This Page 15 April, 2002

Bolton & District N.W. Youth Alliance League Match played on Sunday, 14 April, 2002.

This game took place at the College of Further Education in Lancaster. Altrincham were still without centre-back Steve McGrath who has a back strain and also had to manage without Lee Shillito, who has injured his arm in an accident at work.

Altrincham got a great start when Walsh and Daniel combined to provide a tap-in goal for Lee Thompson after just two minutes. Altrincham then missed a couple of headed chances but Morecambe then began to impose their passing game on the proceedings. They equalised following a corner and although Jordan Broxson appeared to have kept the ball out, the linesman ruled that it had crossed the goal line (22 mins). The home side then firmly got the upper hand, despite a lot of effort from the Altrincham lads.

The Robins made a couple of substitutions mid-way through the second half, Paul Glynn replacing Lee Thompson and Steve Lunt coming on for Mario Daniel. Altrincham continued to hold Morecambe at bay until the closing stages. Then, shortly after Domain Esdale had come on for Mark Drew, the home side got behind the Alty defence on the Morecambe right and from the resulting cross, they took the lead (81 mins). As Altrincham pressed for a late equaliser, they conceded a third goal, a header, in the last minute. This defeat brought to an end Altrincham's run of eight straight wins but they are still handily placed in the league, with games in hand on the teams above them. Altrincham will be looking to reverse the result in Sunday's Premier Cup Final at Bamber Bridge.