Words Patrick Boardman | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Altrincham 1 York City 2

The final game of 2025 saw Alty endure injury-time heartbreak as visitors York City struck late to claim the three points at The J.Davidson Stadium.

It was an opening 10 minutes massively dominated by York, with the promotion-chasers having two big opportunities saved by Luke Hutchinson in the Robins goal.

Altrincham entered the York half on just two occasions in the first 15 minutes. With limited control of the ball, Neil Gibson’s side struggled to get a foothold in the game, which was made even harder in the 16th minute when midfielder Owen German was sent off for denying York captain Ollie Pearce a goalscoring opportunity..

York’s third big chance of the half fell soon after to Hiram Boateng. The ball landed at the midfielder’s feet in the middle of the box, with his shot - destined for the top corner - only for Jake Cooper to make a stunning goalline clearance.

Five minutes before the break, York grabbed the lead. Pearce drove the ball from his own half to the edge of the Alty area before dropping it off with Josh Stones. The striker held the ball up before finding a pass into the path of former Robin, Alex Newby, who wrongfooted Luke Hutchinson with his shot and found the keepers bottom left corner.

The first 10 minutes of the second half was a much more even matchup. The Robins looked to make an impression on the game with much more impetus in their play.

Crankshaw was the man causing problems for the right side of the York defence. The winger received the ball on the left flank, cut inside and released a thunderous shot from the edge of the box that was deflected and saved by Harrison Male.

York had a big opportunity to double their lead in the 81st minute, but after a scrappy
goalmouth scramble, Stones and Joe Felix failed to beat man-of-the-match Hutchinson.

Then, after a bit of pressure, Alty found the chance they were looking for as the clock hit 90 minutes. After Matty Kosylo saw an effort well saved by Male, the resulting corner was headed down by Dan Sassi and Lucas Weaver was the recipient. The young attacker spun on a sixpence, and he could not miss from five yards.

After an unbelievable effort from the 10 men, it was utter heartbreak for all involved just 30 seconds after the restart. Pearce was found in the box and after a lovely turn the National League's top scorer slotted a shot into the bottom corner, sending all three points back to York.

Beeline VIP Travel Man Of The Match Luke Hutchinson

Altrincham Hutchinson; Cooper, Crankshaw (Kirk, 78'), Marriott, Gale (Weaver, 83'), Kosylo, German, Reddin (Knowles, 78'), Crawford (c), Golden, Sassi. Subs not used: Baines, Ward, Jones, Beddow.

York Male; Kitching, Fagan-Walcott (Howe, 63'), Hunt, Stones, Pearce (c), Grey (Brookes, 77'), Batty, Boateng, Johnson, Newby (Felix, 77'). Subs not used: Fallowfield, Hewitt, Chadwick, Sykes-Kenworthy.

HT 0-1

Goals Weaver 90' | Newby 42', Pearce 90'+1

Yellows None | None

Reds German 17' | None

Referee Melissa Burgin

Assistants Adam Burgess & Jordan Brooks

Fourth official Callum Jones

Attendance 2,733

Next Up

We begin 2026 with an Enterprise National League clash against Morecambe at The J.Davidson Stadium on Saturday (3pm).

Tickets are on sale online here and hospitality in the John King Lounge can be booked here.