30 April 2026

ALTY OLD BOYS

In Victoria, Australia's Dockerty Cup, CONNOR HAMPSON started for Oakleigh Cannons at Sydenham Park, where they took control after a goalless first half to win 1-4 and progress to round 6. They will travel to St.Albans Dinamo, having already won the corresponding league fixture 1-3 in February.

Back in England, in the National League North, Macclesfield will travel to Kidderminster Harriers in the playoff semi final, after coming from behind to beat Chester 2-1 in the 98th minute at the Moss Rose. The Silkmen started ELLIOTT OSBORNE, and SAM HEATHCOTE, who lasted 84 minutes and was booked. JAMES GALE was an unused substitute. For Chester, DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY (right) started, and claimed the assist for their goal, before being withdrawn in the 63rd minute, while TOM PEERS came off the bench after 31 minutes and played to the end.

National South : Maidenhead United, with MILES WELCH-HAYES left on the bench, were knocked out 2-0 at Dorking Wanderers.

Southern Premier Central : A YUSIFU CEESAY goal was enough for Spalding United to defeat visitors Halesowen Town, and they now face a home game against Real Bedford to settle the remaining promotion spot. When the sides met at Spalding in December's league clash the game ended 3-3.

PLAY-OFF ELIMINATOR RESULTS

Wednesday 29th April

• Boreham Wood 1-0 Forest Green Rovers (after extra time)

Enterprise National League North Play-Off Eliminator :

Wednesday 29th April

• Macclesfield FC 2-1 Chester FC

Enterprise National League South Play-Off Eliminator :

Wednesday 29th April

• Dorking Wanderers 2-0 Maidenhead United

PLAY-OFF SEMI-FINALS

Sunday 3 May

• Carlisle United v Boreham Wood ko 12.30pm
• Rochdale v Scunthorpe United ko 3pm

The Promotion Final (Wembley Stadium) is on Sunday 10 May at 3pm

National League North Promotion Semi-Finals

Saturday 2 May

• Kidderminster Harriers v Macclesfield FC ko 12.30pm
• South Shields v Buxton ko 4pm

Kick-off times of North and South Promotion Finals will be confirmed in due course.

National League South Promotion Semi-Finals

Saturday 2 May

• Torquay United v Dorking Wanderers ko 12.30pm
• Hornchurch v Weston-super-Mare ko 4pm

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

'I’m disappointed and absolutely gutted for everyone connected with the football club,' said Maher. 'We showed great form to get in the play-offs again but we weren’t able to take it forward... Roberts, a lot of money and he’s a good player, he’s scored his goal and we didn’t take our chance.

'We played the game more suited to them and we couldn’t get a rhythm or flow to our game...

'We’ve got to learn to be more streetwise but we don’t play like that. We play to try and win all the time but it’s something we’ve got to learn and it’s part of the game'...

Maher was also angered by a number of decisions made by referee James Oldham... 'He’s come from the EFL to manage the game and I’m not sure if he’s done any homework on what it would be like but it was so stop start and fouls were given for things we couldn’t work out'".

Eastleigh have issued their retained list...

"The following players remain under contract with the club for next season:

• Aaron Blair, Jordan Cousins, Kieron Evans, Temi Eweka, JOSH LUNDSTRAM, Sam Pearson, Aaron Pierre, Barney Stone, Nick Townsend

The club have decided to activate the extension stipulated in the contract of Connor Underhill

The following players have been released from the club, following the expiry of their contracts:

• Richard Brindley, Inih Effiong, Lloyd Humphries, Niall Maher, Paul McCallum, Josh McNamara, Jake Vokins, Angel Waruih"

At Boston United "manager Paul Hurst has concluded his discussions with members of the club's first team squad. Eleven senior players remain under contract – with offers made to three others.

The highest-profile departure is club captain [and ex-Alty trialist] Zak Mills, who heads for pastures new sat in 34th position of the club's all-time appearance makers.

Mills, who has not played since November, has made 207 appearances for the Pilgrims, scoring 17 goals in the process...

Under contract: Tom Cursons, Kieren Donnelly, Ben Grist, Dylan Hill, Lenell John-Lewis, Michael Kelly, Alex Lankshear, Arjan Raikhy, Jacob Scott, CONNOR TEALE, Liam Waldock

Offered new terms: Louis Chadwick, Frankie Maguire, Jordan Richards

Talks continuing: Jordan Cropper, Jacob Hazel, Jordy Hiwula

Leaving the club: Luca Barrington, Matty Carson, Marcel Lavinier, Liam McCarron, Zak Mills, Manni Norkett, Greg Sloggett".

A statement has been issued by Rochdale.

It states "Saturday’s match against York City, notwithstanding the result, was an incredible occasion for the Club. The effort of our team on the pitch, the tireless work of our staff to make it a great experience, and the passion and pride from the vast majority of supporters in the stadium, was incredible.

We fully understand that the passion of Dale fans is one of the many reasons that make this Club special, and we are genuinely proud of the backing that we receive week in, week out.

We look forward to that same tremendous backing on Sunday, but we ask that our fans keep their support in the stands and not on the pitch.

Please do not enter the pitch at any time.

Pitch incursions put fans and players at risk, place pressure on our staff and stewards, and can result in serious consequences for the club, including fines and potential ground restrictions that would affect everyone. In addition, anyone who enters the field of play will run the risk of sanction, whether from the Club or from Greater Manchester Police".

29 April 2026

STATISTICAL REVIEW OF ALTRINCHAM'S SEASON: PART ONE

Its coverage includes comparative outcomes with previous seasons, home and away comparisons, goalscoring, goal aggregates, goal times, clean sheets, and result sequences thriugh the season.

Further Parts of the review will appear in the coming days.

"MARCH OF THE DAY"

CEO Sam Mackenzie and ‘March of The Day III’ Ambassador Neil Faulkner have very kindly offered to pay the £10 registration fee per walker for up to 12 walkers, who will join a team that includes Altrincham FC ‘Manager’s Player of The Year’ Matty Kosylo and former Alty players Gary Scott (left) and Ged Kielty (right), who are part of the Stage 1 Core Team walking from Liverpool to Stockport over three days between Monday 1st to Wednesday 3rd June.

The £10 registration fee per walker covers the cost of an event t-Shirt to be worn on the day and kept as a memento.

Joining the walk at different stages are a host of former high-profile footballers including: Steph Houghton, Ryan Giggs, Jill Scott, Paul Scholes, Sue Smith, Nicky Butt and David May.

Please email Brian Flynn by 8pm on Wednesday, April 29th if you would like to be part of our team walking for the Darby Rimmer MND Foundation as we remember former Alty players Mark Maddox & George Melling, as well as lifelong Alty fan, Jez Spruce, who all succumbed to Motor Neurone Disease".

ALTY OLD BOYS

National League: In the opening playoff quarter final at Scunthorpe United, a goal for the hosts after only 5 minutes was enough to beat Southend United.

DECLAN HOWE came off the Iron's bench only in the 90th minute, while it was 7 minutes into added time before ROSS BARROWS joined him. Scunthorpe travel to Rochdale in the semi final.

National North : CONNOR KIRBY (right) captained Buxton to a 4-2 win over visitors Scarborough Athletic. They will travel to South Shields for the semi final.

NPL Premier Division : In the playoff final, Warrington Rylands will travel to Hednesford Town, who were being held by visitors Stockton Town until they found themselves facing 10 men after 40 minutes.

3 minutes later MONTEL GIBSON opened the scoring, and they went on to win 2-0.

As for Rylands, they overcame the loss of their captain, DEAN FURMAN, to injury after 37 minutes when they were trailing, and came from behind for a second time, going on to win 2-3. RON SITHOLE wasn't in the home squad.

NPL Division 1 West : It took Stalybridge Celtic just 8 minutes to score the only goal of the game and see off Runcorn Linnets. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game for Celtic, but GREG WILKINSON was left on the bench. For Linnets, SEAN MILLER came off after 78 minutes, while RYAN BROOKE only came on 7 minutes later.

DAVID FITZPATRICK played the full match for Avro, who were within a whisker of a 1-0 win when visitors Lower Breck equalised in the 93rd minute to force extra time - and then went ahead within a minute of the restart.

Only two minutes of the extra period remained when Avro equalised to make it 2-2 and take the tie to penalties. Avro won the shootout 4-3, and so will entertain Stalybridge in the final.

NATIONAL LEAGUE ELIMINATOR FIXTURES

Tuesday 28th April

• Scunthorpe United 1-0 Southend United

Wednesday 29th April

• Boreham Wood v Forest Green Rovers

Enterprise National League North Play-Off Eliminator ties:

Tuesday 28th April

• Buxton 4-2 Scarborough Athletic

Wednesday 29th April

• Macclesfield FC v Chester FC

Enterprise National League South Play-Off Eliminator ties:

Tuesday 28th April

• Hemel Hempstead Town 1-1 Weston-super-Mare (1-1 at FT and AET, Weston won 6-5 on pens)

Wednesday 29th April

• Dorking Wanderers v Maidenhead United

NW NEWS

• FC United of Manchester 2-4 Warrington Rylands
• Hednesford Town 2-0 Stockton Town

The final on 4 May features Hednesford Town at home to Warrington Rylands.

TWO DOZEN DEPARTURES

Changes between the end of the 2024/25 season and the start of the 2025/26 season:

1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox.

Departures since start of the 2025/26 season:

The TWENTY departures (so far) since the start of this season are listed below; all were sackings unless otherwise stated...

1. MORECAMBE: Derek Adams, sacked on 18 August 2025, replaced by Ashvir Singh Johal
2. YORK CITY: Adam Hinshelwood, replaced by Stuart Maynard
3. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper, replaced by Danny Webb
4. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor, replaced by Chris Millington
5. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison, replaced by Chris Agutter
6. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis, replaced by Scott Bartlett
7. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation), replaced by Billy Rowley
8. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Simon Grayson, replaced by Nicky Featherstone
9. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Tommy Widdrington (resignation), replaced by John Coleman
10. ALTRINCHAM: Phil Parkinson, replaced by Neil Gibson
11. GATESHEAD: Alun Armstrong moved to a new role, replaced by Rob Elliot
12. BOSTON UNITED: "Parted company" with Graham Coughlan, replaced by Paul Hurst
13. BRACKLEY TOWN: "Resignation" of Gavin Cowan, appointed at Shrewsbury Town, replaced by Andy Whing
14. MORECAMBE: "Mutually agreed to part ways" with Ashvir Singh Johal, replaced by Jim Bentley
15. EASTLEIGH: Scott Bartlett, "relieved of his duties", replaced as "interim manager" by Richard Hill
16. WEALDSTONE: Sam Cox, "removed from his position as manager", replaced by Gary Waddock
17. WOKING: Neal Ardley, "relieved of duties" replaced by interim trio of Craig Ross, Jake Hyde and Dale Gorman before Jermain Defoe appointed
18. MORECAMBE: Club announced on 14 April 2026 that Jim Bentley was stepping down as manager and that the search for a new manager had begun
19. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Club announced on 14 April 2026 that Nicky Featherstone would not be continuing as manager after the end of 25/26 season
20. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Club announced on 20 April 2026 that John Coleman would not be continuing as manager after the end of 25/26 season; Scott Davies announced as new manager on 27 April

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

• Under Contract - Jamey Osborne, Conor Wilkinson, Jacob Wakeling, Oscar Rutherford, Cameron Green, Callum McFarlane, Ben Worman, Scott High, Kian Ryley, Tyler French, Charlie Watts & Finn Howell. Out of Contract - Bradley Stevenson, Emmanuel Sonupe, Alex Whitmore, Olly Tipton, Kyle Moseley & Aaron Flahavan.
• Loans Returned - Tobi Sho-Silva, Will O’Sullivan, Joe Sbarra, Dan Cox, Isaac Moore, Darius Lipsiuc, LEWIS BAINES.
Offered New Contract - Laurie Walker. 

Chris Millington, First Team Manager, said... 'The lads out of contract this season have all contributed and have been a pleasure to work with. Special mention for the service of Alex Whitmore, and his outstanding achievement of playing every minute of every game. Laurie Walker has started every game this season and been an excellent servant; discussions continue to see if we can retain his services going forward.

We’ve been fortunate to see some great loanees at Damson Park this season; they have all committed to the cause and will be welcomed back at any time'">

In advance of their play-off eliminator clash tonight, Boreham Wodd chairman Danny Hunter's programme notes included the following...

"The stage is set this evening for two very good teams to battle it out with the victors travelling up to Cumbria to meet Carlisle United on Sunday to try and secure a place in the play-off final at Wembley Stadium...

I feel as a club and community that we can look back over the last 12-months with enormous pride. A year ago we were still a regional club but won promotion back at the first attempt to the National League last May...

We also won the National League Cup beating West Ham United under 21s in the process, and got to a record total of 90 points and record goal tally at this level. On top of that we went and broke our record transfer fee to sign Zak Brunt and finished 4th in this very competitive league.

On Saturday we finished with a league crowd of 1,471 and an average of over 1,200 for the season, not huge for some clubs but still an increase of over 40% on our previous season's league attendance average. To some they cry 'tin pot' but for me we are still moving forward and in truth we have made small steps progress for the last two decades...

We are the only club in these play-offs who have not ever experienced being a football league club but our desire to rectify that burns deep and as an underdog club we plan on changing that...

I ensure we carry no historic debt and we have genuinely learned to have no inferiority complex over the years when facing the bigger clubs...

We are very happy in our own skin, we know exactly who we are and what we need to do. We know our values, work ethic, talent, experience and ability within our squad, and I know the work ethic of me, my family, my loyal staff, our manager and our dressing room...

Trust me if FGR succeed tonight, no matter the circumstances, I will offer my hand, wipe my mouth and no matter the personal pain, wish them well at Carlisle on Sunday".

28 April 2026

ALTY'S FAMILY FUN DAY

Ahead of pitch renovations which begin the following week we're opening up our home on Moss Lane for an FREE Saturday afternoon packed full of fun and entertainment, with gates open from midday.

Events on the pitch" include a match between Altrincham FC Supporters v Altrincham FC Staff/Volunteers at 12.30pm, followed by a "Kids' Penalty Competition/Beat the Keeper or Rocky " and then a match between Altrincham FC Boys Coaches v Altrincham FC Girls Coaches at 3.30pm

Meanwhile in the Fan Zone there will be food, drink and live music (2-6pm) as well as a Bouncy Castle/Face Painting/Children's Disco, followd by post-match awards in the Community Sports Hall Bar at 6pm.

In addition, the Club Shop will be open".

TWO DEFENDERS RETURN

And right-back Lewis Banks had missed the previous 31 league games with injury before making an appearance as an 83rd minute substitute against Gateshead on Saturday.

Above, left Billy Sass-Davies and right, Lewis Banks, pictured on Saturday.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

talkSPORT understands Dawn Group CEO Abdullah Ashraf watched Saturday's 5-1 win over Braintree Town, which ensured an 11th place finish for the Midlands-based side.

Ashraf is expected to have a hands on role at Tamworth once the transaction is complete. Dawn Group hold a minority eight per cent stake in Truro City, who finished bottom of the National League this season.

The acquisition of Tamworth is not thought to be a problem with regards to multi-club ownership as the minority stake is not a controlling one...

The group is understood to have experience working in professional US soccer and will come into the club as a controlling owner, buying out Bob Andrews...

If all goes to plan, the takeover could be official in just a matter of days, and barring any complications certainly by early May...

The club... is only currently a part-time outfit and do not own the 4,000-capacity Lamb Ground... Last season's finish in the National League [was] the highest they've ever managed in the English football pyramid".

Meanwhile, Tamworth "confirm the winners of the 2025/26 end-of-season awards.

• Players’ Player of the Season: Luke Fairlamb...
• Supporters’ Player of the Season: KENNEDY DIGIE [the ex-Altrincham defender]
• Directors’ Player of the Season: Luke Fairlamb
• Manager’s Player of the Season: Stefan Mols
• Top Goalscorer: Oliver Lynch

Elsewhere, The Deck reports that "FC Halifax Town failed to make it three play-off campaigns in a row in the National League this season under new manager Adam Lakeland.

The Shaymen finished 8th in the fifth-tier, missing out on the top seven by eleven points following a poor run of form which saw them end with just two wins during their final seven matches...

Lakeland and his staff now face a tough period of conversations and decisions when it comes to the future of some of his Halifax players and for two individuals – it appears as though their fate is set to be confirmed.

Midfielder Florent Hoti had contributed to nine goals in each of his last two seasons for the club, but missed the majority of the current season through injury – scoring just one goal in seven league outings.

Meanwhile, defender Adam Adetoro has featured 29 times across the league, whilst contributing to two goals – though since February he’s only played twice, casting an element of potential doubt about his future.

[Speaking] to the Halifax Courier, Lakeland stated 'Flo (Hoti) has had a difficult season on a personal note, and I think he has found it hard to see others playing ahead of him and doing so well, which has seen his opportunities There’s no doubt his ability, but I think it’s best for all parties that he moves on and we wish him well.

'We have an option on Adam’s (Adetoro) contract which we will be exercising, but I want to see a different, more consistent and mature Adam when we return in pre-season...

Playmaker Josh Hmami handed in a transfer request in the January transfer window, casting doubt over his future beyond the current campaign. The 26-year-old ended the campaign with 17-goal contributions in the league and is likely to be of EFL interest in the coming weeks.

Elsewhere, veteran goalkeeper Sam Johnson could find himself under competition next season, with the club already being linked with a possible move for Sunderland U21s' goalkeeper Adam Richardson.

According to last season’s retained list, the likes of Jamie Cooke, Jack Jenkins and Angelo Cappello all had their one-year options triggered, which suggests that they are also out of contract this summer.

With Ash Palmer’s loan spell from York City now also over, a decision there will also need to be made over the summer".

Having knocked Altrincham out of the FA Cup but only guided his team to sixteenth in National South this season, Aldershot Town "announce the appointment of Scott Davies as first-team manager ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Joining from Slough Town following the conclusion of the National League South campaign, the 38-year-old requires little introduction in North East Hampshire, having enjoyed an extremely memorable set of spells at Aldershot Town as a player.

Taking on a solely managerial role, the appointment also marks the end of a fabulous 20-year playing career, including 135 appearances in the EFL.

Scott made over 90 appearances for the Shots across three non-consecutive loan spells... Davies went on to score 14 times in 48 League Two appearances for the club, a tally bested only by Kirk Hudson, Marvin Morgan and Danny Hylton across our time in the Football League.

Left: Former Altrincham defender Matt Penney has been released by Aldershot Town.

Life after Aldershot saw Davies play for a series of clubs in the South East of England, before finally settling on the long-term home of Slough Town in 2019, eventually being appointed player-manager in 2022".

And Aldershot Town have been quick off the mark as they "confirm the following players will be released following the end of their contracts.

The club would like to place on record that every single player has played a part in a number of years here at the club, and we want to thank every single one of them for their services here.

Players released at the end of their contracts: Pat Nash, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Dejan Tetek, Hady Ghandour, Kwame Thomas, Luke Jenkins, Olly Scott, [ex-Alty man] MATT PENNEY, Theo Widdrington, Tyler Frost, Josh Brooking and Marcus Dewhurst.

All remaining players are either under contract for the 2026/27 season or in talks to continue at Aldershot Town for the 2026/27 season".

27 April 2026

ALTRINCHAM 3-1 GATESHEAD

Above, with no team-mates in sight, Liam Humbles scores Alty's third goal on Saturday in the seventh added minute after running from his own half and avoiding a lunging challenge from retreating keeper Connor who had gone up to the other end for a corner.

PLEASE SUPPORT THE DARBY RIMMER FOUNDATION!

As the charity's website explains, "Stephen and Chris both have Motor Neurone Disease and have created a Foundation to create awareness of MND, to fund and assist research into the illness with the quest of finding a cure for the illness, to raise funds and offer grants to those with MND, as well as creating a network to help provide information and emotional support network for those diagnosed with the disease".

Former Altrincham FC Director Neil Faulkner advises us of "two massive events are coming up for Darby Rimmer and we are looking for as much publicity and promotion to sign up people on a fundraising walk. Altrincham FC was an integral part of the Grassroots tour last year and we need to be so again in these 2026 events.

