Boston United 1 Altrincham 3

Match report by Alty player Oscar Cooper

Picture by Steven W Davies Photography

The young Robins were back on the road to face an in-form Boston side who sat at the top of the National League before the game. Altrincham were in good spirits, ready to attack this difficult match-up with everything they had.

After a long journey, it was almost inevitable that Boston would dominate the early stages, but Alty remained calm and defended Boston's early chances.

It didn’t take long for the Robins to grow into the game, as they began to enjoy periods of possession, creating various chances to test the Boston keeper.

Alty’s midfield duo of Alfie Curwen and Remi Raymond did very well at supplying the front men with chances throughout the game.

As the game progressed, Alty began applying a lot of pressure on the opposition’s goal, with Boston's defence doing everything they could to stop the away side from going ahead.

Eventually, their resilience was broken, as the half-hour mark approached. Harrison Howells did tremendously well to draw a foul in the box, and he calmly slotted the penalty away into the middle of Boston's net, giving Altrincham the lead.

Shortly after the penalty was converted, Alty were forced to make a change. Jack Chandler was fouled, leaving him with a worrying injury, and Edson Cata went on to replace him.

Altrincham continued to keep possession of the ball well, making it difficult for Boston to get back in the game. The young Robins continued to win all their duels, and they headed into the half-time break 1-0 ahead.

As in the first half, it was Altrincham who dominated possession in the early stages of the second half. They remained calm and confident, and Boston started to get frustrated with their lack of chances.

Fresh legs were brought on around the 65-minute mark, as Boston’s chances were beginning to pile up. A well-worked move by Boston finally broke down the Altrincham defence, as their full-back whipped in a dangerous cross that was tapped home from close range.

Despite being pegged back, Alty demonstrated great resolve and character. They did not let their heads drop, and they began to push for the goal they needed to go back in front.

Altrincham’s determination was rewarded just before the 90 minutes were up.

Howells did brilliantly to nick the ball off the Boston centre-back, leaving him one-on-one with the goalkeeper. Showing great poise, Howells calmly chipped the ball over the keeper, putting Alty back in the lead.

From that point forward, the away side remained on top. The exquisite performance was rounded off when Ollie Dixon intercepted the ball off the keeper, who was trying to clear his lines. The substitute produced a moment of excellence, as he lifted the ball into the empty net from around 40 yards, doubling Altrincham’s lead.

It was a solid, all-round performance from the Robins, who thoroughly deserved the three important points they took home with them.

Squad on the day:

Louie Fallon, AJ, Oscar Cooper, Kaiden Powell, Edson Cata, Jacob Hill, Remi Raymond, Sam Chambers, Alfie Curwen, Tom White, Afernee Denise, Harrison Howells, Charley Jarrald, Jack Chandler, Ollie Dixon.