By Joe Brayne

Picture by Jonathan Moore

Altrincham are ready for a stiff challenge as we host Chesterfield at The J. Davidson Stadium this Saturday in our Vanarama National League Bank Holiday weekend opener (3pm kick-off).

In a clash between two undefeated sides, both teams will be vying for three points to keep the pressure on others around them in the top half of the table.

Regan Linney, joint-top scorer in the National League with three goals, will play a pivotal role for Aly against a Chesterfield side accustomed to high-scoring affairs this season.

The Robins forward opened the scoring against Boreham Wood last weekend before Lee Ndlovu equalised with a poacher's finish in an entertaining draw.

There will be a bumper crowd for our fifth game of the season, with Chesterfield close to selling all of their allocation of 1,400 tickets and their travelling fans therefore occupying the top third of the Popular Side, as well as the adjacent Chequers End.

Segregation will be in place, but Altrincham supporters will be able to access the rest of the Popular Side and the Fan Zone.

As we approach Saturday’s fixture, followed by a trip to AFC Fylde on Monday (3pm), Alty manager Phil Parkinson expressed confidence in his squad’s ability to embrace the challenge ahead.

“We know we are going to have a really tough weekend, but we will prepare as well as we can," he said. "We are more than a match for anyone.”

On a sombre note, Altrincham FC are mourning the loss of two footballing giants for the club, following the deaths this week of Barry Howard and Mark ‘Mad Dog’ Maddox.

Their immense contributions in shaping the club’s identity have been captured in heartfelt tributes by Brian Flynn: Barry Howard and Mark Maddox.

Manager’s Views

Phil Parkinson spoke with AltyTV following our 1-1 draw with Boreham Wood.

About the Opposition

The Spireites have refused to let their heads dip after the heartbreak of last season’s play-off final penalty defeat, starting the new campaign strongly with three victories and one draw.

Our visitors will be bitterly disappointed to have dropped two points last weekend at the SMH Group Stadium to an out-of-sorts Oldham side, however.

Ugly fan scenes marred the late drama of James Norwood’s shock 96th-minute equaliser, but Chesterfield had spurned a number of chances to take the game out of the Latics’ hands.

Returning to familiar territory, former Alty winger Ryan Colclough arrives in top form, having already netted two league goals against Dorking Wanderers and AFC Fylde.

Speaking with the media ahead of Saturday’s fixture, Chesterfield assistant-manager Danny Webb acknowledged the challenge that awaits at The J. Davidson Stadium.

“Altrincham will be a seriously tough game, so all eyes are focused on this one now with one eye in the background on Monday’s home fixture to Hartlepool United,” Webb admitted.

Recent Meetings

Vanarama National League

Chesterfield 1-0 Altrincham, 24 January 2023

Altrincham 1-2 Chesterfield, 29 August 2022

(Toby Mullarkey 47)

Ticket Information

£20 – Adult

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

£9 – Junior (12-18years)

£4 – Child (5-11years)

£1 – Infant (Under 5)

Buy your tickets online for the match to reduce queueing time!

Matchday Information

Turnstiles will open at 1.30pm for Saturday’s fixture.

Please note there will be the option to pay by cash at the turnstiles on the day, but it is advisable to buy a ticket in advance if you can. There is an ATM opposite the ground at the convenience store.

Alternatively, you can buy in advance online.

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.

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 club’s retail shop will be open. Parking is street only.

The matchday programme will be available to purchase around the stadium. Our club retail shop will also be open.

Match Coverage 

Radio Robins is broadcasting live commentary on RadioAlty.

Join Peter Scotson, Brian Flynn, Paul Salt and Ben Edgson from 2.45pm.

Listen live on RadioAlty: https://streams.radio.co/s4d51ef3bf/listen

Listen live on RadioAlty: https://www.radioalty.co.uk/listen.html

And last but not least…

We sincerely hope that both sets of fans enjoy the game.