Tuesday 20th February 2007

Vics 1 v  1 Altrincham

Vics fans were desperate to witness an avenging of the Boxing Day debacle at Moss Lane and at the same time see their favourites distance themselves from the relegation dogfight. Yet a lapse in concentration allowed Altrincham to grab a very late point that they had barely earned.

For much of the game Altrincham relied on the work ethic to see them through and to their credit they have developed an admirable level of commitment. Yet in terms of quality they had little to offer.

Mayman found the net early in the game but his attempt was ruled out for off side. Connett then did well to turn an O'Neill free kick over his bar. Opportunities remained at a premium until Mayman failed to both capitalise on an original opening set up by Brayson and then failed to convert an inviting follow up opportunity. Altrincham might have grabbed an unlikely lead on the stroke of half time but a well-struck free kick from Bushell struck the woodwork.

Vics enjoyed an ever-growing share of possession after the break and following an effective double substitution they took a deserved 66th minute lead. DEAN got on the end of a free kick to power a header into the far corner of the net and register his second goal in as many games for his new club.

In truth Vics were defending comfortably from this point while Altrincham again appeared to lack the quality to change the outcome of the game. Yet, to be fair to Altrincham, what they clearly lack in quality they continue to strive to make up for in effort and their industry was again rewarded with a late goal that gained them an unlikely point.

Vics conceded a 90th minute corner that allowed SENIOR the time and space to score with an unchallenged near post header.
Not surprisingly Altrincham were ecstatic with their late point, while Vics were clearly devastated, but one can't help but speculate that, despite "The Robins" two relevant "derby" successes, Graham Heathcote's charges are going to have to be one of the teams that all rivals stay above in order to give yourselves any hope of avoiding relegation

Attendance: 1,290
Man of the Match: Kieran Charnock