Words Joe Brayne | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Altrincham are on the road again in the Vanarama National League as we head up north to face Hartlepool United at the Suit Direct Stadium this Tuesday (7.45pm kick-off).

The Robins (5th, 52pts) are aiming for an immediate response following Saturday’s 2-0 defeat at Aldershot Town, with three points against the Monkey Hangers (10th, 44pts) potentially seeing Alty leapfrog Solihull Moors to fourth in the league table.

The Gaffer

Taking defeats in our stride: “At some point, you are going to get beat in this league. To get beat by a team who are close to you (in the table) feels bad, but it could have been worse if it was a team down the bottom of the table. To be beaten by Aldershot is no disgrace, a lot of good teams will come here and lose.”

Importance of away support: “Our away support may not be the biggest, but it is strong. The players can hear them - the support is one of the loudest in the league. I’m really grateful that the supporters stick around until the end, no matter the result.”

Hear everything manager Phil Parkinson had to say to Alty TV following our 2-0 loss against Aldershot: youtube.com/watch?v=qkHyjvqIhkY

Last time against Hartlepool

Altrincham 2-2 Hartlepool (Isaac Marriott 23’, Lewis Baines 45’)

Last September, an injury-stricken Robins side fought back from an early deficit to earn a richly-deserved point against Hartlepool at The J. Davidson Stadium.

While Alty were unable to replicate the 1973 FA Cup giant-killing in Hartlepool’s first return to Moss Lane, first-half goals from Isaac Marriott and Lewis Baines proved enough to secure a draw.

Kit

We will be wearing our traditional home strip on Saturday, courtesy of Puma – with thanks to kit sponsors J.Davidson Scrap Metal, McHale & Co Solicitors and Car Finance 247. 

Tickets

Ticket prices for our trip to Hartlepool have now been confirmed:

● £20 Adults

● £14 Concessions (Over 65s, 18-21 years, Students, Armed Forces)

● £10 Under 18s

● £5 Under 14s

● FREE Under 5s (accompanied by a paying adult)

Tickets can be purchased online here.

Turnstiles at The Suit Direct Stadium open at 6.15pm, with away supporters located in the Simpson Millar Stand (also known as the Rink End). The stand is located on Clarence Road.

Travel

● Road - exit the A19 at signpost Hartlepool A179 and turn left on to the A179. Follow signs to Hartlepool for 1.3 miles over two roundabouts. At third roundabout turn right (s/p Town Centre, Docks A179) on to Easington Road. Follow Town Centre A179 signs for 1.5 miles over two roundabouts.

o At third roundabout, turn right onto Marina Way. At the next roundabout, there are two choices – straight on and left to the parking at Jackson’s Wharf in the marina area or right and then left at the lights into Clarence Road to the ground.

● Train - the closest train station is Hartlepool Station, which is about a half-mile walk away from the stadium.

● Coach - Union Golf Road have organised a supporters’ coach for our trip to Hartlepool, with seats are priced at £22. Further information and booking details can be found here.

Limited car parking is available at the Suit Direct Stadium, though they are booked on a first-come-first-served basis. Alternatively, street parking is available on Raby Road.

At the ground

● Matchday programmes are available digitally on the day of the game, priced at £3, and can be bought via the Hartlepool Club Shop.

● Hot food and drinks are available at the Main Bar and at refreshment hubs around the stadium before and after the match.

Can’t make the game?

Radio Robins will be broadcasting live on Radio Alty from 7.30pm.

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

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