Words Ben Edwards | Pictures Maisy Green

Fran Boyle scored her sixth goal in four games, though it mattered for nothing as performance lacking quality saw the Robins fall to a 2-1 defeat against Warrington Town Women in the North West Women’s Regional League Division One South.

Altrincham were down to the bare bones with last week’s goalscorer Emily Rutter unavailable alongside Isabella Moss, whilst Sophie Hall missed out with an ankle injury. To add to Alty’s woes, Ireyimika Bamigboye was substituted after just seven minutes with a hamstring problem.

The first chance fell the way of Samantha Hassall after 15 minutes, who dinked the ball over Olivia Kaleta but also over the crossbar.

A minute later, Boyle ran in behind the Warrington defence on multiple occasions, though was judged offside more often than not. On the one occasion she did beat the offside trap, she took her opportunity, opening the scoring with a composed finish.

Kira Saycell had a gilt-edged opportunity to double the Robins’ advantage after a great ball from Boyle, though Katie Donohue pulled off what would prove to be a crucial save before Georgia McKnight put the rebound wide.

The hosts were awarded a penalty after Brianna Morrison mistimed a sliding challenge. Kitty Callaghan converted excellently into the top right corner.

Boyle had the final effort of the half with a good effort from the left-hand side of the penalty area, but it was saved.

Six minutes into the second half, Boyle picked out McKnight on the right, who fired just over.

Warrington took the lead after 53 minutes courtesy of Jessica Carberry, who produced an excellent attempt at a narrow angle which crept into the bottom left corner.

Whilst Altrincham did enough to limit the Yellows for the remainder of the game, they lacked opportunities themselves, only managing half-chances through Boyle and Matilda Whitehead.

Elsewhere, Altrincham FC Women Elite U18s got back to winning ways at Partington Sports Village with an emphatic 7-0 victory over a fellow Alty side in the Junior U17 Swifts to progress to the semi final of the Manchester FA Girls Cup Under 18.