Words Mia Ferry | Pictures Maisy Green

Stockton Town 0 Altrincham 1

Altrincham FC Women made club history on Sunday afternoon, reaching the First Round Proper of the Adobe Women’s FA Cup for the first time following a hard-fought 1–0 victory away to Stockton Town.

A well-taken goal from Georgia McKnight early in the second half sealed a famous win for the Robins in what was the biggest game in the team’s history.

It was a day of firsts in more ways than one. The trip to Stockton, near Middlesbrough, represented the furthest distance Altrincham FC Women have ever travelled for a match, and the occasion marked the first time the players and staff had travelled to a fixture by coach, a fitting touch of professionalism for such a milestone occasion.

The tie, played at nearby Billingham Town’s ground due to Stockton’s artificial surface being used by Middlesbrough FC Women, saw the hosts benefit from a strong wind in the opening half.

Stockton made their territorial advantage count by pressing Altrincham back for long spells, but goalkeeper Olivia Kaleta was in outstanding form, producing two magnificent saves to deny certain goals. The home side also struck the crossbar, while Alty created chances of their own, with striker McKnight twice going close to giving the visitors the lead before the interval.

The breakthrough came just two minutes after the restart. Katie Locke charged down an attempted clearance near the halfway line before embarking on an intelligent overlapping run down the right flank. Millie Kullu collected the loose ball and played it perfectly into Locke’s path. Her delightful cross fell to McKnight, who controlled  neatly before firing home sweetly from 12 yards, a composed finish that ultimately proved decisive.

Altrincham’s back line, marshalled by the excellent Locke and Irey Bamigboye, stood firm as Stockton pushed forward in search of an equaliser. The Robins’ defensive organisation and determination were once again to the fore, as they managed the game expertly in challenging conditions.

There was concern midway through the second half when Olivia Kaleta was forced off after sustaining a cut to the head, which means that she will almost certainly miss Sunday’s game against her former club, Macclesfield.

With no recognised goalkeeper among the substitutes, Isabella Moss, who had only just entered the fray, donned the gloves and delivered an assured display. Protected by a disciplined defence, she helped ensure Altrincham’s clean sheet remained intact through to the final whistle.

In midfield, Milla Jacobson, Carmen Culbert, and Millie Kullu impressed with their control and composure, driving the team forward at every opportunity.

Altrincham Kaleta; O'Donoghue, Locke, Morrison, Saycell, McKnight, Lowe (c), Jacobson, Culbert, Kallu, Bamigboye. Subs: Moss, Whitehead, Jones, Gilmore,Frischman, Rutter, Hall.

Captain Nat Lowe was named RadioAlty Player of the Match, leading by example in the heart of midfield and using her experience to keep the side calm and cohesive throughout the game.

The win extends Altrincham’s unbeaten run to six matches in all competitions, including three victories in the FA Cup after earlier triumphs over Macclesfield and Atherton LR. The win means that the competition prize money now exceeds £10,000,

Altrincham FC Women are sponsored by Aaron & Partners Solicitors.

Offices in Chester, Shrewsbury, Altrincham and on The Wirral.

Altrincham FC Women player sponsorship for the 2025/26 is on sale right here for just £100.