March 27, 2023

Title-chasing Magpies up next at The J.Davidson Stadium for Alty

By Joe Ward

Altrincham are back in Vanarama National League action on Tuesday when promotion-chasing Notts County are the visitors to The J.Davidson Stadium (7:45pm kick-off).

The Robins head into Tuesday night's fixture in high spirits following our 1-0 win over Southend United on Saturday, courtesy of Regan Linney.

The forward, who joined us just over a month ago, is already building up quite a reputation in front of goal and Saturday was no different. The substitute earned and then converted his spot-kick, rewarding the Robins' resilience with all three points.

And it would be wrong not to mention the terrific efforts of Alty's back line and the man between the sticks, Ollie Byrne, who managed to keep out Southend, earning themselves a well-deserved clean sheet.

However, they will have a tough job of doing so again on Tuesday against a side that passed 100 goals for the season with a 4-0 win over Scunthorpe United on Saturday.

Manager's Views

Phil Parkinson spoke with AltyTV following his side's 1-0 victory at home to Southend United.

About The Opposition

The Magpies have been caught up in a compelling title race this season and currently sit just three points behind league leaders, Wrexham.

However, with the Red Dragons still having a game in hand over Notts County, a slip-up on Tuesday night could prove costly for their dream of automatic promotion back to the Football League.

One player who might have something to say about that, however, is National League top scorer Macaulay Langstaff. The striker has picked up 39 goals so far in the league, averaging 1.06 goals per 90 minutes.

And their defensive record isn't bad, either, their goals-against column being the third-best in the competition.

Away from home, the East Midlands side have captured 45 points from 20 games - more than any other team in the league.

Nevertheless, The J.Davidson Stadium has proved to be an obstacle for them in the past, the Magpies having not won in either of their previous visits.

Notts County will be hoping for a repeat of our last meeting, back in October, when they beat Alty 3-1 at Meadow Lane, thanks to a brace from Langstaff and one from Adam Chicksen.

Other players that Phil Parkinson's side will need to look out for include centre-forwards Rúben Rodrigues and Cedwyn Scott, as well as left-back Adam Chicksen, who, between them, have scored 40 goals so far this campaign.

Goalkeeper Sam Slocombe has kept 13 clean sheets so far this season and will be looking for help from centre-back and club captain Kyle Cameron for a 14th on Tuesday.

With Luke Williams' side in desperate need of a win to keep their title push going, Tuesday's fixture Is likely to be a compelling watch. So, get yourself down to The J.Davidson as the Robins face their final game before our Isuzu FA Trophy semi-final on Saturday.