"Ryan Giggs is a "guest walker" and he is joining fellow former Manchester United players Paul Scholes, Nicky Butt and David May in the event. Danny Pugh, Stuart Barlow, Nathan Clarke, Chris Kirkland and Stef Houghton along with many former football and rugby League players are also taking part.

"We have two ex Alty players Gary Scott and Ged Kielty in the Core Team for stage 1 of what is termed March of Day III. It takes place from the 1st-6th June. Any support on any part of the walk would be appreciated. We are looking to put a team together as we did for the Grassroots Tour.

"The link for the details is here".

Also, Ged Kielty is running a Coast to Coast Challenge for Darby Rimmer, which comprises a run of 215 miles in 5 days, coast to coast, Hornsea to Southport, starting on 29th April. Ged writes that "Our aim is to raise public awareness, encouraging people to be a part of the event and join the walk and to raise funds".

"Details of how to donate are here".

ALTY OLD BOYS

USL Cup : Corpus Christi, without a league win so far this season, opened their cup campaign at Chattanooga Red Wolves with victory by the only goal of the game. They struck after only 7 minutes, and then hung on, facing 19 goal attempts to their 6. However both sides actually produced only two on target. SAM ROSCOE played the full match.

This competition is played in a group format, and Corpus Christi are in Group 3 of 7. They top the group by virtue of winning their match in normal time, earning 3 points. There are no draws, and the other two teams to have won so far did so via a shootout and earned 2 points, the losers in those games earning 1 point.

Right: Maxi Oyedele

Thus Chattanooga are the only losers in the group so far and have no points. Each team will play 10 matches between now and mid July, the 7 group winners and the highest rated runner-up then going into a knockout phase.

Premier League 2 : In the first round of the playoffs, Manchester United U21 were never behind and beat their Sunderland counterparts 3-2 at Leigh Sports Village. Captain SONNY ALJOFREE picked up a booking.

French Ligue 1 : Although MAXI OYEDELE (above, right) picked up a booking, he will be happy enough to have got another full game under his belt for Strasbourg, who were 2-0 down early in the second half but fought back to win 3-2 at Lorient, scoring the winner in the 10th added minute.

MATCH OF THE DAMES

Above: Before kick off last Saturday, Altrincham FC photographer Jonathan Moore (far right) lined up a party of ladies who came to watch the match against Gateshead under the Match of the Dames initiative, set up by Anne Morris. The participants all sported their Match of the Dames pink scarves.

The Match of the Dames initiative aims to bring women who have not previously attended a football match to the J. Davidson Stadium and to selected away stadia on matchdays to experience a live game and, hopefully, to become regular supporters.

ITALIAN STAGS AT MOSS LANE

Less expected amongst the spectators was a group of Italian visitors, presumably on a stag "do", who were wearing white t-shirts on the back of which appeared the phrase "e ingessata da qui a qui: una cintura di castita" which apparently translates as "plastered from here to here: a chastity belt"!

Hopefully all concerned enjoyed the game!

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE UPS AND DOWNS

• Promoted to EFL2 as Champions: York City
• Play-off qualifiers: Rochdale, Carlisle United, Boreham Wood, Scunthorpe United, Southend United and Forest Green Rovers. Only Southend and Rochdale of this group were National League clubs last season, as Carlisle and FGR were in EFL2, whilst Boreham Wood and Scunthorpe United were in Step 2.
• Relegated: Truro City, Morecambe, Braintree Town, Brackley Town. Braintree were the only club of the four who had been in the division in 2024/25.

National League North:

• Champions: AFC Fylde
• Play-off qualifiers: South Shields, Kidderminster Harriers, Macclesfield FC, Buxton, Scarborough Athletic and Chester FC
• Relegated: Leamington, Peterborough Sports, Alfreton Town and Curzon Ashton

National League South:

• Champions: Worthing,
• Play-off qualifiers: Hornchurch, Torquay United, Dorking Wanderers, Hemel Hempstead Town, Weston-s-Mare and Maidenhead United
• Relegated: Eastbourne Borough, Enfield, Chippenham Town and Bath City.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE ELIMINATORS

Tuesday 28th April

• Scunthorpe United v Southend United

Wednesday 29th April

• Boreham Wood v Forest Green Rovers

Enterprise National League North Play-Off Eliminator ties:

Tuesday 28th April

• Buxton v Scarborough Athletic

Wednesday 29th April

• Macclesfield FC v Chester FC

Enterprise National League South Play-Off Eliminator ties:

Tuesday 28th April

• Hemel Hempstead Town v Weston-super-Mare

Wednesday 29th April

• Dorking Wanderers v Maidenhead United

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS NEWS

Those who saw the game will recall that Pruti deliberately elbowed Lucas Weaver in the face, well off the ball. The referee and officials failed to see the incident and booked Weaver for his dissent. Whether Weaver's booking still stands is as yet unclear.

26 April 2026

ALTRINCHAM 3-1 GATESHEAD

Manager Neil Gibson, watching from the directors' box because he was banned from occupying the technical area, saw his side take an early lead when visiting debutant keeper Connor spilt a low cross from Kosylo, allowing Weaver to slot the loose ball into the unguarded net (6 mins).

Right: As a Gateshead Santa Claus looks on in the April sunshine, Liam Humbles is congratulated on his solo goal by Dan Sassi and Tom Crawford.

And it was Weaver, playing here as a striker rather than winger, who also doubled the lead after Kirk, on the left, had got the ball to him. Weaver drove a twenty-yarder into the net off the inside of the keeper's right upright (20 mins).

Alty looked relatively comfortable with their lead until the final minute of added first-half time when Amantchi got to the left bye-line from where his low cross was easily converted by Moore to make it 2-1 at the interval.

The second half was less entertaining and punctuated by five substitution breaks in play, involving ten changes of personnel.

Altrincham held their lead into a declared five added minutes before Connor went upfield for a corner in the sixth added minute. The corner was cleared by Cooper to Humbles who, from his own half, advanced up the middle towards the unguarded goal.

As Connor raced to get back to his goal, his challenge, a little way inside his own half, failed to stop Humbles as he raced up the middle of the pitch and the on-loan midielder, who had previously played for Gateshead on loan, slotted the ball into the empty net to make it 3-1 (90+7 mins).

Match report here.

NEIL: "A MASSIVE THREE WEEKS"

Neil started off by saying that he was "really proud of the players" after the game as there was "nothing really to play for". In the match, they had to adapt as "Gateshead changed shape four times", Neil pointed out.

The second goal in the match was assisted by Charlie Kirk. Indeed, "Kirky has been sensational in training" said the manager who also praised Kahrel Reddin whose two red cards and injury had affected his season. "There's a really good footballer in there", he judged.

He praised the squad he inherited for "wanting to get better" since his arrival.

Looking forward, he pointed to "a massive three weeks now", alluding to player retentions and signings for next season.

In conclusion the manager said that "If we all pull together, there could be really exciting times ahead".

END OF SEASON AWARDS

L. to R. Tylor Golden, Olly Crankshaw, Luke Hutchinson, Matty Kosylo

Supporters' Player of Season:

• (1) Tylor Golden
• (2) Olly Crankshaw
• (3) Luke Hutchinson

Goal of the Season:

• (1) Olly Crankshaw v FC Halifax Town
• (2) Tylor Golden v Gateshead
• (3) Tylor Golden v Woking

Young Player of the Season:

• Luke Hutchinson

Manager's Player of the Season:

• Matty Kosylo

Players' Player of the Season:

• Luke Hutchinson

ALTY OLD BOYS

National League : The last ditch championship race looked to have swung Rochdale's way when they finally got their noses in front of visitors York City in the 95th minute, but the Minstermen equalised after 103 minutes to clinch the title - and more importantly promotion back to the EFL. York withdrew JEFF KING after 69 minutes, while ALEX NEWBY was left on the bench. Rochdale take the first of the seeded promotion spots.

Although they were without REGAN LINNEY, Carlisle United had little difficulty clinching the other one, seeing off relegated visitors Brackley Town 3-0. CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was a 74th minute substitute for the Cumbrian club.

In the initial round of playoff games, Boreham Wood entertain Forest Green Rovers, while Southend United travel to Scunthorpe United. Wood beat Sutton United, for whom DANNY CASHMAN played the first half, 1-0 at home. The Iron went out with a whimper, losing at home by the only goal to Eastleigh, for whom JOSH LUNDSTRAM (left) played the whole game. ROSS BARROWS also turned in a full shift for Scunthorpe, but DECLAN HOWE was withdrawn after 63 minutes.

Aldershot withdrew MATT PENNEY after 68 minutes at home to Truro City. By that time the relegated Cornish club had scored both goals in the game.

Hartlepool United were without TYRESE SINCLAIR at Boston United, where, having just been booked, CONNOR TEALE equalised for the hosts, who went on to win 3-1.

JACK HINCHY played the full game for Wealdstone at Southend United, where they lost 2-1.

CALEB ANSEN had an unhappy afternoon for Braintree Town at Tamworth, where they lost 5-1 - to make matters worse, the 4th goal was credited as own goal by our former loanee. KENNEDY DIGIE (right) played the full game for Tamworth.

Another keeper to put through his own goal was Woking's Will Jaaskelainen. His 91st minute gaffe produced the only goal by which visitors Halifax won - they left BILLY WATERS on the bench.

There were 5 goals in the first 36 minutes at Yeovil Town, 4 of them by Solihull Moors, but no more were added after that. The hosts were missing KYLE FERGUSON, while LEWIS BAINES was absent for the visitors. Regular readers will know exactly where MATT GOULD was.

National North: LEWIS SALMON struck twice for Alfreton Town as they raced into a 3-0 home lead against Curzon Ashton. However, not only did JOSH OLLERENSHAW not concede again - his team fought back, eventually equalising in the 99th minute. Unfortunately both sides needed to win to stay up, and will thus go down with Peterborough Sports and Leamington.

CRAIG MAHON's AFC Fylde were behind twice at Merthyr Town, but fought back to win 2-4 and clinch the title and promotion to the National League. Both CHRIS MERRIE (left) and GEORGE WILSON started, although George was substituted after 85 minutes. South Shields' defeat by the only goal at Kidderminster Harriers was ultimately of no real importance. These two clubs secured the seeded playoff places.

In the first phase of those playoffs, Macclesfield will entertain Chester, while Scarborough Athletic travel to Buxton. The Derbyshire team were set on their way to a 4-1 home win by a goal from skipper CONNOR KIRBY.

Chester finished with a goalless draw at home to King's Lynn Town. DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY played the full game, while TOM PEERS was a 77th minute substitute.

Macclesfield were beaten by a Rio Clegg goal at Radcliffe, who were captained by JORDAN HULME - though he was replaced after 61 minutes by JUDE OYIBO. The Silkmen rang the changes, with DANNY WHITEHEAD and MIKEY STONE starting. Danny lasted 64 minutes, and 5 minutes later JAMES GALE (right) came off the bench. After 79 minutes ELLIOTT OSBORNE also joined the action, but SAM HEATHCOTE was left on the bench, while neither KACPER PASIEK nor REGAN GRIFFITHS were in the squad.

League One : CARL PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage to a 1-1 draw at Doncaster Rovers. The point enabled them to cling on to the last playoff spot, but they will need to beat Wigan Athletic at home next week to secure their place. One of the sides who could benefit should they lose are Plymouth Argyle, who survived having their goalkeeper sent off after only 5 minutes to register a 2-1 home win over relegated Port Vale. OWEN DALE claimed the assist for their clincher, but was later booked.

Another Old Boy to see a yellow card was Wycombe Wanderers midfielder JUNIOR QUITIRNA, who had come on at the start of the second half. Champions Lincoln City were never behind and beat their visitors 4-3.

Rotherham United were undoubtedly hindered in their fruitless attempts to avoid relegation by an injury list of 14 players, which now includes DUNCAN WATMORE. They were held 1-1 by visitors Reading.

Although ALI SMITH was booked, AFC Wimbledon won by the only goal at Wigan Athletic.

League Two : With ELLIOT NEWBY left on the bench, Barrow went down 3-0 at Cambridge United, and face an astronomical task to avoid visiting the J.Davidson Stadium next season. They are 3 points behind both Harrogate Town and Crawley Town and have a goal difference of -32, against Crawley's -24. Their last game against Newport County at home looks winnable, and Crawley have a tough assignment at home to Salford City, while Harrogate entertain Barnet, but the goal difference puts a lot of pressure on them.

Neither Tranmere Rovers nor Newport County are safe yet. The Welsh side have to win at Barrow to save themselves, and today came from behind to beat visitors Oldham Athletic 3-2. Latics, who had been reduced to 10 men when 1-2 up after 38 minutes, brought REAGAN OGLE (left) off the bench after 64 minutes. Alas, all he had to show for his first appearance since New Year's Day was a late yellow card.

JUSTIN AMALUZOR played the first 78 minutes of Grimsby Town's 4-0 home thrashing of Swindon Town. The Railwaymen's manager Ian Holloway is not kindly remembered at Blundell Park, and Mariners fans will have taken a certain vicarious pleasure from knocking his side out of the playoff places.

JOEL SENIOR played throughout Bristol Rovers' 4-0 home win over Cheltenham Town, who withdrew JAKE BICKERSTAFF after 79 minutes.

JAMES BERRY came on after 82 minutes for Chesterfield, who beat visitors Crewe Alexandra 2-0.

HARRISON HOLGATE put in a full shift in Fleetwood Town's 2-2 draw at Shrewsbury Town, although TOBY MULLARKEY remains inactive. The hosts withdrew KEVIN BERKOE after 67 minutes.

Scottish Premiership : JOE HUGILL played the full match for Kilmarnock, but a single goal undid them at Aberdeen .

Scottish Championship : KIAN TAYLOR was yet again an unused substitute as Morton crashed 4-0 at Ross County. Since returning from injury, he has been on the bench in 12 consecutive matches, and has got on the field only once for just 6 minutes.

NPL Premier: Despite MONTEL GIBSON giving them an early lead, Hednesford Town had to come from 1-3 down to force a draw with Ashton United, for whom JAMES HARDY played the full game. Their failure to win handed the championship and automatic promotion to Hebburn Town.

GEZ SITHOLE wasn't in FC United's squad as they lost 3-2 at Ilkeston Town, but they will feature in the playoffs, entertaining Warrington Rylands, while Hednesford have visitors from the north east in Stockton Town. Only 3 sides will be relegated, as Widnes folded on the eve of the season. The unlucky clubs are Stocksbridge Park Steels, Prescot Cables, and Morpeth Town.

Hyde United skipper JACK REDSHAW opened the scoring, but was booked before his 68th minute substitution as they beat visitors Gainsborough Trinity 3-1. He was replaced by MAX HARROP (right), while WILL HALL and DONTAI GABIDON played the full game.

Despite being relegated, Prescot Cables finished with a 2-0 home win over Bamber Bridge. SHARIF DEANS opened the scoring, but was substituted after 82 minutes.

The honour of being the last visitors to Workington's Borough Park ground before it is demolished fell to Leek Town, for whom HAYDEN CAMPBELL scored the only goal of the game, before giving way to ADAM PORTER after 62 minutes.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : Mickleover captain ANDY DALES scored their equaliser as they came from 2-0 down at Bedworth United to earn a draw.

TOLANI OMOTOLA played throughout, but Boldmere St Michaels lost 1-2 at home to Loughborough Students.

Southern League Central : YUSIFU CEESAY wasn't on the score sheet as Spalding United drew 4-4 at Worcester City, and neither was ZAK GOODSON as Quorn went down 5-0 at Redditch United. As widely anticipated, Harborough won promotion to National North. In the playoffs Spalding entertain Halesowen Town, while Kettering Town travel to Real Bedford.

NPL Division 1 West : Bury duly won the championship and promotion with a 0-3 win at Atherton Collieries. The home side, captained by SAM SHERIDAN, were facing an uphill task when, already a goal down, they went down to 10 men after 28 minutes.

Avro had to settle for second spot despite humiliating relegated visitors Darlaston Town 13-0. Harry Salt scored 7 of them. DAVID FITZPATRICK played the full game for the Oldham club, who will entertain Lower Breck in the playoffs, while Stalybridge Celtic will have a visit from Runcorn Linnets.

KYLE BROWNHILL put in a full shift for Celtic as they beat visitors Chasetown by the only goal, with GREG WILKINSON (left) a 64th minute substitute.

RYAN BROOKE played the second half for Linnets as they won by the odd goal in three at Newcastle Town.

At the other end of the table, Sporting Khalsa were consigned to the last relegation spot by a 2-1 defeat at Witton Albion. JAMES LAWRIE picked up a yellow card as he and DAMOLA SOTONA played the full game, while JOEL BEMBO-LETA was a 64th minute substitute.

There was a clean sheet for TONY THOMPSON, assisted for 93 minutes by TOM HANNIGAN, as Bootle won 2-0 at home against Mossley, for whom MASON FAWNS and skipper MARK LEES both played throughout. Another former Robins keeper with a clean sheet was DAVE PARTON, as Congleton Town beat relegated visitors Trafford 4-0 despite playing almost all of the second half with 10 men.

SEAN HIGGINS was the only Trafford substitute not to get onto the field.

ELLIOTT DURRELL was an 80th minute substitute for Shifnal Town, who were beaten 1-3 at home by Lower Breck.

The apparently indestructible KEVIN ELLISON opened the scoring for Vauxhall Motors before being substituted after 77 minutes as they beat Stafford Rangers 2-0 at home.

ASTLEY MULHOLLAND played the whole of Wythenshawe Town's last game at this level for the time being as they were beaten 0-2 by visitors Nantwich Town, for whom BYRON HARRISON, JOE PIGGOTT, and AIDY ROXBURGH all played the full game.

NWCL Premier Division Playoff : DAVID JONES's Atherton Laburnum Rovers were beaten 0-2 at home by Padiham, who will meet Chadderton in the final.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

And when he headed home against York five minutes into added time, the race looked to be won.

Home fans flooded the pitch, running around in utter jubilation. This was their day. Until it wasn't.

Six minutes had been added on initially, but the game was delayed for some time while the pitch was cleared...

York threw men forward and Josh Stones, who had missed a glut of chances, slammed the ball home in a goalmouth scramble to snatch a 1-1 draw - and promotion - in the 13th minute of added time...

Rochdale's players sank to the floor. Their race was run".

Cumbria's News & Star reports that "Regan Linney has been voted Carlisle United's player of the season by News and Star readers.

The Blues' leading scorer topped our poll with 37% of the vote".

25 April 2026

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

All matches k.o. at 12.30pm

• Aldershot Town 0-2 Truro City
• Altrincham 3-1 Gateshead
• Boreham Wood 1-0 Sutton United
• Boston United 3-1 Hartlepool United
• Carlisle United 3-0Brackley Town
• Forest Green Rovers 5-0 Morecambe
• Rochdale 1-1 York City
• Scunthorpe United 0-1 Eastleigh
• Southend United 2-1 Wealdstone
• Tamworth 5-1 Braintree Town
• Woking 0-1 FC Halifax Town
• Yeovil Town 1-4 Solihull Moors

FINAL FIXTURE: GATESHEAD

It remains to be seen if any of the seven players who missed the last fixture through injury (Ross, Banks, Sass-Davies, Olson, Reed, Forde and Grant) are available but winger Kahrel Reddin should have completed his four-match ban.

Following wins over Eastleigh and Sutton United, Altrincham will be seeking to end the season with three successive victories, a feat only achieved by them once prviously this season, in Neil Gibson's second to fourth fixtures in charge back in November.

BEFORE THE GAME: LUCAS WEAVER

Speaking to Tom Jolley, Lucas agreed that his form had improved in the latter part of the season and the wingman believes that, currently, he is playing the best football of his Alty career so far.

BRIAN NEWHALL R.I.P.

As well as being a regular supporter at Moss Lane over more than 60 years, Brian was also, until recent times, a regular attender of away games and a frequent passenger on the Altrincham FC supporters' coach.

However, that was not the only football coach on which Brian has travelled. Back in 2009 he enjoyed an experience that few supporters have ever experienced when he was the winner of a raffle for a place, alongside the players and management, on the team coach to Cambridge United that season!

Sadly the game itself ended as a goalless draw but, at least, Brian was spared the other Alty supporters' experience of being dropped off by the supporters' coach some distance from United's stadium, "for security reasons", and having to negotiate a field of cows (and their deposits) on some common pasture en route to the turnstiles.

Our condolences at Brian's passing are extended to Brian's family and friends.

