Altrincham F.C. Youth Team
Altrincham's Youth side are managed by George Heslop and play in the Bolton and District Amateur Football Combination (North West Youth Alliance Under-18s' Premier Division).STOCKPORT COUNTY YOUTH 1 ALTRINCHAM YOUTH 3
Friendly Match, at Stockport County's Academy ground, Ridgeway Road, Timperley on Monday 19 February, 2001, kick-off at 2pm at Wythenshawe Town FC
The report below is based on information kindly provided by George Heslop.
The purpose of this match was to allow the Youth Team manager, George Heslop, to weigh up players for next year's Altrincham FC Youth team. Only a couple of the existing squad, who lead their league with an unbeaten record this season, will be young enough to play for the Youth side next season. So, George drafted in an array of younger players who might establish themselves in the team next season. Ten of the 15-man squad were therefore only aged 15 or 16. Goalkeeper Dale Newbrook and 16 year-old Mario Daniel were therefore very much in the minority as seasoned Youth team players in the side for this game. Stockport's side were first-year YTS players.
Despite not having played together before and considering their youth, Altrincham soon settled down into a cohesive unit. It took only seven minutes for Wesley Wilkinson and Mario Daniel to link well for the opening goal. However, County equalised before half-time as the game became evenly balanced.
HALF-TIME: STOCKPORT COUNTY YOUTH 1 ALTRINCHAM YOUTH 1
The second half saw both sides make a number of substitutions. Despite the changes, Altrincham's play continued to flow and Wilkinson put them ahead after 55 minutes. By this stage all four Alty subs were on the pitch, with the speedy Paul Coverley making a strong impression on the right wing and clinching the victory with a goal two minutes from the end of the game.
This was a most impressive result which bodes well for next season's Youth campaign. This season's youngsters have set very high standards which many of the new youngsters who played today will do well to emulate. But the signs are promising that next year will be another very good year for George's side. With the Club needing to economize, this can only be good news for Mark Ward, too, as he seeks to refashion his side.
FULL-TIME: STOCKPORT COUNTY YOUTH 1 ALTRINCHAM YOUTH 3