Words Joe Brayne | Pictures Jonathan Moore

ALTY travel to Kent this Sunday (4pm) to face-off against Bromley at Hayes Lane Stadium in the Vanarama National League play-off semi-final.

The Robins (4th, 77pts) qualified for the club’s first-ever National League play-offs following Saturday’s 1-0 victory against Oxford City at The J.Davidson Stadium - an eighth win in the final 11 games.

Our hosts the Lilywhites (3rd, 81pts) started the 2023-24 campaign poorly, falling to 23rd after losses to FC Halifax Town and Barnet. Bromley’s quality saw them climb into the play-off spots before October, however, where they have remained for the rest of the campaign.

The Gaffer

Previous playoff experience: “It’s been a long time coming for Altrincham Football Club. We worked so hard to get here and we are desperate to see it through now. We have been in the play-offs so many times before. We’ve lost at Chorley in the eliminators, but we’ve also won semi-finals and gone through as champions. So as a management team, we have experienced that success and we have to hope that things go for us on the day.”

A special achievement for Altrincham: “I don’t want to put a dampener on celebrations, but I want people to realise what a mammoth task it is for us as Altrincham to get into the play-offs. Remember the league finishes that we have had before - 17th, 14th, 17th - to now finishing 4th. It shows the huge effort that has gone into the football club by everyone: players, staff, board and fans. Let’s not get too up, too down, and instead let us enjoy a fantastic day.”

Last time against Bromley

Back in December – Alex Newby’s stunning free-kick in added on time rescued a point for Alty on the road to second-placed Bromley.

Newby’s tap-in opener saw Alty finish the first-half as the decidedly better side. Elliot Osborne’s dismissal shortly after the break, however, allowed Bromley to level proceedings.

The tempo of the match continued to ramp up in the second-half as the hosts lost Jude Arthurs following his rash challenge on George Wilson. Despite Bromley losing their man advantage, they took the lead just minutes later.

Alty continued to push for a leveller, but after Dior Angus’ strike clattered against the bar with time expiring, it seemed like the Robins would have to accept defeat on the road.

Alex Newby failed to read the script.

Alty would enjoy one last meaningful action after Justin Amaluzor earned a free-kick 25 yards out from goal. Newby curled the ball expertly into the top corner to secure a richly deserved point in a game of the season candidate.

Kit

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

Tickets

The game is an all ticket SELL OUT. There will be no admission on match day without an advance ticket. Thank you so much for the unbelievable support.

Travel

• Road - (From the M25 Motorway) Leaving M25 at Junction 4, follow A21 to Bromley and London, for approximately 4 miles and then fork left onto A232 s/p Croydon/Sutton. At the second set of traffic lights turn right into Baston Road (B265), following it for about 2 miles as it becomes Hayes Street and then Hayes Lane.
• Coach - Union Golf Road has organised a series of coaches to Bromley. Limited spots are still available on Coach 4 and Coach 5, with departure times and booking details found here.
• Train - Bromley South Railway Station is around a mile away (15-20 minute walk) from the ground, and is served by trains from London Victoria. Bus services (numbers 314 and 119) run from the station every ten minutes that pass Hayes Lane stadium.

At the ground

• Away turnstiles will open at 2.30pm
• Car parking at Hayes Lane is on a first come, first served basis and costs £2. There is also plenty of street parking near the ground
• Match day programmes are available for purchase for £3 from vendors around the ground before the game
• Hot food and drink are available in the East Terrace away end. A number of pubs are also located along the route between Bromley South Railway Station and Hayes Lane Stadium

Can’t make the game?

Radio Robins will be broadcasting live on Radio Alty from 3.45pm at Hayes Lane. Join George Allen & Frankie Griffiths for full match commentary.

Listen live on RadioAlty: https://streams.radio.co/s4d51ef3bf/listen
Listen live on RadioAlty: https://www.radioalty.co.uk/listen.html

If you've got access to TNT Sports the game is live, with coverage beginning at 3:30pm.

Come On You Robins!