Footnote: Brian Flynn's appreciation of Brian Newhall is on the official Altrincham FC website.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town v Truro City
• Altrincham v Gateshead
• Boreham Wood v Sutton United
• Boston United v Hartlepool United
• Carlisle United v Brackley Town
• Forest Green Rovers v Morecambe
• Rochdale v York City
• Scunthorpe United v Eastleigh
• Southend United v Wealdstone
• Tamworth v Braintree Town
• Woking v FC Halifax Town
• Yeovil Town v Solihull Moors

ISAAC AT HOME AT THE MARRIOTT

Both players had previously used the hotel in their private lives and the Alty TV feature shows them visiting various parts of the premises, including its pool area.

The feature concludes with the two players role-playing in hotel jobs, including staffing the reception desk and preparing coffees.

In the interview Tylor revealed that he is getting married next year in Florence.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Irish Premier Division: The evening started badly for St.Patrick's, as they went behind to visitors Bohemians in the first minute. To say things improved after that is something of an understatement. With BARRY BAGGLEY playing throughout, they turned it round by the break, and went on to win 3-1. Meanwhile leaders Shamrock Rovers had a bad night at Derry City, a 1-0 defeat allowing St.Patrick's to take over at the top.

24 April 2026

ENDING ON A HIGH NOTE?

Were Alty to finish twelfth, which is the highest possible on Saturday, they would be in their third highest place since returning to this level.

• 2020-21 P42 W12 D11 L19 F46 A 60 PTS47 POSITION 17th PPG 1.12 (stats exclude expunged game against Dover Athletic)
• 2021-22 P44 W15 D10 L19 F62 A69 PTS 55 POS 14th PPG 1.25
• 2022-23 P46 W14 D14 L18 F68 A82 PTS 56 POS 17th PPG 1.22
• 2023-24 P46 W23 D11 L13 F84 A59 PTS 77 POS 4th PPG 1.67
• 2024-25 P46 W17 D13 L16 F68 A62 PTS 64 POS 9th PPG 1.39
• 2025-26 P46 W17 D6 L23 F68 A62 PTS 57 POS 12th PPG 1.24 IF WIN LAST GAME OF SEASON
• 2025-26 P46 W16 D6 L24 F68 A62 PTS 54 POS 15th PPG 1.17 IF LOSE LAST GAME OF SEASON

As for progress through the season to date...

• 2025-26 under Phil Parkinson: P15 W4 D1 L10 F18 A25 PTS 13 PPG 0.87
• 2025-26 under Neil Gibson: P30 W12 D5 L13 F24 A39 PTS 41 PPG 1.37

Had the PPG for each manager applied throughout the season to its end, the outcome would, in theory, have been as follows...

• 2025-26 under Phil Parkinson: P46 PTS 40
• 2025-26 under Neil Gibson: P46 PTS 63

ALTY OLD BOYS

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

Following the postponement of the match between King's Lynn Town and South Shields on Saturday 14 February 2026, the National League received reports that sprinklers had been activated during poor weather and that this may in turn have influenced the decision to postpone the match.

Following a thorough investigation, the National League charged King's Lynn Town with a breach of League Rule 8.11 - Each Club must take every precaution to keep its ground in good playing condition.

A League disciplinary panel met on Friday 17 April and imposed a £10,000 fine against King's Lynn Town"

.

23 April 2026

TOM CRAWFORD'S DiY INTERVIEW

Atlantic Timber are one of our Match Ball Sponsors for this Saturday's final game of the season against Gateshead".

Tom and Martin's conversation revealed that both the football club and Atlentic Timber see themselves as "pillars of the local community".

Pictured right, the main stand at the J. Davidson Stadium which is emblasoned with the Atlantic Timber logo.

Footnote: Atlantic Timber's premises are on Atlantic Street adjacent to Altrincham Retail Park. Their site incorporates the former Castleton Steam Packing Company's premises which operated there more than a century ago.

NEXT GATESHEAD

Keaton (left) joined Gateshead in January 2026 having previously made 14 (12) appearances in all competitions for Altrincham after joining last summer. He scored twice in those games.

He left Altrincham with his last three league appearances all being defeats only to suffer defeats in his first four Gateshead appearances.

But under the management of Rob Elliot the Heed's form has been reversed and from mid-February Keaton has started 14 games in which he has tasted defeat just twice, winning eight times and drawing on four occasions

Keaton has netted five times for the Heed in 18 starts this season but he has not played since 6 April, presumably through injury.

ALTY OLD BOYS

25 March 2026

NEXT: GATESHEAD

Before then has come news reported in the Chronicle Live that " Gateshead have confirmed North East-born businessman Stephen Paylor has become a joint-owner at the National League club.

The agreement... will see Paylor join principal shareholder Mark Nellist as two of the driving forces behind the scenes at the International Stadium.

Paylor has spent the last two decades in the United States with what the Heed described as ‘various successful business interests in Las Vegas and Arizona’ - but he has been in constant contact with Gateshead chairman Bernard McWilliams and Nellist over the last 12 months over a possible insolvent [involvement?] with the Tynesiders.

That agreement has now been confirmed and McWilliams... said 'We believe Stephen is an ideal partner for Gateshead Football Club.

'He has a successful history in business, player and club development and is the Founder and President of Next Level Soccer in Arizona, a prestigious youth academy and current Arizona State Champions for both Men and Women’s senior teams'...

Nellist, added 'his partnership will allow our club to grow with the links Stephen has in the United States and will give us a wider global audience'".

ALTY'S GOAL OF THE SEASON

Be sure to watch Alty TV's YouTube compilation before voting for your Goal Of The Season, with Union Golf Road Supporters' Player Of The Year AND Young Player Of The Year voting also open".

Also "The End Of Season Awards will take place after the game (from 4pm) in the Community Sports Hall Bar, with the Emirates FA Cup semi-final between Manchester City and Southampton live on our big screens following the ceremony".

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : With DUNCAN WATMORE again absent, relegated Rotherham United were beaten 0-2 at home by Luton Town.

Having been booked earlier, OWEN DALE was substituted by Plymouth Argyle after 80 minutes of their 1-1 draw at Bradford City.

Stevenage held on to the final playoff spot, one goal being enough to see off visitors Barnsley. Skipper CARL PIERGIANNI played the full game for the victors.

League Two : JUSTIN AMALUZOR (right) enjoyed a rare full shift for Grimsby Town as they surprisingly won 1-2 at promotion chasing Cambridge United.

JAKE BICKERSTAFF lasted 77 minutes for Cheltenham Town, who had led at the break before succumbing 1-3 to visitors Tranmere Rovers, for whom CONNOR JENNINGS remains out of action with a knee injury.

National League : After Southend United struck in the opening minute, TYRESE SINCLAIR equalised for hosts Hartlepool United to send them in level at the break. The North East club raced into a 4-1 lead, with Tyrese netting again for their third, but they had to fight to the finish as Southend fought back, finally going down 4-3.

National North : Macclesfield beat visitors Southport, for whom LUKE BURGESS played throughout, 2-1. The Silkmen started ELLIOTT OSBORNE, JAMES GALE, and SAM HEATHCOTE, although James was withdrawn after 89 minutes.

NPL Premier Division : GEZ SITHOLE was an 82nd minute substitute for FC United, as they drew 1-1 with visitors Stockton Town.

And Tuesday's Manchester Evening News reports that JOE BUNNEY and his partner Ella Toone of the England Lionesses are considered to be the "first ever celebrity customers" of a cake shop in Tyldesley. From such events is fame created these days.

CSC FINAL

The Railwaymen defeated Runcorn Town 5-2.

MIDWEEK SCORES

Tuesday 21st April 2026

• Hartlepool United 4-3 Southend United

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

Following the death of former director Kim Cowell last summer and the subsequent resignation of director Alan Stuckey last month, the Club's Board of Directors are now just two: Lee Harding (who joined the board in 2003) and Vic Dixon (who joined the following year) and, while they continue to work hard and as best they can to support the Club, the workload on the shoulders of these two volunteers is obviously more intense than the six man board that took the Club to the play-offs for promotion to the Football League ten years ago.

Both Dixon and Harding are happy to remain involved with the Club as directors, sponsors, or just supporters and both look forward to helping the Club build on the progress made in the last 24 years".

Rochdale "is delighted to announce the appointment of Laura Thomas as Chief Executive Officer...

Co-Chair Cameron Ogden commented: “After an extensive search and interview process, we are delighted to welcome Laura to the Football Club as our new CEO.

'Laura has extensive leadership experience at multiple organisations, including the world-renowned British Cycling'...

Laura added... 'What draws me here is something that you can’t manufacture: owners with a genuine connection to the town, a fanbase that cares deeply, and a team that is proving what’s possible on the pitch'...

Laura is a senior commercial and marketing professional with over two decades of experience".

Solihull Moors "confirm that defender Alex Whitmore will leave the Club at the end of the season...

An ever-present throughout this season, Whitmore has played a key role in the heart of the Moors' defence and has been a consistent presence in the side. His leadership, commitment and professionalism have made him a popular figure amongst teammates, staff and supporters alike...

Whitmore said 'Leaving is not a decision I have taken lightly. This football club has become a real home for me and my family and I have nothing but positive memories from my time here.'...

Chris Millington, First Team Manager, said 'Whits has been impeccable in his approach since Coops and I joined the Club. We identified early on his importance to the team and the culture of the Club and moved to try and secure his signature with a new deal. It was an incredibly difficult decision for Whits as his personal circumstances dictate he could not sign'".

Before last night's fixture, Southend United "head coach Kevin Maher spoke with BBC Essex ahead of our Enterprise National League fixture at Hartlepool United on Tuesday...

It’s a third consecutive away game for Maher’s side, having faced both Aldershot Town and FC Halifax Town on the road in the last seven days, picking up two more wins to move up to sixth in the table.

Reflecting on the most recent result, a 6-2 thrashing of the Shaymen in West Yorkshire, Maher was pleased...

'When you look back, scoring six goals away from home is brilliant,' Maher told BBC Essex. “I like how ruthless we were in taking those goals... We showed that ruthlessness in front of goal'...

The Shrimpers carry the best form of any team in the division in the last five matches...

'There’s not long left in the season, but in these few games we talk about the standards we’ve got to keep. Everyone who wants to be part of what is hopefully an exciting end to the season knows they’ve got to be ready to perform. We haven’t got time for tiredness, and we’ve got to be ready for every game and to attack them'" concluded the head coach.

At Woking "With just one game remaining in the 2025–26 season, we caught up with our Chairman, Todd Johnson...

'I’m really happy with how we’re finishing the season. We’re in a really good place. We’re going to finish in the top ten, which is another big step forward for the club.

We dug such a deep hole early on, I wish we could somehow hit the rewind button and start the season all over again, but the way we’ve responded since has been really satisfying. Just one loss in our last 14 matches, what a great run...

'Off the pitch, the fan zones have been busy, both home and away, the bars are full, hospitality has been strong, the club shop is fully stocked, and we’ve made real improvements to the food and beverage offering throughout the stadium. You can just feel the energy around the club again...

'We obviously had some challenges this season as well. The late postponements were incredibly frustrating and disappointing, and we understand the impact that had on everyone, as well as how it reflected on the club. We took action, addressed the issues, learned from it, and we’re all glad to put that behind us...

By the time I came into the club in December, we were right back in another relegation fight. Since then, we’ve gone from finishing 17th to 15th, and now we’re guaranteed to finish 10th, with a chance to move up to 9th depending on the final results.

'That’s real progress...

'We’re obviously really pleased to have Jermain [Defoe] at the club... He’s been humble, he’s been focused, he connects so well with the players, and he’s completely aligned with what we’re trying to do as a club'".

21 April 2026

NEXT: GATESHEAD

Also like Altrincham, Gateshead experienced a change of manager this season with Alun Armstrong moving to a new role and being replaced by Rob Elliot who has achieved a remarkable turnaround in form that has seen them comfortably avoid the drop.

As things stand, Gateshead lie 17th, three places and four points behind Altrincham in the Enterprise National League.

24 CLUBS IN THE NATIONAL LEAGUE, 24 MANAGERS GONE

John will remain in charge for the final game of the season this Saturday Vs Truro...

Signing for the Shots as first-team manager back in October 2025, John joined us in a period with one of our hardest challenges as a football club on the pitch. By the start of December, we were 7 points adrift in the relegation zone, having secured just 13 points in this time. From then, with a number of key signings John and the squad turned things around, with a run which put us to the top of the form list continuing into the new year.

Deane Wood expressed his gratitude for John’s efforts and the way which he carried himself, but most importantly, keeping the club up, but feels a change is needed due to the recent run of results, giving the club the best possible chance of a reset in the summer.

This football club would like to thank John for his efforts during his time here, and wish him all the very best for his future endeavors [sic]!

The club can also confirm that player-coach James Henry will also be leaving at the end of the season after our final fixture Vs Truro.

James, featuring 83 times for the Shots scoring 22 goals in the red and blue... has been a huge part both on and off the pitch during the past 2 seasons, and we’d like to thank him for all his efforts during his time here as well".

Footnote, as detailed here just three days ago, there have been 23 previous changes of managership in the National League since the end of last season.

Clearly Coleman was not expecting to leave as the BBC adds that "After their 2-1 defeat at Brackley Town on Saturday, Coleman was far from impressed with his players and admitted they are not at the level required.

'I've been kidded thinking that I've got players who are good enough,' he told BBC Radio Surrey after the game.

'The brutal fact is that the players aren't good enough, and this football club and the travelling supporters, they deserve better than what they saw today. They will get better next season because I will have to assemble a side that cares and that has technically better footballers, that today was nowhere near enough.'

Shots owner Wood recently revealed that the club would face significant financial losses in the near future as they are braced to lose potentially up to £800,000 this year.

Previously in his coaching career, Coleman has managed Accrington Stanley, Rochdale and Gillingham".

ALTY OLD BOYS

In the Premier Division, BEN ELLIOTT scored West Didsbury & Chorlton's winner in a 2-1 victory at Euxton Villa, while JOHN JOHNSTON'S Irlam were held 2-2 at home by Charnock Richard.

DARIUS PALMA (right) was among the scorers as Wythenshawe won the championship in style, thrashing visitors Longridge Town 7-1, and will switch leagues with neighbours Wythenshawe Town next season in returning to NPL Division 1 West.

In the playoffs Ramsbottom United will host Chadderton, while DAVID JONES'S Atherton Laburnum Rovers receive Padiham. Irlam just missed out in 6th place, while West Didsbury & Chorlton ended 9th.

Litherland REMYCA and City of Liverpool were relegated, being replaced by Nelson and Runcorn Town. The latter lost only once all season, and have 3 cup finals still to play, including the Cheshire Senior Cup, in which they take on Crewe Alexandra at Gresty Road.

In the Welsh Premier League, sadly, Bala Town were beaten 1-2 by visitors Briton Ferry on Saturday, so JOEL TORRANCE (right, in his Alty days) and his team were relegated. They had been on course to stay up, leading until the 88th minute, before conceding twice within a minute. They will now compete in the Cymru North Alliance next season.

Professional Development League : Usual captain JACK KINGDON was missing as Cardiff City U21 went into the last game of the regulation season at home to Hull City U21. The Bluebirds needed to get a draw to pinch the last playoff spot from Charlton Athletic's academy side who had lost earlier, but were beaten 1-2.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 25 APRIL

Fresh from their fine title-clinching performance at Grantham, Altrincham's return to the J Davidson Stadium was hardly the return of the conquering heroes as they fielded a starting eleven devoid of nine first-team regulars (James Poole, Tim Deasy, Ben Harrison, James Jones, Shaun Densmore, Tom Peers, Andy White, Simon Richman and Josh Hancock), albeit half or more of those were injured to varying degrees. Alty only named three substitutes.

Likewise, Marine, with one eye on their Liverpool County Cup Final in 24 hours time also made several changes and named just one player on their bench.

And a change of fixture date helped to account for a crowd of just 482 which robbed the occasion of much of its potential for celebration of the championship win.

Above: On 25 April 2018, Marine generously afforded Altrincham a guard of honour as they took to the field as champions of the EvoStik Northern Premier League.

After Altrincham had taken a tenth-minute lead through Jordan Hulme's smart conversion of a John Johnston feed, Alty failed to build on their advantage, despite dominating possession for most of the match. Marine equalised in the 53rd minute with a well-taken shot from Murray before Alty substitute Josh Hancock missed a penalty, awarded when he himself had been upended. His spot-kick hit the post and was cleared.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Tony THOMPSON, 2. Harry SHERIDAN, 3. Connor HAMPSON, 4. Tom HANNIGAN, 5. Sam HEATHCOTE, 6. Jake MOULT (c), 7. John JOHNSTON, 8. Chris MERRIE, 9. Jordan HULME, 10. Max HARROP, 11. Theo BAILEY-JONES. Subs ONLY THREE NAMED 12. Rhain DAVIS, 14. Josh HANCOCK, 20. Andrew JONES

MIDWEEK FIXTURE

• Hartlepool United v Southend United

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

By the time the teams emerge onto the pitch, the top of the National League will have changed hands 34 times this season. Eight different clubs have led the division at one time or another...

So if Rochdale were to win on Saturday and get their noses in front one final time, it would match the only season in history to have seen a more volatile title race: Doncaster Rovers' Fourth Division title win of 1965-66, where the lead changed hands 35 times.,.

A Rochdale win at Spotland on Saturday would match that Doncaster total...

The closest, most punishing, most relentlessly contested title race in English football in 2025-26 has been ours. And yet only one of the clubs who have led it will earn automatic promotion to League Two. The other – whichever of Rochdale or York finishes second – will be sent into a six-team knockout for the division's single remaining promotion place.

At the other end of that same EFL ladder, the League Two relegation fight offers the parallel that makes the point most clearly. Five clubs sit below the 40-point mark with barely any season left to play, scrapping away to secure at least the feted 22nd-place position. Two will drop into the National League. Three will be granted a stay. The team that finishes second in the National League, on almost three times the points tally, has to go to Wembley and win there to join them".

20 April 2026

SUTTON MATCH HIGHLIGHTS

They clearly show that Lucas Weaver (right) was deliberately elbowed, off the ball, by Pruti in an incident in which it was the Altrincham man who received a yellow card.

NEXT: GATESHEAD

On Saturday they lost 0-3 at the International Stadium, where Woking were the visitors.

The BBC reports that "Jermain Defoe extended his unbeaten run as Woking manager to a fifth match as the visitors downed in-form Gateshead.

The former England striker saw his side turn in an impressive performance against opponents who had lost just one of their previous 11.

Chinwike Okoli headed wide the best chance of the first half-hour, but Cards captain Harry Beautyman gave them the half-time lead when he poked home at the far post in a goalmouth scramble.

The result was still in the balance until the 67th minute when Matt Ward latched on to Steven Fletcher's clever pass and finished from the right, before Olly Sanderson's run and chip wrapped things up deep in added time".

Former Altrincham midfielder Keaton Ward was not in the Heed's squad, which comprised; 47. Adam Desbois, 6. Brad Nicholson, 3. David Ferguson (c), 28. Louis Storey, 20. Fenton John, 32. Harry Chapman, 22. Josh Anifowose, 17. Josh Home, 11. Tyrelle Newton, 25. Ethan Moore, 29. Ashley Boatswain. Subs: 15. Levi Amantchi, 19. Mark Beck, 10. Jacob Butterfield, 21. Billy Chadwick, 18. Joe Grayson, 45. Cnnor Pani, 31. Ben Williams.

NATIONAL LEAGUE UPS AND DOWNS

The fourth relegated team, Braintree Town, only survived two seasons at this level following their promotion to national level in 2024.

National League Promotion:

• Promoted to EFL2 as Champions: Either York City or Rochdale.
• Play-off qualifiers: Carlisle United, Boreham Wood, Scunthorpe United, Southend United and Forest Green Rovers. Only Southend of this group was a National League club last season, as Carlisle and FGR were in EFL2, whilst Boreham Wood and Scunthorpe United were in Step 2.

  The Eliminator ties are already partly determined with Boreham Wood and Scunthorpe United assured of being the home teams and their specific opponents being either Southend United or Forest Green Rovers.

National League North:

• Possible Champions: AFC Fylde or South Shields
• Relegated: Leamington, Peterborough Sports with two other places to be decided from Hereford FC, Alfreton Town, Curzon Ashton or King's Lynn Town.

