By Joe Ward

After exactly a month away, Alty finally return to The J.Davidson Stadium this Saturday when we host Southend United in the Vanarama National League (3pm kick-off). 

We've had to wait a while, but, at long last, we're back at home and heading into the game on the back of a narrow 3-2 defeat at play-off-chasing Eastleigh last Saturday. 

Eddy Jones injected hope of a point when he scored in stoppage time, adding to Jordan Hulme's headed goal in the first half. 

But despite valid shouts for handball in the penalty area, even deeper into added time, it was too little too late for the Robins as we returned to Greater Manchester empty-handed. 

With no Tuesday game for the first time in over a month this week, the lads will be well rested and ready to face a side that have lost all five of their last league games. 

Manager's Views

Phil Parkinson spoke to Radio Robins following his side's 3-2 defeat away at Eastleigh.

About The Opposition

Southend United fell to defeat in their last game, losing 2-1 at home to Aldershot Town. 

The Seasiders currently sit 10th in the table after 37 games, winning 15, drawing eight and losing 14 so far. 

Kevin Maher's side boast the ninth-best away record in the National League, picking up 22 of their 53 points on the road. 

In an interview published on Southend's website, Maher previewed our clash, saying, "We had a decent draw at our place, so we know the strengths they bring. It’s always a tough place to go and we’ve got to be ready and fight for every ball.

"We had a behind-closed-doors game to get minutes into some lads, which was good for them, and they all came through that okay. We’ve managed to get a good bit of training into them as well and boost their confidence, which leads into Saturday well.

"Jake Hyde got minutes on the pitch and got a couple of goals so he becomes part of the thinking for the weekend.”

The centre-forward, on loan from Wrexham, could line-up beside ex-Alty player Dan Mooney, who's made 25 appearances for The Shrimpers this season. 

However, our opponents' main threat could come from Jack Bridge, who scored in the Robins' last meeting with Southend, which ended in a 2-2 draw at Roots Hall earlier this season.

The central midfielder is currently joint-top of his side's goal-scoring chart, along with Callum Powell, on eight goals. 

Recent results from both sides set up a compelling fixture this Saturday in what will hopefully be a successful return to The J.Davidson Stadium for Phil Parkinson's men. 

Recent Meetings 

National League 22/23: 

Southend United 2-2 Altrincham, 3rd December 2022

National League 21/22: 

Southend United 2-0 Altrincham, 19th March 2022

Altrincham 1-2 Southend United, 27th November 2021

Ticket Information

£19 - Adult 

£15 - Concession (Over 65 / Students / NHS Workers)

£7 - Junior (12-18)

£2 - Child (Under 12)

Buy your tickets in advance to reduce queueing times by purchasing online here.

With it being Non-League Day on Saturday, the club would like to offer a gesture of thanks, allowing Alty Season Ticket Holders to receive a discount code that enables you to access a free ticket to bring a family member, friend or colleague with you to the game. 

Anyone who purchased a Season Ticket at the start or midway through the campaign will have received an email with the code. 

Matchday Information

There will be several other perks for Season Ticket Holders this Non-League Day, with the Fan Zone opening at 1pm with a special Happy Hour discounting the variety of craft ales at the bar on evidence of your Season Ticket. 

In the CSH, there will be a free pint of Oranjeboom between 1:30pm and 2:30pm for Season Ticket Holders. 

Additionally, we have a special limited edition John King print that will be free to Season Ticket Holders and can be collected at full-time from the CSH, again on evidence of your Season Ticket (digital or physical card). 

We are running a free kids' party for under-12s, also in the CSH, hosted by Radio Alty's Pete Scotson starting at 12:30pm. All children must be accompanied by an adult. 

At half-time nine Alty Junior teams will parade around the pitch, so make sure to give them all your full appreciation. 

Turnstiles will open at 1:30pm.

Please note there will be the option to pay by cash at the turnstiles on the day. There is an ATM opposite the ground at the convenience store.

For wheelchair or pushchair access, please enter gate 5 and you will be looked after.

The matchday programme will be available to purchase around the stadium and the club’s retail shop will be open.

Parking is street only. 

Match Coverage 

Radio Robins is broadcasting full live commentary on RadioAlty. You can listen to Radio Robins in any of the following ways:

Listen live on RadioAlty: https://streams.radio.co/s4d51ef3bf/listen

Listen live on RadioAlty: https://www.radioalty.co.uk/listen.html

In addition, the match will be covered on our Twitter page @altrinchamfc. 

And last but not least … 

We sincerely hope that both sets of fans enjoy the game.