Preview | Colne (a)
Words Joe Edgar | Pictures Jonathan Moore
ALTY begin their 2024/25 pre-season campaign at the NORI Stadium at Holt House on Saturday in a friendly against Lancashire side Colne.
Kick-off has been brought forward to 1pm due to England's Euro 2024 quarter-final clash with Switzerland taking place later in the afternoon.
Setting The Scene
The 2023/24 season will live long in the memory for all Alty fans as the Robins claimed a play-off spot with a remarkable fourth-place finish in the Vanarama National League.
Phil Parkinson is aiming to maintain the club’s upward trajectory in the upcoming season, with this weekend's game the beginning of what promises to be another exciting campaign at the J.Davidson Stadium.
Our opponents Colne FC are gearing up for the start of the North West Counties League Premier Division campaign, which for the Reds begins on Saturday, July 27 against AFC Liverpool.
Their pre-season schedule got underway on Thursday evening with a 3-2 win over West Lancashire League side CMB FC in Lostock.
Admission
It's pay-on-the-gate this weekend at the NORI Stadium with both cash and card payments accepted at the turnstiles - prices are a very reasonable £5 Adults | £3 65+/12-16s | £1 under-12s
The Gaffer
"Training's been great this week. We've had a plan that we've built on season-on-season since going full time and it's going really smoothly. The players are looking like they've never been away; they've come in fresh and ready to go.
"For Colne on Saturday the squad will be a mixed bag of trialists we've had in for training this week, alongside some younger players and first teamers."
New Away Kit
A first outing for our brand new 2024/25 away kit - produced by Puma and sponsored by AO, McHale & Co. and Car Finance 247.
To get your hands on the new shirt (and Bear, the AO Teddy) head for the club shop this weekend - Saturday 10am-3pm & Sunday 12-4pm.
Travel
If you're travelling by car via the M65 (Eastbound)...
- Travel to the end of the M65
- At roundabout take the 1st exit onto the A6068
(sign posted Keighley) - Stay in left hand lane and through the set of traffic
lights and up to the roundabout - At roundabout take the 1st exit onto Harrison Drive
- At roundabout take the 2nd exit and continue to travel up Harrison Drive
If you fancy the journey by train...
NORI Stadium at Holt House is a 24-minute walk away from Colne Station, which can be reached from Manchester Victoria (via Rose Grove) - a journey of one hour 29 minutes.
Any and all support for the lads would be, as always, hugely appreciated as we embark on what is sure to be another exciting season.