National League South:

• Possible Champions: One of Worthing, Hornchurch, Dorking Wanderers or Hemel Hempstead Town
• Relegated: Eastbourne Borough, Enfield, Chippenham Town and Bath City.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Cannons had 19 shots on goal (8 on target) while the hosts produced just 2 off target attempts.

In other news, Scunthorpe United has a video interview with DECLAN HOWE (right), who scored four goals in 7(+1) appearances whilst on loan at Altrincham this season.

Having returned to The Iron, Declan scored the equaliser for them on Saturday in their draw at Wealdstone.

In the post-match interview, he touched on how the loan spell with Alty "instilled confidence in me" as he "got a lot of game time" and he was "thankful for that" as it succeeded in "putting me on a better platform".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS NEWS

Dean writes that "I’ve decided to finally hang up my boots after 18 seasons & 830 career appearances. The truth is, I’ve dreaded this day — not because I’m in love with football, but because I’ll miss the competition, the opponents, the battles, my teammates and staff, and of course the supporters and volunteers.

I always promised myself I wanted to be remembered for the player I have been, not someone who stayed one year too long.

I feel that time is now, to step aside and let someone else take the reins.

I’m aware I could play for more years and continue to drop levels for comfort, but truth is, it’s just not me! I wanted to compete at the highest level in my final year, which is reflective of my character, I’ve pushed myself and tested myself continuously throughout my career.

I also promised myself I would retire at the club I’ve chosen to be loyal to for the past decade, and I’m a man of my word...

This is a goodbye as a player, but I’m excited to remain at the club in another capacity".

After their match on Saturday, Solihull Moors "hosted our End of Season Awards sponsored by Konsileo.

The award winners were as follows:

• Goal of the Season sponsored by Konsileo: Scott High (sponsored by Jean Townsend) for his goal vs Carlisle
• Community Contribution, presented by the Foundation: Chris Millington & Andy Cooper
• Unsung Hero, presented by the Darryl Eales: Bradley Rice
• Club Person of the Year, presented by the Darryl Eales: Malcolm Cowell
• Young Player of the Year, presented by the Chris Millington: Darius Lipsiuc (sponsored by Bren & Louise Clarke)
• Academy Player of the Year, presented by the Myles Cooper: Diego Brown
• Golden Boot presented by the Dave Boddy: Conor Wilkinson (sponsored by OneThree Distribution & Simon Gray) & Joe Sbarra (sponsored by Simon McNamee)
• Fans' Player of the Season, presented by the Simon Gray: Laurie Walker (sponsored by Brandon Lodge & STB Builders)
• Players' Player of the Season, presented by the Jamey Osborne: Scott High (sponsored by Jean Townsend)

Meanwhile, Southend United "confirm that the Club’s End of Season Awards ceremony at Cliffs Pavilion has been rescheduled and will now take place on Monday, May 18 from 6:30pm.

The decision has been made to allow the First Team squad and staff to fully focus on preparations for the upcoming Enterprise National League Play-Offs and Isuzu FA Trophy Final fixtures, with priority on a successful end to the season on the pitch.

While this decision has not been taken lightly, and we appreciate this may cause some inconvenience for supporters, we believe this adjustment provides the team with the best possible environment to prepare during a crucial and busy period. With unfinished business on two fronts, we want to minimise any distractions and help the team carry its momentum through to the season’s conclusion.

The Sutton United "End of Season Awards’ Ceremony took place following yesterday’s final home game of the season against Altrincham...

• Player of the Season – Jake Taylor
• Players’ Player of the Season – Lewis Simper
• Supporters’ Club Player of the Season – Kai Jennings
• Young Player of the Season – Junior Eccleston
• Goal of the Season – Lewis Simper vs Gateshead
• Clubman of the Year – James Board

Wealdstone announce that "Deon Woodman was named the Wealdstone FC Supporters Club Player Of The Season, carrying off the stage the prestigious Jock Law Trophy just before the conclusion of the club's End-of-Season Awards event at The Vale.

Striker Micah Obiero's goals and tireless work rate earned him sufficient votes from his peers to be named the club's Players' Player Of The Season, and he also collected The Golden Boot award from George Duck - after the club's all-time leading goalscorer delivered a virtuoso speech which had players, staff and supporters enrapt by his tactical insights and unswerving enthusiasm for the Stones!

The Stuart Pearce Shield - for Junior Stones Player Of The Season - went to Dante Baptiste, while the podcast vote saw Nathan Tshikuna collect the StonesCast Player Of The Year award...

Phil Jeffreson was crowned Supporter Of The Season as he took away the Mark Barton Memorial Shield. The Lew Sheppard Cup - for Moment Of The Season - went to a fans' vote, which saw Micah Obiero's late FA Trophy semi-final winner emerge as the top-selected option.

Women's Player Of The Season went to Avril Clarke, at the end of the team's inaugural campaign, while Academy Player Of The Season was awarded to Kai Bartol...

There were four other awards presented, right at the start of the trophy-giving schedule, and they marked appearance milestones for the men's first-team: 100 games played by Enzio Boldewijn and Dominic Hutchinson, 150 by Micah Obiero and 200 by club captain Jack Cook".

19 April 2026

SUTTON UNITED 1-2 ALTRINCHAM

Lifted by the goal, Sutton were then the better side till half time but, when Alty made a double change after 62 minutes, as Kosylo and Weaver came on, things improved for the visitors.

Altrincham equalised after Kosylo won a freekick just outside the box, which Crankshaw netted, low to the keeper's left (70 mins).

Soon afterwards, Weaver took advantage of an error by Sutton to advance and feed Crankshaw who made it 1-2 (73 mins). But Crankshaw's game ended after 76 minutes with a shoulder injury.

Eight minutes of added time extended to nearly ten minutes being played as Altrincham achieved only their fourth away win of the league season.

Match report here

AFTER THE GAME AT SUTTON UNITED: NEIL GIBSON

Neil believed that "We were full value for the 2-1 victory" after conceding the opening goal to a mistake.

Speaking about the two substitutes, Weaver and Kosylo, who changed the game, the manager said that "Lucas has been fantastic in the last three days in training" whilst "Matty Kosylo will always bring energy". After their introduction he believed that "we went up a notch" in our performance.

Neil explained that he is working on our poor disciplinary record but today he thought the number of bookings did not reflect the game, not least that Lucas Weaver got booked when he was clearly elbowed in an off the ball incident in the second half.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 25 APRIL

Remarkably not one of the preceding opponents in all of those games remains in the same division as Altrincham and just one such club is competing at a higher level, namely Grimsby Town.

Accrington Stanley were Alty's opponents in 1914 but the current EFL club of that name is a different entity formed after the original club folded.

The other 25 teams to have played Altrincham on 25 April have either dropped down the leagues or gone out of business.

The last game played by Altrincham on this date was against Marine who secured a 1-1 draw at Moss Lane in 2018 in an Evostik Premier fixture.

However, Altrincham should have played more recently on 25 April 2020 which, as in 2026, was the last scheduled fixture of that season.

They had a fixture at Farsley Celtic in the National League North on that date but the game was never played owing to the Covid-induced lockdown.

AND FINALLY, GATESHEAD

After their magnificent recent run which lifted them comfortably clear of the relegation places, the Heed surprisingly crashed 0-3 on Saturday at home to Woking.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Carl PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage to a 2-2 home draw against already promoted Lincoln City.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA played the full game but could not help his Wycombe Wanderers side avoid a 0-1 home defeat by Blackpool.

League Two ELLIOTT NEWBY was subbed at half-time as Barrow lost 1-3 at home to Walsall at Holker Street.

Cheltenham Town beat Newport County 1-0 but JAKE BICKERSTAFF had already been subbed before the hour-mark before the winner was scored by his team.

Also in the West Country, JOEL SENIOR played the whole game for Bristol Rovers who won 2-1 away to Newport County

Although they won 4-1 at Gillingham, Grimsby Town's JUSTIN AMALUZOR was booked after 45 minutes and subbed on 76 minutes

KEVIN BERKOE played the full game in a goalless draw for his Shrewsbury Town team at Crawley Town.

From the National League comes the surprising news that CALEB ANSEN was in goal for Braintree Town as they lost at home 1-2 to Rochdale. The winner for Dale came in the ninth added minute.

In the other evening kick-off ALEX NEWBY was an unused sub for York City as they beat Yeovil Town 3-0. JEFF KING started for the Minstermen but was substituted after 73 minutes.

However, KYLE FERGUSON was not in the squad for The Glovers.

Likewise, KEATON WARD was not involved as in-form Gateshead surprisingly crashed 0-3 at home to Woking.

An 89th minute equaliser by DECLAN HOWE earned Scunthorpe a late point at Wealdstone. ROSS BARROWS had joined the game for The Iron 11 minutes earlier.

Regan LINNEY scored the only goal as Carlisle United won 1-0 at Truro City whilst JOSH LUNDSTRAM was substituted after 64 minutes as Eastleigh drew 1-1 with Tamworth in Hampshire.

On-loan LEWIS BAINES put through his own goal as Solihull Moors lost at home 0-3 to Boston United for whom CONNOR TEALE played 86 minutes before being replaced.

FC Halifax were already losing 1-5 to Southend United at The Shay when BILLY WATERS came off the bench. The match ended 2-6 to the Shrimpers.

National North : LEWIS SALMON Scored Alfreton's winner in a 3-2 victory at Marine which keeps The Reds' hopes of avoiding relegation alive.

In South Korea's K League 2 MARCUS DACKERS played the full game for Daegu but they lost 1-2 at home to Cheonan City who won despite playing with ten men from the 52nd minute.

ENL FIXTURES

• Hartlepool United v Southend United

Saturday 25th April 2026
All matches k.o. at 12.30pm

• Aldershot Town v Truro City
• Altrincham v Gateshead
• Boreham Wood v Sutton United
• Boston United v Hartlepool United
• Carlisle United v Brackley Town
• Forest Green Rovers v Morecambe
• Rochdale v York City
• Scunthorpe United v Eastleigh
• Southend United v Wealdstone
• Tamworth v Braintree Town
• Woking v FC Halifax Town
• Yeovil Town v Solihull Moors

Tuesday 28th April 2026

• Fifth-placed team v Sixth-placed team

Wednesday 29th April 2026

• Fourth-placed team v Seventh-placed team

18 April 2026

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Brackley Town 2-1 Aldershot Town
• Braintree Town 1-2 Rochdale ko 5.30pm
• Eastleigh 1-1 Tamworth
• FC Halifax Town 2-6 Southend United ko 12.30pm
• Gateshead 0-3 Woking
• Hartlepool United 2-1 Forest Green Rovers
• Morecambe 0-3 Boreham Wood
• Solihull Moors 0-3 Boston United
• Sutton United 1-2 Altrincham
• Truro City 0-1 Carlisle United
• Wealdstone 1-1 Scunthorpe United
• York City 3-0 Yeovil Town ko 5.30pm

BEFORE THE GAME: OTIS KHAN

Otis (right) said the club 's plan is "to be challenging for the play offs" next season and with many of the existing players, supplemented by new arrivals, he is optimistic about that scenario.

As for today's fixture, Otis indicated that he has played at Sutton United "many times" and that the team is aiming to win the game rather than coast to the end of the season.

ALTY OLD BOYS

23 MANAGERS MOVE(D) ON

Since the end of last season (2024/25), there have now been a phenomenal 23 managerial departures affecting sixteen of the 24 current members of the National League, with Morecambe (three times), Yeovil Town, Gateshead, Eastleigh, Wealdstone and Hartlepool United (all twice) changing manager more than once.

Changes between the end of the 2024/25 season and the start of the 2025/26 season:

1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox.

Departures since start of the 2025/26 season:

The NINETEEN departures (so far) since the start of this season are listed below; all were sackings unless otherwise stated...

1. MORECAMBE: Derek Adams, sacked on 18 August 2025, replaced by Ashvir Singh Johal
2. YORK CITY: Adam Hinshelwood, replaced by Stuart Maynard
3. YEOVIL TOWN: Mark Cooper, replaced by Danny Webb
4. SOLIHULL MOORS: Matt Taylor, replaced by Chris Millington
5. SUTTON UNITED Steve Morison, replaced by Chris Agutter
6. EASTLEIGH: Kelvin Davis, replaced by Scott Bartlett
7. YEOVIL TOWN: Danny Webb (resignation), replaced by Billy Rowley
8. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Simon Grayson, replaced by Nicky Featherstone
9. ALDERSHOT TOWN: Tommy Widdrington (resignation), replaced by John Coleman
10. ALTRINCHAM: Phil Parkinson, replaced by Neil Gibson
11. GATESHEAD: Alun Armstrong moved to a new role, replaced by Rob Elliot
12. BOSTON UNITED: "Parted company" with Graham Coughlan, replaced by Paul Hurst
13. BRACKLEY TOWN: "Resignation" of Gavin Cowan, appointed at Shrewsbury Town, replaced by Andy Whing
14. MORECAMBE: "Mutually agreed to part ways" with Ashvir Singh Johal, replaced by Jim Bentley
15. EASTLEIGH: Scott Bartlett, "relieved of his duties", replaced as "interim manager" by Richard Hill
16. WEALDSTONE: Sam Cox, "removed from his position as manager", replaced by Gary Waddock
17. WOKING: Neal Ardley, "relieved of duties" replaced by interim trio of Craig Ross, Jake Hyde and Dale Gorman before Jermain Defoe appointed
18. MORECAMBE: Club announced on 14 April 2026 that Jim Bentley was stepping down as manager and that the search for a new manager had begun
19. HARTLEPOOL UNITED: Club announced on 14 April 2026 that Nicky Featherstone would not be continuing as manager after the end of this season

The eight clubs still employing the manager who was with them at the end of last season are Rochdale, Boreham Wood, Carlisle United, Scunthorpe United, Southend United, Tamworth, Braintree Town and Truro City.

Four of those eight clubs were not in the National League last season; Carlisle were relegated from EFL2, whilst Scunthorpe United, Boreham Wood and Truro City were promoted from the regional divisions.

So, Rochdale, Southend United, Tamworth and Braintree Town are the only four clubs which were in the National League last season and remained there this season with the same manager who had completed last season with the club.

Jimmy McNulty (Rochdale), Kevin Maher (Southend United), Andy Peaks (Tamworth) and Steve Pitt (Braintree Town) are the quartet of great survivors this season, though Pitt's team has been relegated back to the South division for next season.

Should Rochdale and Southend United be the promoted duo leaving the National League this season, that would leave Tamworth's Andy Peaks as the only NL manager next season (26/27) who had also been in charge of the same team at the same level last season (24/25)!

That is because fellow title contenders York City's manager, Stuart Maynard, does not meet the criteria as he was only appointed after the current season had started, whilst the other four play off teams, Scunthorpe United, Boreham Wood, FGR and Carlisle United were not in the NL last season

So Altrincham's NEIL GIBSON and Solihull Moors' Chris Millington, along with Andy Peaks will be the only managers in next season's National League who were also in charge of a National League club at the start of February 2025 and during at least some of 2025/26.

Neil Gibson was in charge at Wealdstone from 27 January to 26 May 2025 before joining Altrincham last October, and Chris Millington was in charge at FC Halifax Town in 2024/25 before moving to the Moors during this season.

Finally, former Brackley Town boss Gavin Cowan merits a mention as he is the only one of the 23 departing managers who moved on to become manager at a higher-ranked club; in his case, Shrewsbury Town.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

• Total [average] 7333 – 2% down
• Home [supporters average] 7074 +4% up (after 20 games)
• Away [i.e. visiting supporters average] 259 (472 last season) (after 20 games)

The ‘Raise the Roof; campaign generated [the] second highest attendance of the season in the league

• Record matchday hospitality takings
• Stadium tours ran well
• Fan Zone was packed and hospitality sold out
• Lots of first-time attendees
• Best ever Blues Store match day takings

ALso,

• The increase in gates is despite less away fans per game and 5 midweek evening kick offs (2 in 23/24) this season.
• The number of evening home KO continues to depress gates. The difference in attendance is marked.
• By the end of the regular season, we will have only had 11 home matches kick off at 3pm on a Saturday".

Footnote: So, despite relegation Carlisle's attendances have not suffered unduly and, indeed, home support has actually increased. By way of comparison, Altrincham will have had just 13 home Saturday matches at 3pm out of 23 fixtures this season in the National League.

An increased ticket allocation for the Isuzu FA Trophy Final is reported for the second time in a week by Southend United who state that "We would like to place on record our sincere thanks to supporters for their exceptional backing following the sale of our ticket allocation for Non-League Finals Day at Wembley Stadium: connected by EE.

As anticipated, demand for tickets has been extremely high, with the Club selling its entire seated allocation across Levels 1, 2 and 5 within just three days...

We are pleased to confirm that the Club has now received an additional allocation of 9,906 tickets across Levels 1, 2 and 5, taking our allocation up to 30,901.

We are aware that initial allocations meant a number of supporters, including Season Card holders, secured tickets in Level 5. These allocations were based on the availability provided to the Club at the time, prior to any further tickets being released by Wembley Stadium".

There has been a remarkable turnaround at Gateshead where an horrendous sequence of 13 successive league defeats has been followed by nine wins and four draws in the next fifteen fixtures!

Having been, at one point, as the club states "eleven points adrift at at the bottom of the National League table", the club is now safely assured of starting next season at the same level as this season.

As a consequence of this transformation, manager Rob ELliot has been named the Enterprise National League's Manager of the Month for MArch.

Altrincham's final match of this season, on 25 April, will see The Heed visit the J. Davidson Stadium for a 12.30pm kick-off.

As for another ex-Football League club, we learn that Forest Green Rovers are "one of only two National League teams with a youth academy (EFL Category 3 level), [but it] has taken the tough decision to reduce the scope of the FGR Academy – costs have become unsustainable, standing at over £1 million per year.

The FGR Academy will continue to operate squads for U15s, U16s and the U18 Scholarship Programme: the flagship of the academy, where players undertake a two-year football apprenticeship. But it will be dropping the U9s to U14s programmes.

FGR Chairman Dale Vince OBE said 'This was a tough decision because I love what we do at the Academy but the fact is, at over £1m per year, it’s unsustainable for a club our size.

'So we’re reducing the scope of the Academy, but we’ll continue to fund the U15s, U16s, and U18 squads; that’s good news'".

MANAGERIAL MAYHEM CONTINUES IN NATIONAL LEAGUE

The latest news on this front comes from ninth-placed Hartlepool United who "confirm that Nicky Featherstone will step down from his role as First Team Manager at the conclusion of the 2025/26 season.

The decision has been taken following a comprehensive review of the Club’s football operations by Bromby & Partners, who were appointed in March to help shape the strategic direction and structure of the football department ahead of next season.

Featherstone initially stepped into the role in an interim capacity in October before being appointed permanent manager in December. He has led the team in 31 matches during a testing transition period following the change of ownership, with a highly respectable points tally during that time.

A long-serving former captain and widely regarded as a Club legend, Featherstone has made an outstanding contribution to Hartlepool United across more than a decade of service. He made over 450 appearances for the Club and was a central figure in the team that secured promotion back to the EFL in 2021.

Featherstone will remain in charge for the Club’s three remaining fixtures...

Nicky Featherstone, said 'It has been an honour to lead this football club. Hartlepool United means a huge amount to me and it always will.

'I’m proud of what we’ve done since I first stepped into the role and the way the group has responded. I’ve given everything to it. Of course, I’m disappointed, but I fully respect the decision that has been made and the direction the Club is looking to go in'".

Footnote: An update to the catalogue of managerial departures this season will be published in tomorrow's update of the Alty Files.

Hartlepool have failed to score in their last four league games which started with a 7-0 defeat at Wealdstone. Before that, however, Pools had won five of their previous seven fixtures.

PITCH PERFECT

The 16-minute video, compered by Brian Flynn, features Alty's young groundsman Harry Mills, with CEO Sam Mackenzie, Manager Neil Gibson, Captain Tom Crawford and ground staff volunteer Bryan Ford all also interviewed.

Manager Neil Gibson praised the work of Harry and the ground staff and credited their work to improve state of the pitch as a factor in the team's good home form this season. He also alluded to some of the less perfect pitches at opponents' grounds this season and attributed some of his players' injuries to them.

