Round-up by John Edwards

New Mills 1 Alsager Town 1
Everyone at Altrincham is tipping Ryan Forde for a bright future, and the staff and supporters at Alsager Town are beginning to see why.

Alty's highly-rated young keeper is currently on loan at Alsager and is continuing to make a favourable impression on the North West Counties League Division One South club as they bid to climb the table.

The Bullets went in front after only two minutes at New Mills on Tuesday evening, and though they were pegged back before half-time, Ryan ensured they headed home with something to show for their efforts.

Pride of place among a series of top saves went to a brilliant stop from a goalbound free-kick early in the second half, and it came as no surprise, given his eye-catching agility and spot-on distribution, when Ryan was named man of the match.

Winger Dion Siboko Bohe provided more Alty interest by joining Ryan in the starting line-up, while fit-again striker Matty Sumner was among the substitutes and went on in the second half. Alty duo Josh Jordan and Ewan McGeady were both missing through injury.


Ellesmere Rangers 2 Alsager Town 1
Alsager were unlucky not to add to the point they gained in midweek, and Ryan Forde again earned plaudits for his exploits between the posts, as the Bullets headed to Shropshire on Friday evening.

Both sides were still looking for a breakthrough in the first half when Ryan pulled off what was described as a sensational save, diving away to his left and getting a strong hand on the ball to tip it on to the post.

An Alsager side that also had Dion Siboko Bohe in the starting line-up went in front soon after, and, though they were pegged back early in the second half, Dion almost made it 2-1 with an effort that was blocked and scrambled to safety.

Ellesmere got their noses in front, but Alsager, who gave Matty Sumner more minutes as a second-half substitute, so nearly salvaged what would have been a deserved point with a late effort against the bar.


Kidderminster Harriers 0 Boston United 0
After being an unused substitute in Boston's 3-2 win at Chorley last Tuesday, Alty forward Zak Goodson was again on the bench at Kidderminster but played a full part in a valuable away point after going on in only the 21st minute, as the Pilgrims' survival prospects in the Vanarama National League North continued to improve.

King's Lynn Town 1 Buxton 1
Substitutions can significantly affect the outcome of a game, and that was certainly the case in Norfolk last Tuesday night.

Promotion-chasing King's Lynn were leading 1-0 when Buxton boss Craig Elliott made a double change, sending on Brad Jackson and Diego De Girolamo in the 62nd minute.

Seconds later, Alty winger Brad was involved in a slick Buxton build-up that ended with De Girolamo firing past the home keeper, and Buxton were heading for an excellent point on the road that extended their unbeaten run to eight games.


Buxton 2 Gloucester City 1
Brad was unsurprisingly promoted back to the starting line-up on Saturday, after his telling midweek contribution at King's Lynn, and he wasted no time making his mark, as Buxton continued their impressive form.

After only 10 minutes, a shot was parried by the Gloucester keeper, and Brad was on hand to smash home the rebound to give the Bucks the perfect start.

The home side doubled their lead from the penalty spot in the 14th minute, and it was almost 3-0 eight minutes later, when an effort by Brad was tipped over the bar by the keeper.

Gloucester reduced the arrears in the 77th minute, but Buxton saw the game out comfortably enough, Brad getting the best part of 80 minutes under his belt before being substituted.


Alfreton Town 2 Darlington 2
Darlington were frustrated at letting Alfreton back in it after leading 2-0 early on, but Alty centre-back Jake Cooper will have benefitted from another 90 minutes out in the middle after crossing swords with veteran marksman Matt Rhead, who reduced the arrears with a 45th-minute header for a home side who levelled matters in the 73rd minute.


Trafford 2 Widnes 0
Alty youngster Sharif Deans went on as a 66th-minute substitute for Widnes, who were already trailing to a first-half goal at Shawe View and went further behind in the 78th minute.


Workington 3 Hanley Town 0
Alty forward Eden Bailey was introduced in the 72nd minute, with Hanley 1-0 down, but could do nothing about a strong finish from Workington, who scored twice in the last eight minutes to wrap up the points.


Bury AFC 2 Northwich Vics 0
Alty's young defender Joe Cooney was on the bench for Northwich at promotion-chasing Bury, as he was last Tuesday when Vics travelled to Barnoldswick Town and won 1-0.


Irlam 0 Padiham 0
Alty youngster Owen German contributed to a solid defensive performance prior to being substituted in the 65th minute as Irlam added another valuable point to their quest to steer clear of any relegation worries in the North West Counties League Premier Division.


Racing Club Warwick 7 Market Drayton Town 0
A day to forget for young Alty midfielder Harlan Rodgers-Morris as Midland League Premier Division strugglers Market Drayton were taken apart at Warwick. The visitors were 4-0 down at half-time when Harlan was one of three players to be substituted as changes were made in a vain bid to turn the tide.

*Alty striker Ryan Morton's loan spell at Nantwich Town has ended, following the appointment of Paul Carden as the Dabbers' new manager.