Altrincham 9 Steven Gerrard NWC 1

Match report by Alty player Alfred Igbinake

Altrincham Academy welcomed the Steven Gerrard NWC in their most recent National Youth League fixture.

Having faced this team previously, Alty were well prepared and confident of getting a positive result.

It was a slow start from the young Robins as they conceded an early goal. Intense
pressure from the Steven Gerrard NWC forced a mistake from the Altrincham
keeper Dane Byron and the visitors capitalised to take the lead.

Going behind so early on helped focus Altrincham as they began to take
control of the game. They responded immediately to the Steven Gerrard NWC goal, levelling through a spectacular overhead kick from Alfred Igbinake.

Using the momentum they had built from scoring an equaliser, Charley Jarrald
doubled Altrincham’s tally, giving the home team the lead for the first time in the
match.

Altrincham continued to carry out their game plan and cause the opposition
problems. Jacob Hill found space out wide and whipped in a dangerous cross
towards Igbinake, who rounded off the move with yet another acrobatic effort for his second goal of the game.

Afernee Denise was the next player to get on the scoresheet for Altrincham, cutting inside from the right wing and placing a shot accurately into the bottom corner for Altrincham’s fourth.

Jarrald then managed to secure his brace after some fantastic link-up play
from the team. Jarrald found some space on the left-hand side before cutting inside and wrapping a shot past the Steven Gerrard NWC goalkeeper.

Just as the first half was coming to a close, Igbinake completed his hat-trick to
finish the half with Altrincham leading 6-1.

Eager to stay focused and continue to dominate the game, Altrincham insisted on
pushing for more goals in the second half despite their healthy advantage.

Five changes were made. With the new injection of energy, the young Robins
started the second half how they finished the first – in complete control.

Just after play had restarted, Ethan Cosgrove took the ball on the turn in midfield. He then played the ball into the feet of Igbinake, and having already scored three, the forward beat two defenders and finished with the confidence of a player who knows he can’t be stopped.

He scored his fourth of the day by slotting it into the bottom right corner, and Altrincham led 7-1.

Soon after, it was Jarrald’s turn to complete his hat-trick. He finished his chance
expertly and became the second player to score three goals in the match.

Altrincham were relentless in possession, moving the ball quickly around the
opposition. The final goal of the game came from another Jarrald strike.

Running through on goal, Jarrald lifted the ball over the keeper’s head and into the net for Altrincham’s ninth goal of the game.

It was a remarkable result for Altrincham, and the performance more than deserved the three points on offer.

Squad on the day:
Dane Byron
Oscar Cooper
Mo Suwareh
Ben Taylor
William Knowles
Kyran Webster
Jacob Hill
Sammy BP
Alfred Igbinake
Byron Haughton
Ryan Knowles
Charley Jarrald
Nathan Taylor
Ethan Cosgrove
Alfie Curwen
Afernee Denise