Altrincham F.C. Youth Team: Match Report.

The following report is based on information kindly supplied by George Heslop.

As many of last year's Youth team squad are now over-age, manager George Heslop fielded very much a new-look side in this game. Paul Glynn and Michael Bailey were the only two of last season's regulars in the starting line-up, though Steve McGrath was on the bench and players such as Francis Evans and Paul Nelson had been involved with the side at the end of last season. Despite the unfamiliar line-up, Altrincham were the better side for much of the game but lost out after a couple of defensive lapses.

Warrington took the lead after only five minutes when the ball evaded Alty keeper Barry George and was tapped into the net by a Warrington player. Much of the rest of the game was then played in torrential rain but Altrincham started to pass the ball well. They deservedly equalised after about 25 minutes when Goel Ekolongen finished off a cross from captain Paul Glynn which was laid off by Francis Evans. Goel is a 6ft 2ins Frenchman, who is studying in England. The score remained level at the interval.

Alty made three changes at the interval. Steve McGrath made a welcome return to the side after briefly giving up the game last season. He came on for Micahel Bailey in central defence. James Brewer replaced Sean Eastwood and Anthony Potts came on for Paul Glynn. Before the team could settle in for the second half Warrington scored a second goal after about 50 minutes. Alty soon made more changes, goalkeeper Barry George giving way to Chris Rowley, son of Altrincham Director Grahame Rowley, on the hour mark and Matthew Tooth replacing Goel Ekolongen.

After 75 minutes Michael Bailey re-apperaed in place of Greg Burns and Paul Glynn came back on instead of Alex Frost at full-back. James Brewer was replaced ten minutes from the end by the returning Sean Eastwood. Despite the changes Alty were unable to find the equaliser. Nevertheless, the game provided a good opportunity for manager George Heslop to run his eye over his new squad and to prepare for the first competitive game, which is likely to be the FA Youth Cup match against Frickley on 23 August.

ALTRINCHAM TEAM: 1. Barry George, 2. Alex Frost, 3. Mark Griffiths, 4. Greg Burn, 5. Michael Bailey, 6. Paul Glynn (capt.), 7. Sean Eastwood, 8. John McEvoy, 9. Goel Ekolongen, 10. Francis Evans, 11. Paul Nelson. SUBS (used): Steve McGrath, James Brewer, Anthony Potts, Chris Rowley, Matthew Tooth