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Weymouth 2 Altrincham 2

John Laidlar
2/ 5/2008

FOR the third successive season Altrincham found themselves in the relegation places at the final whistle of the last game of the season, when they drew with Weymouth.

But such is the financial turmoil in football that the prudently-run Cheshire club has survived in the Conference previously whilst those living beyond their means have been forcibly demoted around them.

All will not be resolved until after the Conference AGM in June, which ratifies which teams are in which league next season.

On the pitch, Alty needed Halifax to lose, which they did – but they also had to win their own game to be sure of staying up.

But despite an excellent performance against a Weymouth side which played more in the fashion of the legendary Chopper Harris than of his former England team-mate, John Hollins, who is the Dorset club’s manager, they could only achieve a draw.

Alty went behind in the sixth minute when great skill from Michael Malcolm led to a cut-back from the left which deflected off Greg Young leaving Gary Scott unable to avoid conceding an own goal on his first start for the club since last year.

The Robins deservedly got level in the 28th minute when Colin Little coolly finished goalkeeper Coburn’s long kicked clearance.

Befitting their record as the most indisciplined side in the league, the Terras had committed a number of fouls before Gary Scott slid in on right-back Critchell who responded with fisticuffs. Scott unfortunately raised his arms in response and both players were sent off.

Then, in added first-half time, referee Mullarkey’s decision not to give a freekick against the already booked Beavon for pushing over Shotton, led to Malcolm firing home a 25-yarder through a crowded goalmouth.

Alty dominated the second half and Senior made it 2-2 with 11 minutes left. But the Robins just couldn’t get the third goal that would have kept them up, given Halifax’s defeat.