CEO Sam Mackenzie, as well as Bryan and Neil, also pointed to the reduction of fixtures played on the pitch as being a significant factor in its improvement. Safeguarding the playing surface was a major factor in the club not entering the National League Cup this season, Sam explained.

Harry Mills (above, right) is the grandson of the late Harry Wood whose long-term volunteering for the club was honoured by the club. He acknowledged that he was grateful to James Litherland for his advice as well as for his oversight of pitch treatments.

ALTY UNDER-19S

[Ex-Alty loanee] TIM RYAN named an unchanged starting eleven...

Alty took the lead in the 27th minute...

Eight minutes shy of the break, Alty were inches away from doubling their lead, but for a sensational save from White...

The second half began with White forced into a simple save down low, but he couldn’t prevent the goal that came just a minute later.

Alty’s centre-back went on a weaving run through the middle before laying it off to his teammate, who fired into the bottom corner.

However, a second yellow card for one of their players for a deliberate trip gave York a man advantage for the last half hour...

Greening pulled one back... No more than three minutes later, City were level...

The drama kept on coming, Kettlewell scoring again for the Minstermen’s third in seven minutes...

That lead would last for very little time, though, with ten-man Alty winning a spot-kick straight after they had been put behind.

The penalty taker went the opposite way to White and nestled the ball into the bottom corner to level the match once more", and it ended 3-3.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Europa Conference League Quarter Final: Strasbourg comfortably won their second leg at home to Mainz 4-0, recovering from a 0-2 first leg deficit. MAXI OYEDELE was an 88th minute substitute for the club from Alsace, who will now meet Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in the semi final.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

As the club continues to strengthen its connection with supporters and enhance the matchday atmosphere, this initiative will provide a dedicated space for fans to come together and get behind the team.

Following constructive discussions and feedback gathered during recent supporter meetings, it was agreed that the next step would be to pilot this concept during our fixture against Brackley Town. The ‘singing section’ will be located in Section 3 of the East Stand.

The trial aims to create a more vibrant and unified atmosphere, giving supporters who wish to stand and sing a designated area, while also helping to build momentum ahead of the play-offs and future seasons.

Supporters are encouraged to get involved and can purchase tickets HERE!

Fans wishing to relocate to this area can do so free of charge - contact the ticket office on 0330 094 5930 (option 1)".

16 April 2026

NEXT: SUTTON UNITED

Right: Pictured during the reverse fixture this season at the J. Davidson Stadium, Alty's two goalscorers, James Gale (left) and Jimmy Knowles.

For this season's game, Sutton United announce that the referee will be Aaron Farmer, "making his second visit of the season to Sutton having taken charge of the game against Solihull in August. In his third season as a National League referee, he has also refereed half a dozen games this season in the EFL".

So far as the Alty Files can tell, he has never previously refereed Altrincham.

The reverse fixture this season was a lunchtime fixture streamed live by DAZN and which Alty won 2-1. A much improved second-half performance from Altrincham saw them come back from a 0-1 deficit to earn a well-deserved victory against their visitors who at that stage of the season had just a single win to their name from eight outings this season.

The "U"s took the lead after 22 minutes. The goal came after Hutchinson had punched a cross comfortably clear only for the visitors to recycle it. With Banks policing the near post, there seemed little danger but Nadesan poked the ball into the far corner of the net.

After bringing on Crawford and Barnes at the interval, Altrincham largely dominated the second half and they equalised early on with Knowles's deft header from a recycled Osborne corner (52 mins).

The winner came after Reed had won possession and, via Knowles, Golden and Reddin, Crawford's deflected shot hit the bar but Gale was on hand to score. The match was to prove to be Alty boss Phil Parkinson's last league win before his dismissal following a run of seven league games which saw just a single point earned.

In fact, both teams had different managers for the fixture from their current bosses, with Sutton's incumbent at that time Steve Morison serving a touchline ban that day. This week's clash sees Morison's successor, Chris Agutter, pitting his wits against Neil Gibson.

Just four of Altrincham's starting eleven that day also started the Robins' match last weekend; they were Hutchinson, Sassi, Marriott and Knowles.

Altrincham v Sutton United: 30 Luke Hutchinson, 2 Lewis Banks, 34. Dan Sassi, 4. Lewis Baines (c), 23, Tylor Golden, 6. Elliot Osborne, 8 Isaac Marriott, 11. Jimmy Knowles, 20 Kahrel Reddin, 10 Keaton Ward, 9 James Gale. Subs: 3. Sam Reed, 7. Olly Crankshaw, 22. Tom Crawford, 24. Sam Barnes, 17. Lucas Weaver, 27 Louie Fallon, 40. Charlie Kirk.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : ALI SMITH played the whole of AFC Wimbledon's 0-2 home defeat by Stockport County.

Manchester Premier Cup Final : JOSH OLLERENSHAW was in goal for Curzon Ashton on neutral ground at Broadhurst Park, but they were beaten 2-1 by Droylsden.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

Over the past 48 hours the Club have worked diligently and collaboratively with the relevant authorities to resolve the matter.

This matter occurred due to an admin requirement needed from the club, which the relevant authorities now have. We are pleased this is now resolved for the club.

Rochdale report that "The class of 2025/26 broke through the 100 points barrier with Saturday’s dramatic win over Wealdstone.

It marks the first time in the club’s history that Dale have reached the monumental total, having already set a club record points tally as early as 3rd March.

The previous record of 82, set in our 2009/10 League Two promotion campaign, was matched by our 2-0 win at Aldershot Town on 28th February.

The 3-2 win at home to Brackley Town three days later broke through that record with 11 games remaining in our Enterprise National League campaign.

As it stands, our points per game average stands at an incredible 2.32.

The first 22 of our 44 games so far saw Dale accrue 52 points at an average of 2.36 before the turn of the calendar year. In 2026, Jimmy McNulty’s men have won 50 points, at an average of 2.27, aided by a superb 15-match unbeaten run across January, February and March...

Whilst plenty of club records already smashed this season, there are still two games remaining to create even more memories.

The FA Trophy Final takes place on 17 May when Wealdstone face Southend United who report that "Following the latest ticketing review, we’re pleased to confirm that a further batch of 2,562 tickets for our Isuzu FA Trophy Final has been released to us.

This takes our total allocation to 21,000 ahead of the start of sale period 2, which opens at 6pm this evening (Wednesday, April 15) for supporters with a previous booking history before 3pm on Friday, April 10.

This latest release includes some licensed standing areas between Blocks 534-540. Please note, in line with stadium regulations, no under-12s are permitted in licensed standing areas. These tickets will be released once our initial allocation reaches capacity.

Tickets are available to purchase online only from the Southend United BTMK Box Office website...

A reminder that Southend United supporters should only purchase tickets from our official allocation. Following positive discussions with Wembley Stadium connected by EE, additional capacity will be made available if required, ensuring every Shrimpers supporter who wishes to attend has the opportunity to do so.

We’d like to thank supporters for their outstanding backing during the initial sale phase to season ticket holders, with more than 11,509 tickets sold in the first two days".

14 April 2026

NEXT: SUTTON UNITED

Former Alty loanee DANNY CASHMAN is at Sutton United these days but has yet to play for the "U"s in the National League due to injury.

On Tuesday, Sutton United announced that boss "Chris Agutter has made wholesale changes ahead of tonight’s Surrey Senior Cup clash with Farnham Town.

Chris Haigh returns to make his first start since the previous round against Horley Town, and is the last line a defence which consists of Kwaku Donkor, Edon Pruti, Hayden Muller and Toby Byron, the latter making just his second start since signing from Worthing.

Charlie Bell returns from his suspension to join Jake Taylor and Lewis Simper in midfield, while Jayden Harris and Jermaine Francis take up the flanks behind David Ogbonna, who leads the line for the U’s."

Sutton lost the game at Farnham, the semi-final of the competition, being defeated on penalties after a goalless draw.

MIDWEEK SCORES

However, Southend United's win at Aldershot confirmed that the Shrimpers will be one of the top seven clubs and therefore will be involved in the play-offs. Eighth-placed FC Halifax Town lose out as a consequence as they can no longer secure enough points to qualify

Tuesday 14th April 2026

• Aldershot Town 0-2 Southend United
• Wealdstone 1-1 Boston United
• Woking 0-0 Solihull Moors

22ND NATIONAL LEAGUE MANAGER LEAVES HIS POST

Morecambe FC Chairman Kuljit Singh Momi, said 'Although Jim has confirmed his wish to step down from the first team manager’s role, I am delighted that we will continue to benefit from his undoubted passion, knowledge and experience of all things Morecambe to help drive the Club forward once again.

'Not only is Jim a Morecambe footballing legend, and I thank him most sincerely for his efforts and contribution over the last three months, he is also a great ambassador for the Club and his valuable input alongside our executive leadership team will be integral to the continued rebuild of our wonderful football club.'”

The search for a new first team manager is already underway, and further details will be announced in due course.

In the meantime, everyone at Morecambe FC wishes Jim him every success in his new role".

Footnote: Since the end of last season (2024/25), there have been 22 managerial departures at sixteen of the 24 current members of the National League, with Morecambe (three times), Yeovil Town, Gateshead, Eastleigh and Wealdstone (all twice) changing manager more than once.

Changes between the end of the 2024/25 season and the start of the 2025/26 season:

1. FC HALIFAX TOWN Chris Millington left and Adam Lakeland was appointed
2. FOREST GREEN ROVERS sacked Steve Cotterill and appointed Robbie Savage
3. GATESHEAD Carl Magnay resigned and was replaced by Alun Armstrong
4. WEALDSTONE Neil Gibson resigned and the club appointed Sam Cox.

Former Brackley Town boss Gavin Cowan also merits a mention as he remains the only one of the 22 departing managers who moved on to become manager at a higher-ranked club; in his case, Shrewsbury Town. NEIL GIBSON is one of only two of the 22 managers to leave one National League club (Wealdstone) and, later, be appointed to another club's managerial role in the same division (at Altrincham). The other is Chris Millington who left FC Halifax Town and was then appointed at Solihull Moors.

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : Stevenage remain in the final playoff spot despite having to play with 10 men from the 42nd minute, and being well beaten 5-1 at the Toughsheet Stadium by Bolton Wanderers. Skipper CARL PIERGIANNI played throughout.

Having been dropped to the bench last time out, Rotherham United omitted DUNCAN WATMORE from their squad at Wigan Athletic, where a 3-0 defeat confirmed the relegation which had been threatening for quite some time.

League Two : Barrow helped their survival prospects, coming from behind to beat visitors Oldham Athletic 3-2. ELLIOT NEWBY claimed the assist for their 91st minute winner, being substituted immediately afterwards. Harrogate Town are now 4 points adrift of the Cumbrians, who are only a single point behind Newport County, Crawley Town, and Tranmere Rovers who have a game in hand. They have a slightly better goal difference than the Welsh club.

Cheltenham Town were trailing to visitors Gillingham when they withdrew JAKE BICKERSTAFF (right) just before the hour. Within 4 minutes they were level, and then won it 2-1 in the 5th added minute.

All the goals in Chesterfield's 2-1 home win over Grimsby Town had been scored when the Mariners brought on JUSTIN AMALUZOR after 68 minutes. The hosts didn't call JAMES BERRY off the bench.

National League : MATT PENNEY (right) played the full game for Aldershot, but they lost 0-2 at home to Southend United, who clinched their playoff spot with the result, leaving Halifax disappointed.

JACK HINCHY wasn't in Wealdstone's squad as they drew 1-1 at home with Boston United, for whom CONNOR TEALE played the full game.

LEWIS BAINES was a 69th minute substitute for Solihull Moors in a goalless draw at Woking.

National North: Alfreton Town and visitors Buxton shared 4 goals. LEWIS SALMON played the whole match for the hosts, as did CONNOR KIRBY for Buxton.

Kidderminster Harriers won 1-3 at Radcliffe, who brought on JORDAN HULME just after the hour, and JUDE OYIBO after 74 minutes.

South Shields overtook CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde at the top of the table with a 4-1 home win over Macclesfield. The Silkmen started ELLIOTT OSBORNE who was substituted after 68 minutes, and SAM HEATHCOTE, while KACPER PASIEK came on for the second half, and JAMES GALE entered the fray after 81 minutes.

NPL Premier Division : AIDY ROXBURGH (right) scored Nantwich Town's second goal as they thrashed visitors Darlaston Town, 5-1. BYRON HARRISON added the 3rd and 4th goals before both Old Boys were withdrawn in the 68th minute.

Liverpool Senior Cup Quarter Final : Although neither side is from Liverpool, Runcorn Linnets and Runcorn Town clashed this evening. Linnets played a weakened team, ELLIOTT ROKKA, who came off their bench, after 75 minutes, being the only Old Boy involved as they won 3-1.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

A scoreline which might read like a routine 2-1 win for the high-flying hosts belies just how well Stones went about their business - including taking a deserved lead only to be pegged back and, ultimately, defeated with a late Dale winner...

'We should be really proud of how we played today,' said Waddock. 'To take on this team (Rochdale) and go toe-to-toe with them, it's very encouraging.

'On the balance of play, I feel we should have got a result of some kind, and that would have been deserved...

'We went with a box midfield to give us four in the middle and outnumber them. We knew how they would play and we wanted to match them up'".

14 April 2026

NEXT: SUTTON UNITED

Last weekend the "U"s lost 3-0 at Carlisle United and the Cumbrian News & Star tells us that "Sutton United boss Chris Agutter admitted to 'mixed feelings' as his side sealed National League safety in defeat at Carlisle United.

On the game, Agutter said 'That’s frustrating, because we felt we could cause them problems with our set-up.'...

Agutter added 'We concede goals in bunches. That’s been the case since I’ve been here. We need more out there to take control of the situation...

'We’re limping through to the end of the season with a lot of tired legs and lads short of their bes'...

Agutter replaced Steve Morison at the Sutton helm last October and... 18th-placed Sutton [are] now eight points above the drop zone with two games to play...

'When we came in in October, we scraped a 0-0 at Braintree* and got absolutely battered. We’d won one game by that point.

'The challenge given to us by the guys upstairs was keep us in the National League. We wanted to be more attacking, aggressive, front foot, and we’ve done that'".

*Footnote: By coincidence, when Neil Gibson took over as Alty manager, his first match was also away at Braintree, where the Robins likewise secured a goalless draw.

LAST GAME: EASTLEIGH VERDICT

Right: Liam Humbles, Alty's loanee from Rochdale, put in another good performance on Saturday

Both goalkeepers were extremely busy, with Josh McNamara making some incredible saves throughout the game. After making one of the best saves of the season in the 18th minute, he was very unlucky to concede the follow-up shot from Tom Crawford. Likewise, Luke Hutchinson denied Harvey Saunders numerous times throughout the game to ensure that the Robins would keep a clean sheet...

Following an absolutely world-class save from McNamara in the 18th minute, the Robins took the lead as he unfortunately could not get to the rebound in time.

Olly Crankshaw put it on a plate for Liam Humbles (right), but somehow McNamara managed to get a fingertip to keep the close-range shot out. Harris was unable to get the ball clear as Crawford’s deflected shot found its way into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Altrincham."

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town v Southend United
• Wealdstone v Boston United
• Woking v Solihull Moors

THREE DEFEATS IN YORKSHIRE FOR ACADEMY

On 25 March, they lost 1-0 away to York City at the Minstermen's Traning Ground.

The following week, on 1 April, they suffered another narrow defeat in Yorkshire, this time at the hands of Guiseley, losing 2-1 at Nethermoor.

As for the under-19s who play in the National Football Youth League, there was also defeat in Yorkshire as they went down 3-1 away to Bradford Park Avenue's under-19s at the Horsfall Stadium on 27 March. That was their twentieth and final fixture of the league season.

Altrincham under-19s finished seventh in the eleven-strong division.

The Altrincham starters were Christopher Antoniades Afernee Denise, Callum Dakin, Rafael Fereday, Josh Herreaman, Kian Leckey, Benjamin Mensah, William Molloy, Charlie Noble, Thomas Tattersall and Jimmy Taafe. The three subs were Giovanni Ezomo, Benjamin McNamara and William Sneyd.

ALTY OLD BOYS

NWCL Premier Division : West Didsbury & Chorlton were without BEN ELLIOTT and LEWIS BILLINGSLEY for tonight's home game with Cheadle Town. SHERIFF NJIE and HARLAN RODGERS-MORRIS (above, right) started for the visitors, and Sheriff pulled them level after they had trailed at the break. Harlan went off after 67 minutes, and Cheadle went ahead for the first time in the game after 84 minutes, and hung on to win 1-2.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

He stated "This is clearly a challenging moment for everyone at the club and not where we had wanted to be. This has been an incredible season full of new experiences and opportunities that have challenged us but left us with some great memories such as hosting Man Utd PL2 in the National League Cup with a gate of 3000, beating Notts County to reach the 2nd round of the FA Cup and hosting the 3rd round draw and the team putting in some terrific league performances...

We plan now for next season’s campaign in National League North.

The club has been on a journey of continued success over many years from Southern League to National North and then last season making the step to the National League. This is a bump in the road on that journey...

A small town has got behind a team punching above our weight as one of only two part-time sides at Step 1. Everyone should feel proud of that work and commitment despite the disappointment...

Planning for the new season is underway with Andy and his team working on player recruitment. The club has continued to develop facilities at St James Park throughout the season...

Relegation is a set-back but that is all. The board has exciting plans to continue to take the club forward...

Matt Wise, Chairman".

At Aldershot Town "The club can confirm Christy Grogan has returned to his parent club, Stockport County, following a recall this week.

Christy certainly made an impression on the Shots squad and the fans, with 16 appearances for the Shots since joining us in December.

A huge member of this squad, a young Shot who’s got a bright future ahead of him, everyone at the club would like to thank Christy for the way he carried himself during his time here with his passion and commitment to this football club, and wish him the very best for his bright future ahead!"

13 April 2026

NEXT: SUTTON UNITED

Sutton had a dreadful start to the season, winning just one of their first sixteen league fixtures.

After a period of improvement in results, they arrive at Moss Lane amidst another poor run of results, having won just once in their last seven outings. Altrincham's recent record of one win in their six most recent outings is not much better.

Right: Lewis Banks started every one of Altrincham's first 14 fixtures of this season before suffering an injury which has sidelined him ever since. For the first time since then he was seen during Saturday's warm-up against Eastleigh, right.

ALTY: PLAY-OFF FORM AT HOME, RELEGATION FORM AWAY

Alty's win over Eastleigh on Saturday was their twelfth victory on home soil in their 22 home fixtures to date. No other club outside the play-off places has recorded so many home wins this season.

Also, no team outside the play-offs has amassed more than Altrincham's 37 home points.

In contrast, away form has been very poor with the only club to have won fewer games on the road than Altrincham this season being bottom team Truro City. Alty have won just three games away from home in the 2025/26 season

In addition, the Robins' twenty goals on the road is a total which is only better than the away-goal tally of the bottom two, Braintree Town and Truro City.

EASTLEIGH RELIEF OUTWEIGHS DISAPPOINTMENT

"I've a long affinity with this football club, it means a lot to me, so to see it get relegated would have been awful".

As for the game itself, Hill judged that "We were in the ascendancy in the second half and I thought we did enough to get a draw but [Alty keeper Hutchinson] has made a few excellent saves".

Indeed, Alty's loanee keeper, Luke Hutchinson from Bolton Wanderers, was named Man of the Match and was also included in the NL Paper's Team of the Day.

NATIONAL LEAGUE TOP SCORERS

So far as National League goalscorers are concerned, Ollie Pearce of York City leads the field by a country mile...

Top scorers to date

• 33 Ollie Pearce (York City)
• 26 Matt Rush (Boreham Wood)
• 24 Mani Dieseruvwe (Rochdale)
• 21 Will Harris (FC Halifax Town)
• 18 Callum Roberts & Danny Whitehall (both Scunthorpe United), Jack Nolan (Morecambe), REGAN LINNEY (Carlisle United)
• 17 Aaron Blair (Eastleigh)
• 16 Oliver Sanderson (Woking)
• 15 Andrew Dallas (Southend United), Josh Stones (York City), Zak Brunt (Boreham Wood)
• 14 Kyle McAllister (Forest Green Rovers)

NATIONAL LEAGUE UPS AND DOWNS

The fourth relegated team, Braintree Town, only survived two seasons at this level following their promotion to national level in 2024.

