Altrincham’s under-21 squad travelled to Runcorn Linnets in the North West Development League to face a physical side in good form this week.

The game started frantically, with the youngsters struggling to impose their style of play on the opposition. There were glimpses of quality from the Alty boys, but it proved too little, as they headed in at half-time 3-0 down.

A reaction was needed in the second half, and Altrincham started to look a bit sharper in their general play. However, it wasn’t long before a penalty was awarded to the Linnets, which they converted to make it 4-0.

A positive passage of play from Alty saw George Raftery play Adam Lynch through for a one-on-one in the penalty area, and the Robins forward placed the ball past the keeper with his first touch to reduce the arrears.

Not too long after, Tom Jones found debutant Harley Monaghan with a ball into the box which was fired past the keeper to make it 4-2.

Hopes of getting back into the game proved shortlived, though, with another two goals coming from Runcorn, who had been putting the defence under constant pressure.

A bad day for the young Robins, who look to bounce back next Sunday with a positive performance to put this game behind them.

Squad on the day

Dane  Byron

Mike Comber

Sam Chambers

George Raftery

Mike Smith

Ben Atkinson

JJ Kelly

Harley Monaghan

Adam Lynch

Oliver Dixon  

Tom Jones

Dylan Evans

Tom Higgins

Sekouba Camara

Sam Murphy