24 avril 2023

Five final players added to Jake's Testimonial this Sunday

We are thrilled to announce the addition of five more players to this Sunday's Testimonial game for former Altrincham captain, Jake Moult.

Joining the already impressive line-up (listed below) are John Johnston, Craig Mahon, Tom Peers, Greg Wilkinson and Max Harrop.

Each player has made a significant impact on the club during their time with us, and we can't wait to see them return to The J.Davidson Stadium to celebrate Jake's stellar Altrincham career.

Tickets are available here.

Greg Wilkinson is the scorer of one of the most iconic goals in Altrincham's history. Brought on in the 120th minute of our 2014 Play-Off Final against Guiseley, he found himself on the end of a loose ball just seconds later, sending the Robins back to the National League. He was only supposed to take a penalty!

His contribution to the club extends beyond that, of course. Greg's name is a popular one amongst Altrincham fans as a relatively local lad, highly coveted during his first stint at Stalybridge Celtic, from which he joined Altrincham under Lee Sinnott.

The midfielder now plays for local neighbours Wythenshawe Town where he offers plenty of experience and versatility, featuring regularly in central midfield and defence.

John Johnston set the original standard for an Altrincham winger under Phil Parkinson, with his lightning quick, direct play and an eye for goal when cutting inside from his favoured left wing position.

Joining the club from Salford City in the summer of 2017, he was one of the first names on the team sheet in our title-winning Northern Premier League campaign, contributing 20 goals, including two vital ones at Shaw Lane Aquaforce and Grantham Town in the week that the Robins wrapped up the title.

A real fan favourite during his time with the club, 'JJ' then went on to feature consistently in our run to the 2018/19 Promotion Semi-Final at Chorley, and again in 2019/20, when he would eventually depart the club mid-season to join Chester.

Since departing the Robins, John has featured for Chester, Kidsgrove Athletic, Guiseley and most recently, Matlock Town.

Craig Mahon joined Altrincham as part of John Johnston's transfer to Chester, adding a wealth of quality and experience to a side that had its sights set on the National League North title, and may well have achieved it, had the COVID-19 pandemic not put a stop to the season.

His acquisition proved vital when play resumed, though, with Mahony making three substitute appearances in Altrincham's behind-closed-doors 2020 play-off successes against Chester, York City and Boston United.

Craig joined Curzon Ashton that summer (where he continues to feature regularly now) making his stint at Altrincham a short, sweet but very successful one.

Tom Peers is another of Phil Parkinson's first cohort of Altrincham signings and, like John Johnston, played a huge role in turning around the trajectory of the football club with his important contribution to our title-winning season and beyond.

Peersy is perhaps most fondly remembered as the Bane of Bootham Crescent. He popped up with a goal on each of Altrincham's three visits to York in the 2019/20 season, providing us with 1-0 victories in the FA Cup and FA Trophy, and rounding off the scoring in our 2-0 Promotion Semi-Final win.

Tom went on to form part of our National League squad for our first two seasons back at the level, before moving to Curzon Ashton permanently in February 2022 after an initial one-month loan. We are delighted to see that Peersy is having a superb season, and is amongst the National League North's top scorers with 17 to his name.

*edit, 25/04: We are delighted to announce that Max Harrop has been added to the Moult XI line-up for this Sunday's Testimonial game. A favourite with the crowd and the dressing room during his time with the Robins, Max is another of Phil Parkinson's 2017/18 signings and is fondly remembered for his excellent technique and a collection of long-range stunners.