Words Joe Edgar | Pictures Jonathan Moore

Altrincham return to Vanarama National League action on Saturday as we welcome Gateshead for an Inclusivity Matchday at The J.Davidson Stadium (3pm kick-off).

As part of our Celebration of Inclusivity we're welcoming members of our Pan Ability squad and our Sports Social group of adults with additional needs.

Paralympics medal-winning cyclists and Robins fans Neil and Lora Fachie will also be in attendance, we're raising money for Altrincham FC Women AND Darby Rimmer MND Foundation are accepting a cheque of funds raised from Stuart Coburn's testimonial in July.

Setting the Scene

Alty suffered a heartbreaking defeat against Solihull Moors in our previous game, as a penalty shootout defeat sent the Robins out of the Emirates FA Cup at Fourth Round Qualifying.

After a slow start from Altrincham saw the hosts take an early lead, goals from Charlie Olson and Tom Crawford gave Phil Parkinson’s men a 2-1 advantage heading into stoppage time in the second half. It was a fantastic all-round performance from Altrincham, but a 91st-minute strike from Jamey Osborne sent the game into extra time.

Unfortunately, we couldn’t get over the line, and with three misses in the first four Altrincham penalties, we bowed out.

Our next opponents, Gateshead, were also beaten in a Fourth Round Qualifying replay on Tuesday, as they lost 3-1 at home to eighth tier Hednesford.

The Heed enjoyed an excellent start to their 2024/25 National League campaign, winning five of their first seven games. However, after manager Rob Elliott’s departure, they’re looking to complete the difficult task of continuing their form with a new manager, Carl Magnay, who takes charge of his first game on Saturday.

The Gaffer

 "The recovery after Tuesday night's extra time game is extra important this week. The lads were mainly doing work off their feet on Thursday and we'll be as prepared as we always are for another tough weekend assignment."

Last time against Gateshead

March 2024 – The Robins lost in a thrilling encounter against Gateshead the last time that the two sides met, on Non-League Day at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Alex Newby and Dan Mooney scored either side of Marcus Dinanga’s goal for Gateshead to give Alty a 2-1 lead, but Kieron Evans and Kain Adom scored to send Gateshead home with the three points.

Home Kit

For this weekend's game against Gateshead, we will be wearing our new red and white 2024/25 home kit – produced by Puma and sponsored by AO, McHale & Co. and CarFinance 247.

To purchase this season's shirts head for our online shop here.

Tickets

Purchase your tickets in advance for the game here or head to one of our cash turnstiles ahead of kick-off on Saturday.

Adult £20 | Concessions £15 | 12-17s £9 | 5-11s £4 | Under-5s £1

Hospitality in The John King Lounge is very limited in availability so act quick by clicking here if you want to upgrade your matchday experience.

At the Ground

Gates will be open at The J.Davidson Stadium from 1pm.

The Community Sports Hall Bar will also open at 1pm as will the Fan Zone, where we'll celebrate the serving of 20,000 fans since the reopening in October 2022.

Join us at 2:30pm for a little tipple to toast the occasion - we'll also have club legend Stuart Coburn, Co-Chairman Bill Waterson & one of our Fan Zone organisers Frankie Burton with us.

Featured breweries in the Fan Zone this weekend include favourites from Sureshot, Cloudwater, Pomona Island & Titanic PLUS a new offering from Buxton's Silent Brew Co.

Our Pop Up Shop will be in the CSH Bar from 1pm selling a selection of Alty merchandise right through to kick-off at 3pm.

Robins Review

Issue 8 will be available around The J.Davidson Stadium ahead of kick-off on Saturday priced just £3 and featuring George Wilson, Altrincham FC Women, Altrincham FC Community Sports and much, much more.

Can’t make the game?

Listen to our fantastic coverage of the game on Radio Robins (via Radio Alty) right here live from 2.45pm. Join Erin Carroll & Tom Jolley for all the action.

A reminder

We are proud of the welcoming atmosphere on offer for everyone at The J.Davidson Stadium and would like to remind all supporters of their responsibilities in continuing to create such an atmosphere.

Foul and abusive language in general, and directed at our stewards especially, has no place inside the stadium. We thank you for your help in making Altrincham FC an enjoyable place to watch football. 

Come On You Robins!!!