Words Erin Carroll | Pictures Maisy Green

The Robins kicked off their return to the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South on Sunday with a tough away trip to old foes Nantwich Town at the Swansway Stadium.

Altrincham themselves had come into this game in high spirits following their positive pre-season under new manager Daryll Abrahams. However, it was established very early on that this was going to be a tough ask for the Robins.

Nantwich took the lead early on with a goal inside the first minute, before Altrincham midfielder Ashley Jones netted an equaliser, which turned out to be Alty’s only goal of the game.

Nantwich quickly established themselves as the more dominant side, and it was Dabbers striker Amanda Fallon who put her mark on the game. Going into halftime, the Robins were 3-1 down courtesy of a Fallon hat-trick.

However, during the second half, Nantwich didn’t let up; again, Fallon was the one writing the headlines as she secured another two goals, taking her tally to five on the opening day, before Katie Greenwood, Poppy Emery and Bridie Harding eventually put the game to bed, each scoring a goal and handing the Robins a heavy opening-day defeat.

Responding against Macclesfield

Following this, Altrincham were quick to put this defeat behind them in a bid to get their first opening point just three days later against local rivals Macclesfield. A very entertaining game, not short of chances.

The two teams went into the break locked at 0-0, with debutant Olivia Kaleta pulling off a string of impressive saves during the first period.

Then, just seven minutes into the second half, it was the home side who struck first, with Caitlyn Gloor striking the ball home. However, Altrincham showed grit and determination and eventually got their reward.

Kira Brooke Saycell, the Robins' top scorer last season, was on hand to put the ball in the back of the net, giving the Robins a share of the spoils on derby day at the Leasing.com stadium.

You can listen to manager Daryll Abrahams' post-match thoughts here.

Altrincham are next set to face fellow promoted side Manchester Laces Yellows at Ericstan Park in Wythenshawe on Sunday, before taking part in a massive home Adobe Women's FA Cup First Round Qualifying tie against Macclesfield on September 7th at The J.Davidson Stadium.

Tickets for the visit of Macclesfield in the Adobe Women's FA Cup are FREE and can be claimed here.