Words Jack Worswick | Pictures Jonathan Moore

ALTRINCHAM’s first team gained valuable match fitness ahead of the 2024/25 season with a 1-1 draw against Lancaster City at Giant Axe on Saturday.

In what was another close game for the Robins, Joe Nuttall’s first-half header saw his side take the lead, before an equaliser minutes later.

The first half saw Phil Parkinson’s side made up of trialists, first-team figures and new signings. There was a slow pace to the opening minutes with limited chances at both ends.

Ethan Ross looked to play long passes to target man Nuttall. This tactic was front and centre in his eventual goal, as the number nine flicked the ball on from his keeper's pass to Trialist 3, who in turn would whip a cross into the loanee for Alty's opener.

Alternatively, Lancaster would also have chances. An effort from the halfway line was tipped over by a full stretching Ross. The Dolly Blues eventually tied up the score through Trialist 8, who beat Ross with a low-driven shot.

Another stand out from this half was Lucas Weaver. The winger consistently looked to take on his man and utilise his pace. This almost led to a goal for the Robins with his effort just about saved.

In the second half a whole new eleven featured for the Robins, allowing other first-team players to prepare for the upcoming season. 

Altrincham looked much more dominant in this half, as they threatened for the duration. The likes of Regan Linney and Alex Newby offered a different and more direct attack.

The persistent attacks led many spectators to believe the ball would find the net. Chances for Linney and Tom Crawford would be denied by the woodwork after great efforts.

Furthermore, a great performer was Afernee Denise. The academy prospect combined well with his first-team counterparts. His tricky dribbling caused issues for the Lancaster defenders, leading to two penalty claims, that would ultimately be ignored. 

Lancaster Trialist; Bailey (c), Trialist, Moonan, Trialist, Allington, Mellen, Trialist, Cusani, Laewson, Evangelinos. Subs: Trialists x8

Altrincham Ross (Fallon, 46'); Trialist (Banks, 46'), Trialist (E.Jones, 46'), Baines (c) (J.Jones, 46'), Cooper (Trialist, 46'), German (Osborne, 46'), Kosylo (Denise, 46'), Trialist (Crawford, 46'), Nuttall (Linney, 46'), Trialist (Wilson, 46'), Weaver (Newby, 46').

Next Up

Pre-season friendly number three - a short hop across the southern fringes of Manchester to face-off against Cheadle Heath Nomads - Tuesday at 7:45pm.