20 septembre 2022

Joy for Jarrald as young Robins claim first win of the season in dramatic style

Altrincham U-16s 2 Egerton U-17s 1

Match report by Henry Murphy

Altrincham were at home for their second North West Youth Alliance Development Division match of the season, with the away side Egerton travelling to MHA.

A quick start to the game saw Egerton’s aggressive approach leading to a penalty being awarded to them inside the opening 10 minutes after Harry O’Gara brought down an attacker in the box.

A composed finish saw the away side take a 1-0 lead, and things went from bad to worse for Altrincham as centre-back O’Gara was forced to leave the pitch due to injury as a result of the challenge when conceding the penalty.

Alty soon got back into the game, though, with another penalty conceded, this time by the away side. However, Robins forward James O’Gara failed to convert from the spot, with his effort going wide.

The home side continued to pile on the pressure until a nice passage of play gave O’Gara a further opportunity to finish which he took this time to make the score 1-1 at half-time.

Plenty of drama ensued in the second half - a number of questionable decisions by the referee and multiple yellow cards being handed out to the Egerton players.

The many interruptions led to Egerton putting pressure on the Altrincham defence, creating a few chances of their own.

However, some fine saves by Robins keeper Louie Fallon kept them out and the score remained level.

The game seemed to be heading for a draw until a late corner saw a scramble in the box, leading to an easy tap-in for Alty striker Charlie Jarrald.

However the drama wasn’t over, in what was an action-packed contest. A dispute between the two sides after a late challenge led to a red card being given, unfairly so, to Altrincham striker O’Gara.

In the end, it was a great comeback by the young Robins, with the 2-1 victory bringing them their first three points of the season.

Alty squad:

1. Louie Fallon

2. Teddy Woolland

3. Oscar Cooper

4. Lewis Lambkin

5. Harry O’Gara

6. Ben Taylor

7. Afernee Denise

8. Henry Murphy

9. James O’Gara

10. Kian Gonzalez