Words by Will Spencer

Altrincham U17s faced Irlam FC on Sunday afternoon, hoping to bounce back from a defeat the previous weekend to Curzon Ashton.

Altrincham started the game positively, after a header towards goal from Cata was blocked by Irlam’s defender with his arm which lead to a penalty kick, which was converted into the top right corner by Cata making it 1-0.

However, Irlam responded well and had the better chances for the rest of the first half, scoring a great free kick to make it 1-1 and hitting the crossbar shortly after.

Towards the end of the first half, against the run of play, Alty were awarded a corner that was driven along the ground towards the near post to meet Ceesay who slotted a brilliant first-time finish across goal to make it 2-1.

As the first half came to a close, Alty had a free kick just inside the opposition half that was taken quickly and lofted diagonally towards Cata who cut inside from the left with brilliant footwork and shot into the top right corner, making it 3-1 and his second goal of the day.

Altrincham started on top in the second half and were the much better team, creating many more chances than Irlam, a poor clearance from the Irlam keeper fell to Cisse who took the ball past one player and shot into an open net with the outside of his foot before the keeper could recover to his line, making it 4-1 and Ceesay’s second goal of the day.

Shortly after, Irlam pulled one back through a deflected shot making it 4-2. However, Alty were able to retain control of the game and Irlam did not have many more clear cut chances.

As the game neared the final whistle, a deflected shot from Fiedor fell to Jarrald who placed the ball past the keeper with a nice first time finish, making it 5-2 which how it ended

After three games played with two wins and a loss, Altrincham move up to 4th in the North West Alliance Premier Division.

The U17s next fixture is against Trafford FC (away) on the 2nd October, for the fourth league game of the season.

Squad on the Day :

Abdulelah Nassief

Dylan Evans

Ben Atkinson

Joel Bailey

Lucas Edwards

Tom Higgins

Sekouba Camara

Will Spencer

George Raftery

Edson Cata (2 goals)

Harrison Howells

Mo Ceesay (2 goals)

Ollie Fiedor

Charley Jarrald (1 goal)

Lincoln Goddard