National League Promotion:

• Promoted as Champions: Either York City or Rochdale; no other club can catch the duo.
• Play-offs: Carlisle United, Boreham Wood, Scunthorpe United, Forest Green Rovers have qualified for the play-offs whilst the final place rests between Southend United and FC Halifax Town

National League North:

• Possible Champions: AFC Fylde or South Shields
• Relegated: Leamington, Peterborough Sports

National League South:

• Champions: Uncertain; Worthing currently lead by three points from Dorking Wanderers but both can still be caught by other teams.
• Relegated: Eastbourne Borough, Enfield, Chippenham Town and, most likely, also Bath City who need to win all three of their final fixtures to have any hope of survival.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS NEWS

It states, "Today is a painful day for us all as this afternoon’s result confirms our club’s second successive relegation. The frustration and anger felt by many of you is fully shared by us too and we completely recognise that the optimism and positivity that was evident last August was not able to be carried forward throughout the season. The expectations that we all shared have not materialised on the pitch. As owners, we are committed to continuing the required rebuild of this wonderful football club with urgency, vigour and renewed determination.

After the events of last Summer, we were proud to be able to rescue the club from inevitable insolvency and likely extinction, and the season started for us all with high expectation - in spite of the lack of time we had to put an initial playing squad together. Sadly, the performances and results were quite simply not there to meet that expectation, despite the heroic efforts of Jim Bentley since his appointment just 10 weeks ago.

In football, we all know that the table never lies and the results fell short of the expectations we all had. None of us wanted or expected to be in this position.

And yet notwithstanding those results, your loyalty and support at matches all season has been unwavering and special. We very much appreciate that support and recognise that it deserves more going forward".

12 April 2026

ALTRINCHAM 1-0 EASTLEIGH

The only goal of the afternoon arrived in the 18th minute when, from a Knowles pass, Humbles brought a fine save out of Eastleigh keeper McNamara but the ball was recycled and from a Kosylo feed Crawford netted.

Above: Tom Crawford is congratulated on his goal by Jimmy Knowles (right) and Eddy Jones (left).

Alty were largely comfortable rather than dominant before the weather and their performance deteriorated after the hour mark. Indeed, the Robins were greatly indebted for maintaining their lead to goalkeeper Hutchinson whose series of second-half saves earned him a deserved Man of the Match accolade.

In mitigation, Ross, Banks, Sass-Davies, Olson, Reed, Forde and Grant were all again out of contention through injury whilst Barnes and Reddin were still suspended for this game. For the game, Neil Gibson made two changes with Golden and Kirk dropping to the bench as Crankshaw and Khan returned to the starting eleven. Remi Raymond joined the bench for the first time since being named as a substitute in six games at the start of the season, from where he had made two appearances.

Match report here.

ALTY TV HIGHLIGHTS

NEIL'S VERDICT

Right: Like Hutchinson pictured marshalling his defence before an Eastleigh corner.

Alty's boss was "really pleased with the victory, with reaching mathemtical safety from relegation and the clean sheet" but he was left "frustrated that we didn't really kick on" after taking the lead.

He explained that "Eastleigh changed shape and threw a lot at us" but "We shouldn't have been hanging on in the manner that we were" in the latter stages of the afternoon.

As for the Spitfires' threat from Harvey Saunders, Neil explained that he had been well aware of Saunders from his own days at Tranmere Rovers, describing the forward as "a lively and mobile centre forward".

However, Neil felt that "We dealt with him relatively well but we had to make some good saves from him".

As for the Altrincham substitutions, Neil explained that Eastleigh had changed shape to 4-4-2, and we needed to change shape to 3-4-1-2, with "the extra centre back allowing us to see the game out".

Regarding man of the match, goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson, the Alty manager said that "he is growing in confidence, but there are still areas for him to improve but he's been fantastic for us." But the boss added, "it was disappointing that he's had to make those saves" when he might not have had to do so had we pushed on and gone two or more goals ahead.

ALTY OLD BOYS

South Korea K League 2 : MARCUS DACKERS returned to Daegu's starting XI at Suwon, but was withdrawn after 56 minutes when they trailed 2-1. His replacement, the veteran Brazilian forward Edgar, earned Daegu a point with an 88th minute leveller.

NPL Victoria : CONNOR HAMPSON put in a full shift as Oakleigh Cannons beat second placed Hume City 3-2 at home to climb 5 places in the table and usurp that second spot. Only 4 points separate 7 clubs from 2nd to 8th, but leaders South Melbourne are 4 points clear.

League One : OWEN DALE played the full game for Plymouth Argyle, but their neighbours Exeter City led twice before the game ended 2-2.

ALI SMITH (right) also completed his full stint for AFC Wimbledon, but they lost to the only goal at Burton Albion.

Rotherham United were already losing 0-1 to visiting neighbours Barnsley when DUNCAN WATMORE came off the bench, but their 95th minute penalty was mere consolation as they lost 1-3, leaving them 14 points from safety with only 5 games left.

CARL PIERGIANNI captained Stevenage to a priceless victory at Bradford City, one goal proving enough. They now sit in the last play off place, and have at least 1 game in hand on their nearest 3 pursuers.

Wycombe Wanderers were 2-1 down at Huddersfield Town when they brought on JUNIOR QUITIRNA after 81 minutes, and, despite being outgunned by 22 shots to 8, they struck in the 101st minute to snatch a 3-3 draw.

League Two : It was important for Barrow to get a result at Barnet since the other two prime relegation candidates were playing each other. They started well, going ahead after 3 minutes, came from behind to equalise in the 73rd minute, but eventually lost 3-2. ELLIOT NEWBY was an unused substitute. In that other game, Newport County won 2-1 at home to Harrogate Town, who remain bottom behind Barrow on goal difference. The Bluebirds are 4 points adrift of Newport, Crawley Town, and Tranmere Rovers, although they do have a game in hand on the first two of those (at home to Oldham Athletic on Tuesday night).

JAKE BICKERSTAFF set up Cheltenham Town's second goal at Walsall before leaving the action in the 85th minute. The Gloucestershire Robins went on to win 0-4.

JOEL SENIOR played the whole game for Bristol Rovers at home to Crawley Town - they scored the last goal of their 3-1 win after going down to 10 men.

The scoring was over by the time hosts Chesterfield brought on JAMES BERRY, visitors Tranmere Rovers forcing a 1-1 draw. Rovers are still without CONNOR JENNINGS, whose knee injury has sidelined him since the end of January.

Grimsby Town were 3-0 up when they brought on JUSTIN AMALUZOR in the 82nd minute. Whether that was a contributory factor in visitors Crewe Alexandra subsequently pulling 2 goals back is open to debate.

REAGAN OGLE remains out of action for Oldham Athletic, who lost by the only goal at Shrewsbury Town, for whom KEVIN BERKOE played the full game.

National League : Tamworth were without KENNEDY DIGIE as they lost by the only goal at home to league leaders York City. The Minstermen withdrew ALEX NEWBY (left) after 66 minutes, and JEFF KING 10 minutes later.

Although TYRESE SINCLAIR put in a full shift for Hartlepool United, they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 at Boreham Wood.

Gateshead were without KEATON WARD but won 0-1 at Aldershot, who were themselves lacking MATT PENNEY.

CONNOR TEALE played the whole of Boston United's 1-0 home win over relegated Truro City.

Carlisle United wrapped up their 3-0 home win over Sutton United before the break, and REGAN LINNEY claimed the assist for the 3rd goal. He was substituted after 85 minutes. CHRIS CONN-CLARKE was again missing.

Without the suspended ROSS BARROWS, Scunthorpe United beat Brackley Town 1-0 to seal the Northamptonshire club's relegation. DECLAN HOWE came on for the Iron after 78 minutes. Their companions in relegation distress were confirmed as Braintree Town, and Morecambe who went out with a whimper at Woking, losing 5-1. JOE NUTTALL wasn't in the squad.

LEWIS BAINES played the full game for Solihull Moors in a goalless draw at Southend United.

Halifax brought on BILLY WATERS after 56 minutes of their goalless draw at Yeovil Town, who stopped MATT GOULD from getting lonely on the bench by leaving him KYLE FERGUSON for company.

National North : Alfreton Town were already trailing to visitors Oxford City when they had a man sent off in the 22nd minute, but they came back in the second half to draw 1-1. LEWIS SALMON played the full game for them, as did ASHLEY HEMMINGS for the visitors.

CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde were beaten by the only goal at Chester, and he suffered the ignominy of red card just before the break. CHRIS MERRIE started for the Coasters, and GEORGE WILSON was forced into action in the 36th minute. DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY played throughout for Chester, while TOM PEERS was an 82nd minute substitute.

Radcliffe could have done Fylde a favour by getting a result against their only rivals for automatic promotion - but South Shields enjoyed their trip to Greater Manchester, winning 2-5. JORDAN HULME was substituted after 64 minutes, while JUDE OYIBO came off the Boro bench 8 minutes later, and provided the assist for their second goal.

Curzon Ashton keeper JOSH OLLERENSHAW kept a clean sheet as they won 0-1 at Chorley, for whom OWEN GERMAN played throughout.

Having had SAM HEATHCOTE sent off for a second yellow after 42 minutes, and then finding themselves behind, Macclesfield dug in at Merthyr Town to scrap their way to a 1-2 win. JAMES GALE, ELLIOTT OSBORNE, and KACPER PASIEK also started for them, although James was withdrawn after 64 minutes.

Scottish Premiership : JOE HUGILL gave Kilmarnock the lead at home to Dundee, and played to the end as they were held 2-2.

NPL Premier Division : JAMES HARDY played the full game as Ashton United beat visitors Workington 2-1. This allowed neighbours Hyde United to leapfrog the Cumbrians at the bottom, although neither side is safe yet. Hyde had a full shift from both WILL HALL (right) and DONTAI GABIDON in their 1-1 draw at Whitby Town, while captain JACK REDSHAW gave way to MAX HARROP in the 86th minute.

Hednesford Town comfortably beat relegation threatened visitors Morpeth Town 4-0, Omari Sterling-James's hat trick being padded out with a goal from MONTEL GIBSON.

SHARIF DEANS played a full part in Prescot Cables 1-0 defeat at Leek Town. The victors were without ADAM PORTER, while HAYDEN CAMPBELL came off in the 77th minute.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : By the time Boldmere St Michaels called TOLANI OMOTOLA off the bench in the 83rd minute, they were 0-4 down to League leaders Anstey Nomads. However, Tolani at least punctured the visitors' clean sheet in the short time at his disposal.

Despite a full shift from skipper ANDY DALES, Mickleover lost 4-2 at Long Eaton United.

NPL Division 1 West : AIDY ROXBURGH and BYRON HARRISON both played the full game for Nantwich Town at Gigg Lane where leaders Bury scored the only goal. Meanwhile nearest challengers Avro, with a full shift from DAVID FITZPATRICK, won 1-4 at Vauxhall Motors, for whom KEVIN ELLISON played 68 minutes.

The championship now more or less rests between those two clubs, after Stalybridge Celtic were surprisingly beaten 2-0 at Sporting Khalsa. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game, but GREG WILKINSON was left on the bench.

TONY THOMPSON and TOM HANNIGAN played the full game for Bootle at Clitheroe, where they won 0-2.

SAM SHERIDAN captained Atherton Collieries to a 2-1 home win over Chasetown.

SEAN MILLER came off after 69 minutes at Kidsgrove Athletic, and 2 minutes later RYAN BROOKE came off the Runcorn Linnets bench as they won 1-3.

Captain MARK LEES and MASON FAWNS both played the full game for Mossley, who beat relegated visitors Darlaston Town 1-0.

ELLIOTT DURRELL (left) came off the Shifnal Town bench after 64 minutes, but relegated visitors Wythenshawe Town were already two goals to the good, and went onto win 1-2. ASTLEY MULHOLLAND played the full game for Wythenshawe.

SEAN HIGGINS was an unused substitute as Trafford lost to the only goal from Newcastle Town at Shawe View.

Having seen REMI RAYMOND return to Moss Lane this week, DAVE PARTON and his Congleton Town colleagues went down 3-2 at Witton Albion. JOEL BEMBO-LETA opened the scoring for Albion as he, JAMES LAWRIE and DAMOLA SOTONA played the whole game.

JACK HINCHY lasted 87 minutes for Wealdstone at the Crown Oil Arena, as Rochdale came from behind to win 2-1 with a 90th minute goal. Dale are 2 points behind leaders York City with a 24 goal deficit to catch up, and only 2 games remaining. Both would be expected to win next Saturday - York entertain Yeovil Town, while Rochdale travel to relegated Braintree Town. This would leave the door open to a tense finish the following Saturday when the teams meet at Rochdale!

NWCL Premier Division : DARIUS PALMA scored twice as Wythenshawe won 1-8 at Pilkington. A single point from their 2 remaining fixtures would confirm them as champions. They entertain JOHN JOHNSTON'S Irlam on Tuesday, and Longridge Town on Saturday.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town v Southend United
• Wealdstone v Boston United
• Woking v Solihull Moors

Saturday 18th April 2026

• Brackley Town v Aldershot Town
• Braintree Town v Rochdale ko 5.30pm
• Eastleigh v Tamworth
• FC Halifax Town v Southend United ko 12.30pm
• Gateshead v Woking
• Hartlepool United v Forest Green Rovers
• Morecambe v Boreham Wood
• Solihull Moors v Boston United
• Sutton United v Altrincham
• Truro City v Carlisle United
• Wealdstone v Scunthorpe United
• York City v Yeovil Town ko 5.30pm

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE FIXTURES

• Aldershot Town 0-1 Gateshead
• Altrincham 1-0 Eastleigh
• Boreham Wood 3-0 Hartlepool United (ko 12.30pm)
• Boston United 1-0 Truro City
• Carlisle United 3-0 Sutton United
• Forest Green Rovers 3-1 Braintree Town
• Rochdale 2-1 Wealdstone (ko 5.30pm)
• Scunthorpe United 1-0 Brackley Town
• Southend United 0-0 Solihull Moors
• Tamworth 0-1 York City (ko 12.30pm)
• Woking 5-1 Morecambe
• Yeovil Town 0-0 FC Halifax Town

BEFORE THE GAME: NEIL GIBSON

Neil explained that when he took over as manager he was aware of the team's "drop-off in possession stats in the last 30 minutes of games", adding that it had become "a mentality thing" which still needs to be changed.

As for deploying Tom Crawford as a centre-forward on Monday in a 4-2-3-1 set-up, Neil explained that we needed "a centre-forward for an out-ball". Over the season he added, we "haven't had a centre-forward who is dominant in the air".

Having given the players a day off after their six games in seventeen days, Neil aims to ensure that "the season doesn't peter out... with negative momentum" going into the following campaign.

As for injuries, the manager reported "positive news of Anthony Forde (left) and Lewis Banks (right) who are both "back on the pitch" in training but they are "not anywhere near" being ready for the game against Eastleigh

Also, Billy Sass-Davies, who has missed the entire season, "has made his way onto the pitch in the last 2/3 days" of training.

BEFORE THE GAME: TOM CRAWFORD

Having been deployed as a centre-forward, the midfielded revealed that he had "quite enjoyed it" but conceded that his "legs had gone after 70 minutes"!

Like his manager, Tom says that "we can't coast into next season" by having a run of poor results before the end of the current campaign

He praised the Altrincham away fans, who "have been superb" even though the players "have not really given them back what they deserve" in their performances on the road.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Irish Premier League : Shamrock Rovers were the bookmakers' favourites to win the league before the season kicked off. Given that they've won the championship in 5 of the last 6 seasons, it should come as no surprise. Tonight they visited St.Patricks, who were a little fortunate to go top last week, and duly replaced them by scoring the only goal of the game. BARRY BAGGLEY was substituted by the defeated hosts after 69 minutes.

Off the field, the BBC reports that "Northern Premier League chairman MARK HARRIS [ex-Altrincham FC chairman] has been relieved of his duties pending an investigation into an allegation he sent an abusive email to an FC United of Manchester fan over a controversial decision to change the venue for a crucial end-of-season game.

The allegation centres around Harris's response to an email from FC United supporter Aled Duckfield, complaining about the NPL's decision to switch the location of FC United's match with Stockton Town to nearby Curzon Ashton on 21 April... due to pitch issues at FC United's Broadhurst Park ground...

Harris's alleged reply contained abusive language aimed at Duckfield...

The NPL Board met to discuss the matter, which is also the subject of a Football Association investigation, on Friday morning...

Harris has refused to comment on the alleged email, but BBC Sport has been told he reported himself to the FA...

Harris is a hugely respected figure within non-league circles. He was appointed NPL chairman in 2009. He also serves on the FA's National Leagues Pyramid Board".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Pendleton may have only made 13 appearances for Brackley, but he made a terrific impression on the St James Park faithful and will be missed by all involved with the football club...

Pendleton featured predominantly as a right-back or right wing-back and impressed from the get-go, with his work rate and exemplary attitude standing out... and was recently nominated for the club’s player of the season award.

Pendleton was one of those sidelined as Saints boss Andy Whing had just four players on the bench for Easter Monday’s 1-1 draw with Boston United, with an injury crisis taking hold".

Brackley Town commented that the player was "a top professional and a pleasure to have in the red and white. We’re proud of the impact he made at Brackley.”

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

Their last two seasons have seen them finish thirteenth with 59 points on each occasion.

The Spitfires cannot match that finish this season as they lie 20th with 46 points and three games to play. Mathematically they are not safe from relegation but they have a seven-point buffer from the best-placed team in the bottom four, Brackley Town.

Right: Back in August 2024, we see Eastleigh's Quigley and Alty's Lewis Baines contesting an aerial ball during the second half.

Although Altrincham go into Saturday's game in 16th place, four places higher than Eastleigh , they are just two points ahead of their guests from Hampshire.

Last season the Spitfires won the corresponding fixture 1-0 in August 2024 which was their first win at Moss Lane in seven attempts.

Victory back then arrived thanks to a Maguire penalty which was converted in the 72nd minute. It came after Quigley had been upended in the box by Haygarth.

The penalty materialised after a rehearsed Eastleigh freekick seemed to have gone wrong but, following four or five passes, the move ended with the foul on Quigley inside the box.

The match itself lacked goalmouth excitement until after the Eastleigh goal when Altrincham went hard for an equaliser but they squandered a couple of chances and were denied two penalty appeals. Before that their best chance had come from a fierce low cross from the left by Amaluzor which Banks instinctively diverted towards goal, only for keeper McDonnell to make an important block (62 mins).

Just two of the starters that day also started for Altrincham last Monday. They are Tylor Golden and Tom Crawford.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Ethan ROSS, 2. Lewis BANKS, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 16. James JONES, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 10. Alex NEWBY, 21. Max HAYGARTH, 11. Justin AMALUZOR, 24. Joe NUTTALL. Subs: 5. Jake COOPER, 9. Regan LINNEY, 19. George WILSON, 7. Matty KOSYLO 15. Kahrel REDDIN, 18. Owen GERMAN, 30. Harvey RANDLE (gk).

ALTY OLD BOYS

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS

Originally joining the Iron on a two-year contract in 2024 following his departure from Fylde in the summer of that same year, the energetic midfielder enjoyed a two-year spell with the Coasters, during which he helped secure promotion to the National League in the 2022-23 campaign...

This term, Rowley started the season by becoming a more defensive-minded midfielder, sitting at the base of United's established midfield three 44 times in all competitions and, in doing so, playing more minutes than any other player".

Aldershot Town "provide the following injury updates through the words of First-Team Lead Sports Therapist, Georgia Haskett:

• Jed Meerholz... is currently completing change of direction work alongside ball-based exercises, with a gradual reintegration into full training to follow.
• Ashley Akpan has returned to full contact training and recently featured for the Under-23s, completing 45 minutes without any issues..
• Josh Brooking is showing encouraging signs in his rehabilitation and has now progressed to change of direction and ball work. The next phase will see elements of team training gradually introduced...
• Luke Jenkins has been managing tendinitis in his hamstring and has received two injections to aid his recovery. Following the second, he experienced some mild side effects which required a short period of rest...
• Ollie Harfield has now returned to full training and is progressing very well. He is in a strong physical condition, and if his progress continues, there is the potential for him to gain some minutes before the end of the season."

Hartlepool United "will welcome supporters inside The Prestige Group Stadium for a special Open Training Session on Tuesday 14th April, offering a rare opportunity to experience the first-team environment up close.

