Words Isaac Mannion Picture Jonathan Moore

Altrincham 2 Fylde 3

Altrincham’s youngsters fought back bravely in the second half but were narrowly beaten in a dramatic National League encounter.

Alty started the game slowly and struggled to find their rhythm during the opening stages, with Fylde looking the more dangerous side as the first half progressed.

Late in the first half, Fylde took the lead after a scrappy passage of play inside the box, with the ball eventually being headed into the net from close range.

The visitors then doubled their advantage shortly afterwards, as they found space in the Altrincham defence and calmly finished past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0 going into the break.

The Robins came out for the second half with far greater intensity and immediately began putting Fylde under pressure.

Their efforts paid off when Raion Rowe pulled a goal back, picking the ball up out wide and showing great composure to chip it over the advancing goalkeeper and into the net.

Alty continued to push forward and soon found an equaliser. Lewis Broderick (pictured) struck from distance, and when his effort took a deflection on its way through and bounced down from the bar, it crossed the line for a stroke of luck that the Robins definitely deserved.

With momentum firmly on their side, Altrincham looked the more likely to find a winner. However, against the run of play, Fylde were awarded a free-kick late in the game.

The resulting delivery caused problems in the box, and Fylde managed to turn the ball home from close range in the final moments to secure a 3-2 victory.

Despite the defeat, Altrincham showed great character to fight back in the second half and were unlucky to come away without anything to show for their endeavours.

Squad on the day:

Charlie Noble 
Henry Watts  
Raion Rowe
Ben McNamara
Charlie Hough 
Harry St Romaine
Kian Mattison 
Joe Weston
Harry Watson
Ryan Knowles 
Isaac Mannion
Harley Renshaw 
Noah Lavin
Jacob Martin 
Lewis Broderick