu FA Trophy quarter-finals and the National League.

Phil Parkinson's side captured another vital three points on Tuesday night, seeing off the Minstermen 2-1 at the LNER Community Stadium, with Manchester United loanee Joe Hugill and James Jones on the scoresheet for Alty.

Altrincham are currently 11 points behind Saturday's hosts, with a game in hand, and sit 13th in the league table.

Manager's views

Altrincham Manager Phil Parkinson spoke with Brain Flynn after Alty's second 2-1 away win at York City in the space of three days.

About The Opposition

The Spitfires currently sit seventh in the table after 38 games, winning 18, drawing six and losing 14 so far.

Eastleigh fell to defeat in their last game as they lost 3-1 to title-chasing Notts County.

Despite the club's top scorer Danny Whitehall giving his side the lead from the penalty spot in the first half, the Magpies managed to complete a turnaround in the second 45 minutes, following a brace from Ruben Rodrigues and a late header from Macaulay Langstaff.

Our opponents boast the third-best home record in the league, picking up 42 of their 60 points overall, at the Silverlake Stadium.

The club recently announced the signing of Gerry McDonagh, who most recently played for Scunthorpe United, where he made one appearance before he had his contract mutually terminated.

The Dublin-born striker spent some of his youth at Nottingham Forest, going on to play for the likes of Wrexham, Aldershot and FC Halifax Town. Notably, the 25- year-old has started in both of Eastleigh's last two games, though he is yet to get off the mark.

Alty and Eastleigh last met earlier this season in a close encounter at The J.Davidson Stadium, when the Robins managed to cling on to back-to-back home wins, despite a late goal from Danny Whitehall threatening our 2-0 advantage.