Words Jacob Hill Picture Jonathan Moore

Altrincham 0 Steven Gerrard Kirby 3

Altrincham welcomed a Steven Gerrard side whose National League form has never wavered this season and who went into the game on maximum points.

From the first whistle, Altrincham went to press the opposition back line, but it proved ineffective as Steven Gerrard broke out through their full-backs, setting the tone for the game.

The opposition were finding pockets in midfield and turning with the ball to drive at the Altrincham back line, but decisive tackles from Taylor and Weston kept them at bay.

However, after 15 minutes, the Steven Gerrard number eight managed to break the midfield line and run at the defence before beating his man and giving his side the lead.

It didn’t take Altrincham long to respond, as a punched pass from Watts found Weston on the half-turn, enabling him to run at the Steven Gerard back line before striking the ball just shy of the post.

Steven Gerrard then had a period of prolonged possession but created few chances due to good defending from the Alty back line, though they did hit the bar from a free-kick.

Looking to get back into the game, Alty started to press with more intensity, as Hill won possession and played a pass that allowed Martin to drive towards the box and fire a ball in to Lavin, who hit a shot that forced a good save from the keeper.

Just before half-time, Steven Gerrard had a final attack which resulted in an excellent stop by Noble.

Altrincham came out for the second half looking fired up and ready to correct the wrongs of the first half.

Unfortunately, they were caught off guard by a physical tackle in midfield which saw the Steven Gerrard striker played through on goal for a shooting opportunity he took well to double his side's lead.

The young Robins didn’t look beaten, though, and they responded in kind with more intense pressing and matching the physical battle.

It so nearly led to an Alty goal as, from a set-piece, Taylor intelligently played it short to Hill, whose shot from afar struck the bar.

Then, after 70 minutes, a third goal was conceded as the Altrincham back line was caught in possession and Steven Gerrard capitalised to make it 3-0.

The Robins still didn’t give up hope, and, towards the end, substitute Chandler went on a run and dribbled in to the box before playing an excellent ball to Lavin, who hit the bar.

All in all, Altrincham lost to a very well drilled and physical Steven Gerrard side but put up a valiant effort and were unfortunate not to get on the scoresheet.

Squad on the day:

Charlie Noble

Harry St Romaine

Charlie Hough

Jacob Hill

Joe Weston

Nathan Taylor

Jack Chandler

Harley Renshaw

Jacob Martin

Jimmy Taafe

Noah Lavin

Ryan Knowles

Will Knowles

Chris Antoniades

Callum McCormack

Henry Watts