Words Charlie Barnes Picture Jonathan Moore

Altrincham 0 Everton NWC 1

A second-half penalty decision that went against the young Robins proved pivotal in this closely-fought National League fixture.

Benefitting from some good early possession, Altrincham started the game well and were on top in the opening minutes.

Building from the back, the young Robins were finding themselves in good positions, applying real pressure in the final third without being able to create many clear-cut chances.

Meppem found himself in some promising positions, with the Robins' only real opportunity coming from his ball across the box, which went unconverted.

Farrar picked up some great areas to take Altrincham forward, but the Robins were struggling to break lines to really trouble the Toffees’ defence.

As the half fizzled out, Altrincham continued to control possession, often building out from the back with Ezomo and Barnes finding full-back Walker as a positive outlet to push forward. The Robins looked to be on top going into half-time.

The second half carried on in the same vein, with Alty maintaining control of possession. A pinpoint pass from Farrar early on enabled Kane to get the ball into the box in what proved a forlorn hope that a team-mate might capitalise on it.

Everton progressed down the left side, pushing themselves into the box. After contact was made with their left winger, the referee blew his whistle and awarded Everton a penalty, which they converted.

Alty failed to take the game to the well-organised, rigid Everton low block. As the second half continued, some good play found substitute Crisp in some good  positions high up the pitch, though the pattern continued of Altrincham not quite being clinical enough on the day.

Alty squad:

William Rodwell 
Eoghan Walker
Jeo Bushidi 
Harry Cain 
Charlie Barnes 
Finlay Mason 
Gio Enzomo 
Daniel Farrer
William Molloy
Josh Herreaman 
Paul Oyedemi
Elliot Batty 
Callum Meppem
Zachary Crisp
Noah Edwards 
Tom Raftery