Words Joe Brayne | Pictures Jonathan Moore

ALTY look to secure a home tie in the Vanarama National League play-offs this Saturday (12.15pm) as we face Oxford City at The J. Davidson Stadium in our final regular season league match of 2023/24.

The Robins (4th, 74pts) rose to fourth in the table after a 2-0 victory on the road against Ebbsfleet last Saturday, overtaking Solihull Moors who lost to play-off rivals Bromley. Goals from Alex Newby and Regan Linney secured three vital points as the Alty defence held firm under heavy pressure from the hosts.

Unfortunately for our visitors, the Hoops (24th, 33pts) find themselves playing for pride having already been relegated from the fifth tier of English football.

Play-Off Implications

The Robins guaranteed a play-off place last weekend. Following Halifax's 2-2 draw with Oldham on Thursday, the maths to work out who we'll play next midweek is now slightly clearer:

Alty win against Oxford City:

• Guaranteed 4th place finish (home play-off eliminator next Wednesday at 7pm)
• Will face FC Halifax Town, Aldershot Town or Southend United at the J.Davidson Stadium.

Alty draw/loss against Oxford City:

• 4th-6th place finish (dependent on Solihull Moors and Gateshead results).
• A 6th place finish would mean an away play-off eliminator on Tuesday at 7pm.

Hear from the Gaffer

Managerial evolution: “When I am frustrated that we can’t put on a show (for the fans), that has probably got to be our evolution as a management team. We never want to accept not dominating matches, but we are acclimatising to dominating games defensively.”

Oxford City’s threat: “Oxford drew with Oldham today which is no mean feat. We are going to face a really tough game as they have got nothing to lose and everything to gain in terms of personal pride.”

Parky’s message to the fans: “Let us remember what a great season it has been for these players. Let’s make sure it is a party atmosphere with everybody getting down to the ground and supporting the players.”

Last match against Oxford City

Oxford City 1-2 Altrincham (Jake Cooper 7’, Eddie Jones 80’)

September – Altrincham picked up a third successive Vanarama National League win, beating Oxford City in front of the TNT cameras to rise into playoff contention.

Jake Cooper showcased a poacher’s mentality as his volley pushed us ahead in the seventh minute before Eddy Jones restored our lead late in the match following an electric Robins’ counter-attack.

Kit

We will be wearing our traditional home strip on Saturday, courtesy of Puma – with thanks to kit sponsors J.Davidson Scrap Metal, McHale & Co. Solicitors and Car Finance 247. 

Tickets

Get them online right here or pay cash at the turnstiles on match day.

• £20 Adults
• £15 Concessions (Over 65 / NHS / Student)
• £9 Junior (12-18yrs)
• £4 Child (5-11yrs)
• £1 Infant (Under 5s)

Please note: Kick-off is at 12.15pm this Saturday and we anticipate another large crowd so please get yourselves down to the J.Davidson Stadium in plenty of time for kick-off.

At the Ground

• Gates open from 11am ahead of Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off.
• The game is NOT segregated - all supporters can use all turnstiles to enter.
• Be advised that for your safety all supporters will be searched with a metal detector on entry to the stadium.
• Encroachment onto the playing surface at any point is strictly prohibited.
• Our stadium pop-up shop will be open in the CSH from 11am until after the game with a selection of Alty merch on sale (card payments only).
• For wheelchair & pushchair access, please enter via gate 5 and you will be looked after.
• Parking is on the streets around the ground only.

Fan Zone

Open to all fans in between the Pop Side terrace and Golf Road terrace from 11am.

Join us for spot on beers from Ponoma Island, Titanic, Sureshot and Hogans, as well as the usual Red & White Sessions - FREE live music post-match (from about 2:30pm) with a performance from Danny Brab.

Food

A slightly different menu will be available in the CSH and Fan Zone pre-game due to the lunchtime kick-off time.

• All day - burger, hot dogs and chips
• 11am - Bacon or sausage barms £3.50 or bacon & sausage for £4
• Half-time - Pies (Steak, Balti, Meat & Potato), cheese & onion pasty, jumbo sausage rolls
• Post-match in the CSH - Chicken Makhani, Beef Madras, Sweet Potato & chickpea, vegan chilli, rice & chips, bhajis and samosas.

Player Awards in CSH

Following the match on Saturday our Player Awards for the 2023/24 season will be handed out in the Community Sports Hall at 3.30pm - free to attend for match ticket holders (subject to hall capacity - make your way into the hall early to avoid disappointment).

Robins Review

Issue 23 will be on sale around the J.Davidson Stadium ahead of the game for just £3 - you can also buy online here.

McDonald’s Baguley Golden Goal

Grab your tickets from just £1 from sellers around the ground to give yourself the chance to win a £30 McDonald’s voucher from our friends at McDonald’s Baguley.

Can’t make the game?

Radio Robins will be broadcasting live on Radio Alty from 12pm.

Listen live on RadioAlty: https://streams.radio.co/s4d51ef3bf/listen
Listen live on RadioAlty: https://www.radioalty.co.uk/listen.html