Words Brian Flynn Pictures Karl Brooks

History was created on Sunday afternoon as Altrincham FC Women emerged victorious in an epic five-goal final of the Cheshire Women’s & Youth League, Challenge Cup at Nantwich Town’s Swansway Stadium.

It’s difficult to imagine a worse start, Alty were in complete disarray, as their opponents immediately worked their way into the penalty area from the kick-off. Jennifer Thompson pounced on a loose ball to open the scoring with a perfectly placed angled right foot shot that crept just inside the far post.

Barely 30 seconds had elapsed and it took the Robins a few minutes to recover from the shock of conceding so early, however leading scorer, Kira Saycell, equalised from the penalty spot after eight minutes, following excellent play from Holly Lloyd, who won the ball on the right wing before delivering an excellent cross into the heart of the penalty area.

Saycell’s first touch was good & referee Mitchell was perfectly placed to penalise a slightly rash challenge from a Witton defender. Tracey Bolton went the right way, but Saycell’s spot kick was neatly placed low to the keeper’s left.

Albion, playing in their second kit of all purple, continued to take the game to Alty and regained the lead after 14 minutes. It was a sloppy goal to concede, as there were a couple of opportunities to deal with the Witton foray into the inside left channel.

The ball eventually landed at the feet of Jennifer Thompson, who was behind Alty keeper Ariella Shapiro and seemingly in an offside position, but the assistant referee’s flag was not raised, and the striker scored her second goal of the afternoon from close to the edge of the six-yard box.

Remarkably, Duncan Jones’ team were level within seconds. Elise Jones chased a long ball played towards the edge of the area, producing electric acceleration to close down Witton keeper, Bolton, whose clearance, from just outside the area, bounced off the Robins striker to roll just inside the post.

It was a magic moment! 2-2 after just a quarter of an hour. The game was thrilling, end to end, with Albion, a physically stronger and more experienced side, causing problems for the Altrincham defence that bravely stuck to its task, despite the bombardment from the opponents.

Alty were always a threat on the counter, with Witton’s defence unable to handle the phenomenal pace and acceleration of Elise Jones.

It was important to reach half-time on level terms as the younger and fitter Robins were expecting to endure the very hot playing conditions better as the game wore on.

Duncan Jones started to rotate his squad from midway through the half, whilst Witton stuck with the same starting eleven until after the hour mark.

This proved pivotal, as Alty gradually wore their opponents down, but despite having chances to take the lead, it wasn’t until the game entered its final stages that the moment came that would decide the outcome of this final.

Following a turnover of possession, it was four red and white shirts against two purple shirts, 35 yards from goal.

Elise Jones & Brogan Walsh were both involved in progressing the move into the area and when the ball broke to Natalie Lowe, her shot was well saved by the impressive Bolton. The rebound broke loose and the Alty skipper showed composure to fire the rebound home through the keeper’s legs.

Witton somehow found the energy to mount a series of attacks on the Robins goal, but Alty were defending heroically and confidently now and Caitlin Beaty, a planned replacement for Ariella Shapiro at half-time, produced an excellent goalkeeping display to keep the opponents out.

There were fantastic scenes at the final whistle, which continued after the presentation of the trophy and winners’ medals and this team will go down in the record books as the group that won Altrincham FC Women its first silverware, 14 years after the formation of the club.

Altrincham 22. Ariella Shapiro, 2. Annie O'Donoghue, 5. Emily O'Leary, 6. Brainna Morrison, 7. Kira Saycell, 8. Grace McCardle, 10. Natalie Lowe (C), 14. Elise Jones, 16. Holly Lloyd, 26. Libby Newton, 30. Ashley Jones.

Game Changers: 9. Ash Gilmore, 20. Brogan Walsh, 25. Rhianna Pickering, 27. Katie Robins, 41. Caitlin Beaty.

Witton Albion 1. Tracey Bolton, 2. Mya Greatrex, 3. Jamelia Manley-Tomlinson, 4. Emma Bibby-Cheshire, 5. Lauren Quigg, 6. Brya Landon, 7. Natalie Chapman, 8. Cara Batty, 9. Jennifer Thompson, 14. Aimee Gibson. 

Game Changers: 11. Michaela Thompson, 10. Autumn Mugridge, 18. Zoe Palin, 17. Kathryn Hulme, 15. Emily Fallon, 16. Vanessa Bagley, 19. Ellie Wadsworth.

Attendance 217

Radio Alty Player of the Match - brought to you by Aaron & Partners

There was very little between the teams in terms of the starting line-ups, but Altrincham had the stronger squad and lasted the contest better than their opponents, who may have every chance of achieving another promotion next season.

For Witton, Tracey Bolton, Lauren Quigg, Natalie Chapman, Cara Batty, Jennifer Thompson and Aimee Gibson, all impressed the RadioAlty commentary team.

For Altrincham, Ariella Shapiro and Caitlin Beaty faced different challenges in the half that each goalkeeper played and stood up to them calmly and effectively.

Defenders Annie O’Donoghue, Emily O’Leary, Brianna Morrison, Libby Newton & Rhianna Pickering worked their way through a difficult start to the game to quell the lively and very strong physical threat posed by the mid-Cheshire side. The defensive unit improved throughout the game and were in control throughout the second half.

In midfield, Holly Lloyd, Ashley Jones, Natalie Lowe, Grace McArdle and Brogan Walsh toiled valiantly throughout, whilst up front Kira Saycell, Elise Jones, Katie Robins and Ash Gilmore were a constant threat to the Witton rearguard.

Brianna Morrison and Brogan Walsh are worthy of special praise for having a key influence in the contest, but as in the semi-final against Nantwich town, Elise Jones is the Radio Alty Player of the Match, for a performance described by men’s first team manager, Phil Parkinson, on our live broadcast as being like Duncan Watmore, who Altrincham sold to Sunderland in 2013 and who went on to play in the Premier League and for England U21.

An unforgettable day for everyone connected with Altrincham FC Women!