Words Gio Ezomo Picture Jonathan Moore

Radcliffe 3 Altrincham 3

The young Robins played out an entertaining 3-3 draw against Radcliffe in a game full of attacking football, determination and plenty of chances.

Altrincham started the game brilliantly, keeping possession well and controlling the early stages. It took less than five minutes for them to take the lead, as Finlay Wilson powered through towards goal and finished past the Radcliffe goalkeeper to make it 1-0.

Radcliffe responded by winning a penalty and converting from the spot to bring the game level. However, the young Robins continued to play their football and soon regained the lead.

A free-kick from William Molloy found its way towards the edge of the box. Under pressure from a Radcliffe defender, Ezomo brought the ball under control before producing a pass over the Radcliffe defence.

The ball fell perfectly into the path of Noah Edwards, who made no mistake with his header, finding the top corner and beating the Radcliffe goalkeeper to put Altrincham 2-1 ahead.

Alty continued to create opportunities, but Radcliffe found an equaliser before half-time. Despite the scoreline reading 2-2 at the break, it did not reflect the quality of Altrincham’s first-half performance, with some excellent control helping create numerous good chances.

The second half began with Altrincham once again showing attacking intent and going close to finding a third goal, only for Radcliffe to make the most of an opportunity at the other end to make it 3-2.

The young Robins refused to give up. They continued to fight and knew there was still something to take from the game, and their persistence was eventually rewarded with the award of a penalty after a Radcliffe defender blatantly kicked the back of an Alty player’s leg inside the box.

Finlay Wilson stepped up once again and calmly converted from the spot, scoring his second goal of the game to make it 3-3.

With momentum on their side, the young Robins pushed for a winner and came close in the closing stages, without quite being able to find a way through.

Given their possession, control and chances created throughout the game, there were plenty of positives to take from their performance.

The players showed great character to come from behind and fight for a point. Now they take the lessons from this game, regroup and go again next week.

Squad on the day:
William Rodwell
Harry Cain
Giovanni Ezomo
Jeovannis Bushidi
Eoghan Walker
Charlie Barnes
William Molloy
Finlay Wilson
Zachary Crisp
Noah Edwards
Elliot Batty
Paul Oyedemi
Tom Raftery
Corey Wynne
Osman Fabritius
Ismael Infanda