It’s another opportunity for Altrincham FC Women to show the progress they have made this season, as they take on high-flying Manchester Laces at Partington Sports Village on Sunday, December 7 in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South.

Manchester Laces sit second in the division with 20 points from 11 games, and defeated the Robins 4-1 in the third game of the season.

A goalless draw away from home against Wirral Phoenix in their last game put Manchester Laces within nine points of the table-toppers, Nantwich Town Women, whom Altrincham FC Women beat in their last game.

The Dabbers’ last league defeat game on the opening day of last season, and beat Altrincham 8-1 on the opening day of this campaign, though Alty stood up to the challenge, picking up a deserved 4-2 victory at Partington Sports Village.

Georgia McKnight’s cross from the right dipped in to the bottom right corner, before captain Nat Lowe scored her second goal in as many games. Nantwich pulled one back courtesy of a Katie Locke own goal, though Millie Kullu’s goal just a few minutes before the break restored the two-goal advantage.

Altrincham’s lead was extended to three in the second half, when Milla Jacobson’s deflected effort beat goalkeeper Connie Watts.

In the dying embers of the game, Megan Ragdale produced a sensational strike beyond Olivia Kaleta, though it proved to be just a consolation.

Daryll Abrahams’ side will go into Sunday’s match knowing they are more than capable of beating a side in a higher league position, and prior to the Nantwich game, defeated step five side Ponteland United in the second round of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup.

The next round will take place on Sunday, December 14 at home against York City Ladies. Were the Robins to go into it with three victories against strong opposition behind them, it would give the girls confidence that they can hold their own against step four opposition at The J. Davidson Stadium.