v Altrincham

[Oakham Pilgrim]

It's all gone rather quiet here.....

Well - I'd barely recovered from Aldershot when I was subjected to another nerve-wracking game. It's probably the pessimist in me, but a 1-0 lead is never enough even when the opposition is not getting through much. Afterwards one realises that Cam had more or less nothing to do in the second half, and certainly nothing of importance. He was protected by an excellent back 3 (5). I know that Zak has led by example and has been outstanding, but Teale just carries on doing a great job. But one can say the same about them all as they are working so hard. Hazel had his best game (certainly first half) that I've seen. He seems motivated to chase everything and anything, and showed more skill as well - particularly with getting the ball to Maguire for his excellent finish. It may not always be pretty (it is sometimes, though), but beggars can't be choosers and it's getting the job done. I am counting no chickens, but we may be about to pull off one of the great turnarounds. Coughlan has certainly done something with essentially the same players who struggled so much earlier in the season.

And so to Wealdstone, which will doubtless be a very different game. But we have no reason to fear anyone as things stand. UTP!

[Chargot Chariot]

It was entertaining to watch the reaction from the Altrincham fans towards their own players after the game. When the players went over to applaud them there was a fair bit of shouting and gesticulating between the players and fans. So much so the stewards got between them and ushered the players away. In my opinion if the stewards had not intervened there may have been a physical dust up, as it was getting very heated. Not nice to see at any level of the game.

[Oakham Pilgrim]

I gathered all was not well from the Alty forum! It only goes to show the bond that has established between our team and fans over the past few weeks and months. I cannot remember a closer one in my all but 60 years of supporting. We recognize the way the team has been battling for survival even when things have not been going well, and the players have been quick to show their appreciation. Graham Coughlan has clearly been at the forefront of this. Let's hope it continues for the last four games!