The session will see Manager Nicky Featherstone and Coach Gary Liddle lead preparations on the pitch in front of supporters, providing a behind-the-scenes insight into the standards and intensity of first-team training.

Turnstiles will open from 10 am, with training commencing at 11 am, before players remain pitchside to meet supporters for photographs and autographs...

Rose Stoker, Commercial & Operations Director at Hartlepool United, said 'This is a fantastic opportunity for our supporters, especially younger fans, to get closer to the players and coaching staff and to experience first-hand what a typical training session looks like'".

Yeovil Town "is aware of the recent First Gazette notice for compulsory strike-off relating to Yeovil Town Holdings Limited.

This has arisen due to a minor administrative discrepancy during the director identity verification process, following the introduction of new Companies House requirements. The issue relates to a formatting difference in a director’s name in line with passport documentation for directors who are non-UK residents.

We are working with the relevant authorities to resolve the matter and expect it to be addressed within the next few days.

This is an administrative matter only and there is no impact on the day-to-day running of the football club".

9 April 2026

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

The reverse fixture in Hampshire was played on 30 August 2025 with the Spitfires winning 2-1, despite Alty having taken the lead.

Indeed, Altrincham looked set to win after a dominant first-half against a misfiring Eastleigh.

Following a good start by Altrincham, James Gale (right) netted off the bar in the 20th minute to give the visitors the lead. The Robins should have been ahead by more than that one-goal lead at the interval on the balance of play.

And they paid the price for not adding to their lead as Eastleigh netted twice in three minutes soon after the break.

Firstly, Eastleigh levelled just three minutes into the second half. Interval substitute Saunders laid on the goal for Evans to sidefoot a leveller (48 mins).

Then, the Spitfires took the lead soon afterwards when a left-wing cross was headed in from close range by Saunders with Hutchinson, on his line, unable to stop it (51 mins).

After that, Eastleigh were largely comfortable, despite Altrincham deploying three of their substitutes.

ALTRINCHAM: 30 Luke Hutchinson, 2 Lewis Banks (c), 34. Dan Sassi, 3 Sam Reed, 24. Sam Barnes, 8 Isaac Marriott, 22. Tom Crawford, 11. Jimmy Knowles, 20 Kahrel Reddin, 10 Keaton Ward, 9 James Gale. Subs: 4. Lewis Baines, 14 Matty Kosylo, 16 Remi Raymond, 6. Elliot Osborne, 17. Lucas Weaver, 27 Louie Fallon, 40 Charlie Kirk.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 11 APRIL

On 11 April 2015 Altrincham travelled to Devon to face Torquay United and suffered two early misfortunes, They lost goalkeeper Coburn to injury in the opening minutes to injury and then had an early Reeves goal ruled out for offside.

Two goals in five minutes from Daniel (22 mins) and Bowman (27 mins) gave Torquay command before the interval, the second goal was a penalty conceded by Luca Havern.

Above: Having lost Stuart Coburn to injury in the opening minutes, substitute keeper Dave Parton faced a penalty from which the Gills netted their second goal. As the image shows, Dave almost saved it.

Sinnott and Leather had good shots saved in the second half but Alty could not get back into the game. Alty's misfortune continued as, eight minutes from time, Moult was sent off for a second yellow-card offence.

ALTRINCHAM: 1. Stuart Coburn, 6. Scott Leather, 5. Gianluca Havern (c), 16. Tom Marshall, 3. Adam Griffin, 8 Simon Richman, 26. Jordan Sinnott, 4. Jake Moult, 7. James Lawrie, 11. Nicky Clee, 10. Damian Reeves. Subs: 17.Dave Parton, 14. Kyle Perry, 19. Ryan Crowther, 9. Steven Gillespie, 20. Joel Swift

ALTY OLD BOYS

National North : JUSTIN DONAWA wasn't in Hereford's squad at Marine, but their victory by the only goal gave them a great chance of pulling out of the relegation zone.

NWCL Premier Division : LEWIS BILLINGSLEY played 58 minutes for West Didsbury & Chorlton as they won by the only goal at Barnoldswick Town, but BEN ELLIOTT wasn't involved.

Cheshire Senior Cup : KEVIN ELLISON was a second half substitute for Vauxhall Motors, but they lost their semi final at Runcorn Town 3-1.

SHAYMEN'S ALTY EXPERIENCE

Altrincham boasts one of the best chip shops in the northern England, the service is lightning quick and you get a decent bucket of chips for a reasonable price. Admission to Alty’s ground was a very reasonable £20 for adults, especially if you were early enough to bag one of around 50 covered seats. For everyone else, £20 to stand on an open terrace in the pouring rain, perhaps wasn’t as an attractive prospect. Inside the ground you could also buy a hot dog for bargain £6.

With the heavens opening and the Alty fans nice and dry, the home side kicked towards the soggy five hundred or so travelling Shaymen in the first half...

The second half was pretty much all Town, corner after corner rained into the Alty box as the team took control...

The game was settled late into injury time... as Town deservedly took the three points for a well organised display. A soggy afternoon suddenly seemed worth every minute for the jubilant travelling Shaymen. Altrincham must be really fed up with the Shaymen visiting".

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

The new range of season tickets includes an amazing 3 Year Price Freeze Offer - which holds the season ticket prices for home league fixtures for the next three years at only £253 and, in addition, offers a FREE season ticket for the Moors’ first campaign in the EFL should we be fortunate enough to be promoted in any of those 3 seasons...

This offer applies to all adult supporters and concessions 65 and over (not just existing season ticket holders).

• £25 once-off, non-refundable, subscription fee (including booking fee) - payable before 1st July 2026, but if paid before 16th April 2026, you will receive a free adult ticket for our home game on 18th April against Boston United. Please note: if you pay the £25 before 16th April 2026, you do not need to pay the £253/£196 below until on or before 1st July.
• £253 (excluding booking fee) for a full adult season ticket per season for 2026/27, 2027/28, 2028/29 - payable on or before 1st July in each relevant year.
• £196 (excluding booking fee) for a concession 65 and over season ticket per season for 2026/27, 2027/28, 2028/29 - payable

Chairman Darryl Eales said 'We have an amazing fan base and general support locally, but we are looking at innovative ways to encourage more fans to come to games more frequently and, especially, to buy season tickets.

I loved the offer by Doug King at Coventry City FC, which offered a free season ticket if the Sky Blues were promoted to the Premier League and have tried to replicate something similar with the Moors 3 Year Price Freeze Offer".

York City report that "Ash Palmer’s loan at FC Halifax Town has been extended until the end of the season.

Since joining the Shaymen initially on a one-month deal, he has played every minute of their last seven games, keeping three clean sheets".

Footnote: Palmer joined York last summer and had made six appearances for the Minstermen at that point.

25 March 2026

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

Two goals from Aaron Blair, either side of half-time, proved decisive at the Silverlake Stadium, with Dan Ellison’s late header only offering a consolation for the Glovers...

The hosts’ dominance was eventually rewarded in the 32nd minute. A well-worked move saw Eweka release Harvey Saunders, who squared the ball across goal for Blair to convert and give Eastleigh a deserved lead...

Billy Rowley turned to his bench at the interval, introducing Joy Mukena, James Daly and Ollie Hughes in a triple substitution.

However, Yeovil were dealt a further setback in the 57th minute when Blair doubled his tally..

Yeovil did manage to pull a goal back in stoppage time when Dan Ellison rose highest to meet a Ryan Jones delivery, powering a header into the net. However, it proved too little, too late".

ALTY OLD BOYS

PHIL PARKINSON'S Fleetwood Town U21's felt his power on Tuesday afternoon as he hit a hat trick in a 2-6 home defeat.

Parkinson's charges appear to have gone backwards under his stewardship, and over the past 8 days they've suffered 3 straight defeats, conceding 17 goals in the process. If part of the problem is his goalkeeper, CALEB ANSEN can't get a game for Norwich City U21, while OLLIE BYRNE seems to have been spirited away by leprechauns...

League One : DUNCAN WATMORE was withdrawn after 77 minutes by Rotherham United, who lost by the only goal at Port Vale.

League Two : Bromley left MARCUS DINANGA on the bench as they came from behind to beat visitors Shrewsbury Town 2-1. The Shropshire team withdrew KEVIN BERKOE after 79 minutes - he'd been booked half an hour earlier.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

Braintree’s fate was sealed with a goalless draw at home to Jermain Defoe's Woking...

Pitt said, 'I’m devastated. Not for myself, but for the staff, players and more than anybody, I am devastated for the fans... They know what we’re dealing with off the pitch and what we have to address...

'I cannot remotely consider a forward on over £2,000 per week, because that is exactly what that commodity costs you at this level. It’s a problem.

'We had an upturn in wages in the summer, through conditions in the players’ contracts. That stopped us dead in our tracks.'

Braintree’s relegation is their third from the National League in the past ten seasons...#

He added 'I haven’t had a conversation with the chairman, and I don’t intend on having a conversation until the last ball is kicked at Tamworth [on April 25].

'There are some serious problems here that have to be addressed off the pitch, that I deal with on a daily basis.

'If this club is going to rise again, those issues have got to be addressed, and there are lots and lots of them.

'There’s not a manager at this level that’s working under the conditions that I am. That’s a fact.'”

At Solihull Moors "delivered a dominant display to sweep aside Boreham Wood, with Darius Lipsiuc the standout performer as he grabbed a brace and ran the show throughout. Ben Worman pulled the strings in the first half with two assists, while Callum McFarlane impressed on his return to the starting line-up with excellent hold-up play...

Both sides were evenly matched for the opening 25 minutes...

The breakthrough came.., from a corner following some intricate play. Ben Worman’s delicate delivery found LEWIS BAINES, who powered a header home for his first goal in Moors colours.c..

The Moors doubled their lead on 37 minutes, with McFarlane once again heavily involved as he recycled a free kick before feeding Worman, whose pinpoint cross was met by Darius Lipsiuc, the forward heading home to make it two...

Solihull started the second half with real intent and extended their lead within three minutes...

Joe Sbarra got the goal his performance deserved in the 54th minute, capitalising on a mistake from Ilesanmi...

Substitute Josh Landers pulled one back for the visitors in the 81st minute... The Moors comfortably saw out an impressive victory".

7 April 2026

YORK CITY 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Match report here.

DEFEATS AND SURVIVAL

Never before until this season, in their previous 33 seasons of national football, have Altrincham ever lost 50% or more of their league games and NOT finished in a relegation place. To date they have lost 23 of their 43 completed fixtures in 2025/26 so they will end the season with at least 50% of their National League games ending in defeat.

Their record number of defeats is 24 from 46 games at national level as outlined below.

• Altrincham's first spell of 18 seasons at national level (1979-1997): in 1996/97 season they played 42 games and lost half of them (21); they finished bottom of the 22 clubs and were RELEGATED
• 1999-00 was a single season back at national level in which they only lost 14 matches out of 42 played yet were relegated
• 2005-11 was their third spell at national level and during these six seasons, in 2007/08, they lost 23 of their 46 matches and finished 21st of 24 and would have been RELEGATED but for the financial demise of Halifax Town which earned them a reprieve.

  In 2010/11 they lost more than half of their games, 24 of their 46 fixtures and finished 22nd of 24 clubs and were RELEGATED

• 2014-16 they lost 22 times out of 46 games in each of these two seasons back at national level. Curiously 2014/15 saw them finish as high as 17th with 56 points yet the same number of defeats in the following season, 2015/16, saw them earn just 44 points and get relegated in 22nd place.
• 2020-26 In the six seasons to date, 2025/26 has seen them lose 23 of 43 games played to date

Footnote: When Neil Gibson took over as manager, Altrincham had won 13 points from 15 games played under his predecessor Phil Parkinson, which was an average of 0.87 points per game (PPG) at that point. Since then, under Neil Gibson 35 points have been won from 28 fixtures in the National League at a PPG rate of 1.25.

Over the previous five full seasons in the National League, excluding play-offs in 2023-24, the PPG were as follows...

• 2020/21: 1.12 PPG finished 17th
• 2021/22: 1.25 PPG 14th
• 2022/23: 1.22 PPG 17th
• 2023/24: 1.74 PPG 4th
• 2024/25: 1.39 PPG 9th

NEIL PROUD OF HIS TEAM

The Alty boss alluded to having played six games in 17 days with a lot of travel involved but at York he felt they gave "a performance to be proud of" but he was "absolutely sick and devastated to concede in such a late fashion".

Goalscorer Jimmy Knowles (right), despite being asked to play in a more withdrawn position was "excellent today" and showed great composure to go round the keeper to score.

In the build up to York's equaliser there was a "really obvious foul on Tylor Golden by Ollie Banks, a deliberate flick out by Ollie Banks", a view shared by York's radio and DAZN commentators.

The Alty boss had praise for late debutant Joel Bailey who "handled himself really, really well" when he came on.

The manager insisted that the "last three games of the season really matter" as the team strives to finish the campaign on a high note.

NEXT: EASTLEIGH

The Spitfires strengthened their case with a 2-1 win over Yeovil Town on Monday.

Eastleigh reported that "Aaron Blair’s brace helped Eastleigh to win 2-1 against Yeovil Town at the Silverlake! The Spitfires dominated large periods of the contest, applying early pressure and forcing a series of key saves from Yeovil goalkeeper Jed Ward. Blair’s goals in either half ultimately proved decisive, rewarding Eastleigh’s attacking intent. Yeovil Town’s consolation goal was far too late as Eastleigh secured all the points!

After picking up a point against Woking on Easter Friday, Richard Hill decided to go with the same starting team against Yeovil Town for the Bank Holiday Monday game. The only change in the squad came on the bench, with Richard Brindley replacing Connor Underhill...

Eastleigh: McNamara, Vokins (Evans 20′), Eweka, Blair, Saunders, Lundstram, Cousins (C) (Brindley 84′), Aguiar, Harris, Moorem Baldwin. Unused substitutes: Humphries, Waruih, Effiong, Stone, Maher"

ALTY OLD BOYS

League One : It was a dispiriting afternoon for ALI SMITH as AFC Wimbledon were totally outplayed by visitors Luton Town, who won 0-3 despite his full shift. OWEN DALE fared much better, playing the full game at Oakwell as Plymouth Argyle won by the same scoreline against Barnsley.

CARL PIERGIANNI was booked, but Stevenage beat visitors Blackpool by the only goal.

Wycombe Wanderers led at the interval, but visitors Bradford City had equalised by the time JUNIOR QUITIRNA was withdrawn on the hour, and the Bantams soon struck again to win 1-2.

League Two : JAMES BERRY scored the only goal before being withdrawn after 83 minutes as Chesterfield won at Barrow. ELLIOT NEWBY had left the field a minute earlier, as side still sit in the relegation zone.

Cheltenham Town were trailing to promotion hopefuls Cambridge United at Whaddon Road when JAKE BICKERSTAFF (right) was withdrawn after 69 minutes, but an own goal in added time earned them a 1-1 draw.

Grimsby Town scored the only 2 goals at Crawley Town inside 36 minutes. The Sussex team were reduced to 10 men only 2 minutes after the restart. JUSTIN AMALUZOR came of the Grimsby bench after 81 minutes.

The other side sharing the relegation spots with Barrow are Harrogate Town. They led twice against visitors Bristol Rovers, for whom JOEL SENIOR played the whole game, but eventually lost 2-3.

National League : CONNOR TEALE was left on the bench by Boston United as they drew 1-1 at Brackley Town.

Although KYLE FERGUSON was booked after only 7 minutes at Eastleigh, he played the full match as Yeovil Town went down 2-1. JOSH LUNDSTRAM played the full game for the Spitfires, but MATT GOULD was in his usual vantage point on the Yeovil bench.

DECLAN HOWE was handed a start by Scunthorpe United at Gateshead, but was withdrawn after 72 minutes with their 2-0 defeat already looking assured. The second goal was a KEATON WARD penalty, which was conceded by ROSS BARROWS who was sent off.

TYRESE SINCLAIR returned to the Hartlepool United starting lineup, and played the full game in a goalless draw, which did visitors Rochdale no favours, leaving them 2 points behind leaders York City.

After REGAN LINNEY had equalised for Carlisle United at Morecambe, they went ahead - but an 82nd minute own goal meant they had to settle for a 2-2 draw. CHRIS CONN-CLARKE wasn't in their squad, nor was JOE NUTTALL for Morecambe.

LEWIS BAINES opened the scoring for Solihull Moors, playing the whole game as they beat visitors Boreham Wood 4-1.

MATT PENNEY came off Aldershot's bench only in the 91st minute, far too late to affect a 3-0 win by hosts Wealdstone, who left JACK HINCHY on the bench.

National North : AFC Fylde were 3-0 up at half time against visitors Radcliffe, and CRAIG MAHON substituted CHRIS MERRIE, bringing on GEORGE WILSON in his place. JORDAN HULME headed an unlikely 70th minute equaliser, but Fylde went on to win 4-3. JUDE OYIBO was a late Radcliffe substitute.

There was a shock at the Moss Rose as Macclesfield succumbed 0-2 to visitors Chester. DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY opened the scoring, before giving way to TOM PEERS after 71 minutes. JAMES GALE was booked and then withdrawn after 65 minutes for the Silkmen, while KACPER PASIEK (left) replaced SAM HEATHCOTE at half time. ELLIOTT OSBORNE went off after 83 minutes.

Chorley trailed 2-0 at half time at Marine. OWEN GERMAN reduced the arrears after 71 minutes, but within 5 minutes the Magpies were down to 10 men, and lost 2-1.

CONNOR KIRBY opened the scoring for Buxton, who won 1-2 at Worksop Town, whose 95th minute goal was simply consolation. He was booked soon afterwards, as was LUKE WATERFALL for the hosts. SAM WEDGBURY was an unused Worksop substitute.

Professional Development League : JACK KINGDON captained Cardiff City U21 at league leaders Brentford, who proved too good for them, winning 4-0, their 7th consecutive victory.

Southern Premier Central : YUSIFU CEESAY (right) scored the clincher as Spalding United won 0-2 at Barwell.

NPL Premier Division : With MONTEL GIBSON playing throughout, Hednesford Town scored 2 late goals at Broadhurst Park to snatch a 1-2 victory over FC United, and go above them into second spot. GERALD SITHOLE was a 92nd minute substitute for the home side.

Captained by JACK REDSHAW, and with DONTAI GABIDON and WILL HALL in their starting XI, Hyde United scored the only goal of their home Tameside derby against Ashton United from the penalty spot. However Jack had to go off after 32 minutes, being replaced by MAX HARROP, who picked up a booking. JAMES HARDY played the full game for Ashton.

Two HAYDEN CAMPBELL goals gave Leek Town a 0-2 win at Stocksbridge Park Steels. ADAM PORTER was a 29th minute sub, and Campbell went off after 71 minutes.

DEAN FURMAN captained Warrington Rylands to victory by the only goal in their away derby at Warrington Town, but was substituted after 77 minutes.

NPL Division 1 West : SEAN HIGGINS was an unused substitute as Trafford's last chance of staying in the division was practically extinguished at promotion chasing Avro, who won 2-1 with DAVID FITZPATRICK playing the full match.

REMI RAYMOND was an unused substitute, but Congleton Town keeper DAVE PARTON kept a clean sheet as they beat visitors Shifnal Town 2-0. Shifnal left ELLIOTT DURRELL on the bench.

KEVIN ELLISON stayed on the Vauxhall Motors bench at Lower Breck, while YASSINE TOURE wasn't in the squad, as they lost 4-0.

Nantwich Town had AIDY ROXBURGH and BYRON HARRISON on the pitch for the whole game at home to Witton Albion, while JOE PIGGOTT came on at half time, but it was Albion who won 0-4. JAMES LAWRIE and captain JOEL BEMBO-LETA played the full game for them, while both DAMOLA SOTONA and BEN HARRISON were late substitutes.

KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game for Stalybridge Celtic who won 1-0 at home against Mossley, although GREG WILKINSON was left on the bench. MASON FAWNS played throughout for Mossley, as did skipper MARK LEES, who was booked.

SAM SHERIDAN captained Atherton Collieries as he returned to another of his former clubs, relegated Wythenshawe Town. Collieries scored 3 times without reply. ASTLEY MULHOLLAND played the full game for Town.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : TOLANI OMOTOLA (right) played the whole of Boldmere St Michaels' 3-0 defeat at neighbours Sutton Coldfield Town.

Skipper ANDY DALES scored the opener for Mickleover, who beat struggling visitors Rugby Town 4-1.

Irish Premier League : Bohemians surprising 1-1 home draw with bottom club Waterford meant that St Patrick's remain top despite losing 2-1 at Dundalk. BARRY BAGGLEY played the full game.

NWCL Premier Division : West Didsbury & Chorlton lost 1-0 at champions elect Wythenshawe. BEN ELLIOTT was left out, and LEWIS BILLINGSLEY was an 84th minute substitute. The hosts fielded DARIUS PALMA and 40 year old JEROME WRIGHT, who joined Wythenshawe from Trafford in November last year.

6 April 2026

YORK CITY 2-1 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham had taken a 36th minute lead when York's Zak Johnson's mispass allowed Knowles to run at goal, round the keeper, and slot the ball past two retreating defenders on the goal line.

But, inside two minutes, York had levelled after Banks, off the ball, had tripped Golden on the York right but play was allowed to continue before Banks received the ball and scored.

Apart from a brief period around the hour-mark, York dominated the second half. Their late winner came when Batty's ball towards the back post was headed down by Kitching for Fagan-Walcott to nod hime from close range (90+6 mins).

Alty finished the day in sixteenth place and barring some bizarre scoring they are safe in the National League for next season. But 23 defeats from 43 league fixtures is a sorry tally and the highest at national level since 2011 when they suffered relegation from the Blue Square Premier after 24 defeats in 46 matches.

Match report here.

For Altrincham, Ross, Banks, Sass-Davies, Olson and Forde remained sidelined by injury, a list to which Josh Grant was added for this game following his pulling up and needing to be subbed on Good Friday. In addition to those six, both Barnes and Reddin remained suspended.

Two changes were made to the starting eleven; Cooper replaced Grant and Weaver was displaced by Eddy Jones.

ALTRINCHAM : 30. Luke Hutchinson, 14. Matty Kosylo, 34. Dan Sassi, 5. Jake Cooper, 23. Tylor Golden, 22. Tom Crawford (c), 28. Liam Humbles, 8. Isaac Marriott, 40. Charlie Kirk, 33. Eddy Jones, 11. Jimmy Knowles. Subs: 27. Louie Fallon (gk), 3. Sam Reed, 7. Olly Crankshaw, 10. Otis Khan, 12. Kian Breckin, 17. Lucas Weaver, 25. Joel Bailey.

EASTER MONDAY FIXTURES

• Brackley Town 1-1 Boston United
• Braintree Town 0-0 Woking- Braintree relegated
• Eastleigh 2-1 Yeovil Town
• FC Halifax Town 2-2 Tamworth
• Gateshead 2-0 Scunthorpe United
• Hartlepool United 0-0 Rochdale
• Morecambe 2-2 Carlisle United
• Solihull Moors 4-1 Boreham Wood
• Sutton United 0-3 Southend United
• Truro City 1-1 Forest Green Rovers
• Wealdstone 3-0 Aldershot Town
• York City 2-1 Altrincham

BEFORE THE GAME: YORK CITY

Whilst the Minstermen sit atop of the current form guide with five wins and a signle defeat from their last six games, Altrincham, have dropped to eighteenth in that table, with 1 win, 2 draws and 3 defeats in their six most recent outings.

With central defender Josh Grant (right), on loan from Carlisle United, having to be substituted with an injury in the second half against FC Halifax Town, it seems he will join the injured Ross, Banks, Sass-Davies, Olson and Forde in being unavailable today, meaning that Jake Cooper is likely to be restored to the starting eleven.

Winger Kahrel Reddin and centre-back Sam Barnes will remain suspended, restricting manager Neil Gibson's selection options further.

UPS AND DOWNS

National League:

• Promoted as Champions: Either York City or Rochdale; no other club can catch the duo.
• Certain place in play-offs: Carlisle United, Boreham Wood, Scunthorpe United
• Mathematically, can finish in play-off places: Forest Green Rovers, Southend United, FC Halifax Town, Hartlepool United and Tamworth
• Relegated: Truro City, other relegation places undetermined

National League North:

• Possible Champions: AFC Fylde, South Shields or, requiring bizarre results, Macclesfield FC
• Relegated: Leamington, other relegation places undetermined

National League South:

Any of the current top eleven can amass more points than those already accrued by leaders Dorking Wanderers so there is all to play for in that division.

In Step 3 in the North, the NPL Premier promotion race is also unclear...

• Champions: Uncertain, with one of FC United of Manchester, Hebburn Town and Hednesford looking the most likely.

ALTY OLD BOYS

USL League One : Corpus Christi continued their run of away fixtures - they don't play their first home game for another month - with a trip to New York State to play Westchester.

If they thought they might have things a little easier playing their first opponents who, like them, were yet to win, they were disespoused of that idea when they gave away a 16th minute penalty.

Westchester took advantage of that, and then struck again inside 2 minutes. Although the Texans pulled a goal back in added time before the break, they conceded another 3 goals in the second period, and their 5-1 defeat was made worse by the dismissal of SAM ROSCOE'S centre back partner, Irishman Jack Keaney.

The match stats surprisingly reveal that Corpus had 58% possession and 15 shots to Westchester's 13. Unfortunately the New Yorkers had 9 on target to their 3.

And in Asia, in the South Korea K League 2 : MARCUS DACKERS wasn't in Daegu's squad as they drew 3-3 with visitors Gimpo.

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL LEAGUE NEWS NEWS

He writes, "I want to begin by saying sorry. Sorry for this run of form we’ve been on, and sorry that we haven’t been able to win games.

I am hurting, as I’m sure you all are too. This means a lot to me and Craig. I am gutted that things haven’t gone our way. We have no one else to blame but ourselves. We could try and say that luck hasn’t gone our way – but you make your own luck in this game.

I want to thank you for your support, for backing the players despite us not being able to get the results on the pitch for you. We all know and understand the challenges we face as a club, competing at this level, but we have to do better for you, and for ourselves. This run hasn’t been acceptable and it needs to end here.

There are four league games left this season and I want as many points as possible, starting against Boston United. We want to be competitive. We will do everything possible to keep this club in the National League, and to finish the season with momentum.

The least you can expect and the least we will deliver in these four games, is a team that will give everything they have. I believe we can make it harder for teams, and I believe that win is around the corner for us.

I’ve never experienced anything like this as a manager. I have spent a long time looking at how we can improve short-term and longer-term. Please know that we are looking at everything we can do to be the best version of ourselves.

I can’t thank the club enough for their support, from the owner and board, to the staff and the players, and you the supporters. This is a special club, with people who care deeply and dedicate their lives to the cause. I don’t want to let them down, I don’t want to let you down.

All I can hope is that you continue to back the players, give them your energy as you have done, and we will do everything we can to turn this around.

I want this to work. I will not stop trying. I am proud to be the manager of this club and I want to deliver success for you.

Talk is cheap though. Now it is time for action.

Thank you for your support and your patience".

Brackley's opponents, Boston United are "aiming to clinch a victory which would seal a third successive term in the top flight of non-league football.

United start Monday's encounter 10 points above the fourth-bottom Saints, with a game in hand, as Paul Hurst's side sit tantalisingly close to the mathematical safety mark.

Hurst will assess his squad ahead of Monday's trip to Northamptonshire, following a tiring 1-0 defeat at the hands of title-chasing York City on Good Friday.

Brackley were made to toil themselves at Forest Green Rovers – losing 4-0 after seeing midfielder Zak Brown handed a first half red card.

Ex-Pilgrims Shane Byrne and Scott Pollock could both feature on Monday – but goalkeeper Cameron Gregory is currently sidelined through injury".

As ever, Danny Hunter has produced chairman's notes from Boreham Wood that provide food for thought.

He judges that "while it’s possible, we’ll still strive to finish as high as third but it’s more likely we will finish fourth or fifth. Third is obviously the aim as it would give us the very best chance within the play-off system by guaranteeing us home advantage in a one-off game to get ourselves to Wembley...

I thought I’d try and give you an Easter monologue that’s not quite the resurrection but pretty damn close. Here’s an honest three-year insight into how a small community club recovered from a play-off defeat, a subsequent relegation and how we’ve fought tooth and nail since to get ourselves back to where we sit today.

Just two years ago we lost to Ebbsfleet here on the final day of that season. We all knew we hadn’t done enough, we were on the floor, and we were down but not quite out..

So much needed to change here both on and off the field of play for the betterment of our football club. So, for the last two seasons from top to bottom we’ve worked hard at identifying our failures, on how we could evolve, on re-cementing relationships and worked harder on our strengths, long-standing friendships and partnerships...

To find a way to move our club forward meant I needed to stay and not take any investment away from our dressing room while still investing in our facility to move ourselves forward...

For me non-league had changed and my loathing for disruptive agents, for cheating clubs who prospered while not paying their debts, tax bills, vat and players or paying in cash while not putting in audited accounts, breaking every league rule had perhaps affected me far more than I imagined.

As did the decision by the National League to give away what I considered to be our most valuable asset namely our live Broadcasting rights for an absolute pittance. Our Board in their wisdom simply signed off on a contract in a panic after losing the TNT contract. I felt they had signed up with a streaming production company who would be sub-standard for our level of the game and would give poor production value and I have been proven right….

A streaming company in my opinion who would care nothing for non-league, would give no true production value nor give the member clubs and National League a wider audience to grow our game...

I would go as far as to say that DAZN have no real understanding of non-league football or our supporters travel habits, wants and needs. I felt then and still do that the National League Board sold our soul to the devil for absolutely no money and with no thought for what the supporters or member clubs needed.

For transparency that broadcast deal was done behind the backs of all club owners who were not on the National League Board and without ever discussing the deal with some very business savvy and knowledgeable club owners, as they didn’t want us scuppering their agreement...

We’ve come a long, long way together and god willing I plan on seeing our EFL dream through however long it takes. We all know what loss feels like, we all know what relegation feels like, we all know what winning a title feels like, we all know what play-off wins and promotions feel like, but we still don’t know what winning at Wembley in a play-off final and being an EFL club would feel like and it’s about time we found out"

5 April 2026

ALTY v FC HALIFAX TOWN HIGHLIGHTS

Above: At half-time on Friday, a line-up of youngsters and community volunteers was photographed on the pitchside, behind the Premier League's Primary Stars logo.

POST-MATCH DISORDER

"Altrincham FC condemns the disorder that took place after the full time whistle following yesterday’s fixture against FC Halifax Town.

The incidents occurred outside the stadium. While those involved are believed to have attended the match, this behaviour will not be tolerated.

We are working with Greater Manchester Police to identify those responsible. Anyone found to be involved will receive a lifetime ban from The J.Davidson Stadium and may face criminal proceedings. Supporters group Union Golf Road will also apply travel bans in conjunction with any stadium bans".

Incidents occurred both in Stamford Park and the Altrincham Interchange area with a number of police vehicles attending to deal with the disorder.

THROUGH THE YEAR: 6 APRIL

The most recent match on 6 April was a goalless draw at Dorking Wanderers. But the previous encounter to that on 6 April was in 2019 in National North when Altrincham won 7-0 at Alfreton Town inflicting the heaviest ever home defeat on their opponents. It might have been a different story had referee Mulhall acceded to strong Alfreton appeals inside the first minute when Clarke went down in the box. But, after that, it was pretty much all Altrincham.

Above, Jordan Hulme (behind Alfreton's no.11), scores Alty's second goal at Alfreton in 2019

The goals were scored by Altrincham as follows...

• 8 mins: Yusifu CEESAY (Alfreton Town 0 ALTRINCHAM 1)
• 32 mins: Jordan HULME (Alfreton Town 0 ALTRINCHAM 2)
• 40 mins: John JOHNSTON [penalty] (Alfreton Town 0 ALTRINCHAM 3)
• 61 mins: Josh HANCOCK (Alfreton Town 0 ALTRINCHAM 4)
• 87 mins: Yusifu CEESAY (Alfreton Town 0 ALTRINCHAM 5)
• 90 mins: Jordan HULME (Alfreton Town 0 ALTRINCHAM 6)
• 90(+3) mins: James JONES (Alfreton Town 0 ALTRINCHAM 7)

NEXT: YORK CITY

The context is summed up by Proper Football which states that "York City have gone back to the top of the National League after beating Boston United 1-0 and Rochdale falling to defeat against Morecambe!

York City made it two 1-0 wins on the bounce after beforehand slipping to defeat against Gateshead. They have shown fantastic resilience to dig in after a set back.

Rochdale who lost to Morecambe today, 4-2 are having a bit of a wobble, they also lost 3-2, away at Southend United 5 games ago and drew to Scunthorpe 10 days ago.

Last week, Dale needed a 97th minute winner to beat Sutton United as well.

With 4 games to go, York City are definitely in the driving seat but anything can still happen and nerves can get anyone at any time.

With both sides now joint top with York holding top spot thanks to a better goal difference, it is all set up to be a grandstand finish, last day of the season is Rochdale v York."

ALTY OLD BOYS

In Australia's Dockerty Cup, Oakleigh Cannons travelled to Epping City of Victoria State League Division 3 NW, and CONNOR HAMPSON played a full part in a comfortable 0-3 win to reach the last 16. This competition dates back 117 years, and is open to clubs across the whole of the Victoria State football system. The semi finalists qualify to enter the Australia Cup. Oakleigh have never won the competition.

Scottish Premiership : JOE HUGILL played the full game for Kilmarnock, who had 11 goal attempts to only 5 by their hosts, Hibernian, yet still lost 3-0.

Scottish Championship : KIAN TAYLOR was again an unused substitute for Morton, who lost 3-1 at Dunfermline Athletic.

NPL Premier Division : Guiseley scored after only 5 minutes, but visitors Hyde United earned a 1-1 draw thanks to captain JACK REDSHAW, who was withdrawn after 75 minutes. However WILL HALL and DONTAI GABIDON played the full game.

Warrington Rylands skipper DEAN FURMAN played the full game as they beat visitors Workington 3-0.

NPL Division 1 Midlands : The only 2 goals between Boldmere St Michaels and visitors Belper Town were scored inside the first 6 minutes, with TOLANI OMOTOLA claiming the second. He eventually went off after 92 minutes.

NPL Division 1 West : TONY THOMPSON enjoyed another clean sheet as Bootle beat relegation threatened Darlaston Town 3-0. TOM HANNIGAN came off the Merseysiders' bench after 83 minutes.

Shifnal Town were without ELLIOTT DURRELL for the visit of promotion chasers Avro, and lost 1-3. Although he was booked, DAVID FITZPATRICK played the full game for Avro.

Stafford Rangers played with 10 men from the 28th minute, but the scoring was all over by then and they won 2-1. ASTLEY MULHOLLAND played the whole game for visitors Wythenshawe Town.

YASSINE TOURE was again absent for Vauxhall Motors, but captain KEVIN ELLISON struck after only 4 minutes. However, by the time he was substituted just before the hour visitors Chasetown were level, and the game ended 1-1.

Macron Cup : BEN ELLIOTT and LEWIS BILLINGSLEY both started in the semi final at Burscough. Lewis was withdrawn after 80 minutes, but the game ended goalless. Ben converted his penalty in the shootout as West won it 5-4. Burscough had also missed a penalty in normal time. The Manchester team will meet AFC Liverpool in the final.

NWCL Premier Division : DARIUS PALMA was among the scorers as league leaders Wythenshawe ran riot at Barnoldswick Town, winning 1-6.

JOHN JOHNSTON equalised for Irlam at Chadderton, and they went on to win 1-2.

French Ligue 1 : MAXI OYEDELE played the whole of Strasbourg's 3-1 home win over Nice.

4 April 2026

NEIL ANGRY AT LATE CONCESSION

Alluding to the fact that he "inherited the group" in mid-season, he does not doubt the players' desire but he believes that they need "to play for a full 95-100 minutes... It's something we have to change, conceding too often late in games".

In terms of which players will be retained next season, he will be looking at "players who are able to run more".

Having lost Sam Barnes to a red card for an overhead kick in midweek, Gibson felt there were two similar cases against Isaac Marriott and Jimmy Knowles against Halifax which were not punished in the same way today.

The manager was not pleased with his team's performance "in possession" and noted that since Declan Howe was recalled to Scunthorpe, Alty have scored just once in three games.

ALTRINCHAM 0-1 FC HALIFAX TOWN

Right: Otis Khan made a welcome return from injury as a late substitute against FC Halifax Town on Good Friday.

The match was generally of medicocre quality with injury ravaged Altrincham further incommoded by the absence of Barnes and Reddin through suspension. There was little goalmouth excitement and the game, which was subject to heavy rain showers, was not enhanced by an eccentric performance from referee Burgin.

Match report here.

On the pitch this season, Altrincham have lost 22 league games with small margins proving costly. 15 of the Robins' 22 defeats have been by a single goal.

SHAYMEN'S VIEW

With Adam Lakeland serving a one match touchline ban, Sam Walker took charge from the sidelines and would have been encouraged by Town’s bright start...

The Shaymen dominated the opening stages, pressing aggressively and pinning Altrincham back, with the hosts struggling to play out...

As the half progressed, the hosts began to grow into the game... Overall, it was a half of limited clear cut chances...

Knowles, who had looked Altrincham’s most dangerous player throughout the game, then skipped past a few challenges in the box and unleashed a shot that rattled the underside of the crossbar and bounced away...

When he came on, Kawa, the substitute, made a few good runs down the left and, on this occasion, teed up Turner-Cooke, who smashed the ball into the bottom left corner in the 94th minute, beating Hutchinson and sending all three points back to The Shay".

NEXT: YORK CITY

EASTER MONDAY GAMES

• Brackley Town v Boston United
• Braintree Town v Woking
• Eastleigh v Yeovil Town
• FC Halifax Town v Tamworth
• Gateshead v Scunthorpe United
• Hartlepool United v Rochdale
• Morecambe v Carlisle United
• Solihull Moors v Boreham Wood
• Sutton United v Southend United
• Truro City v Forest Green Rovers
• Wealdstone v Aldershot Town
• York City v Altrincham

ALTY OLD BOYS

Premier League 2 : SONNY ALJOFREE was relieved of the Manchester United U21 captaincy at York, where Leeds United U21 play their home games, but regained the armband for the second half when Tyler Fredricson didn't come back out. Sonny had been booked in the first half, but his side led 0-2 at the break and eventually won an evenly contested game 1-2.

Professional Development League : PHIL PARKINSON'S Fleetwood Town U21's made it 11 goals conceded in two games, surrendering 5-0 at Swansea City.

League One : There was no happy return to Lincoln City for ALI SMITH (right), whose full shift was in vain as AFC Wimbledon succumbed to the only goal in the 88th minute.

Despite playing the whole second half with 10 men, Bolton Wanderers won 1-2 at Plymouth Argyle, who withdrew OWEN DALE after 71 minutes.

Some here may remember DUNCAN WATMORE giving CARL PIERGIANNI a torrid afternoon at Corby Town back in 2012 as the Robins won 2-5, but there were no goals at all as Carl played the whole game for Stevenage at Rotherham United, who withdrew Duncan after 91 minutes.

JUNIOR QUITIRNA was a 62nd minute substitute for Wycombe Wanderers at Stockport County, where they lost 3-0.

League Two : Leaders Bromley were 2-1 down against a Barnet side who'd been playing with 10 men for 13 minutes, when they brought on MARCUS DINANGA in the 82nd minute - and he laid on their crucial equaliser in the 101st minute.

JOEL SENIOR played the whole of a 1-0 Bristol Rovers home victory over Fleetwood Town. The visitors were still without TOBY MULLARKEY, but HARRISON HOLGATE returned to their bench after a 2 month absence, albeit he remained there.

JAKE BICKERSTAFF played the whole game for Cheltenham Town at Chesterfield, but they lost 1-0. The Spireites withdrew JAMES BERRY after 67 minutes.

Grimsby Town's introduction of JUSTIN AMALUZOR on the hour couldn't prevent visitors Harrogate Town picking up a precious 1-3 win to dent their playoff hopes. The visitors remain bottom, but, with 2 teams to go down, only a single point separates the bottom 3, the others involved being Newport County, and Barrow, who earned an unexpected 0-0 draw at promotion chasing MK Dons, despite ELLIOT NEWBY being out injured.

KEVIN BERKOE set up the only goal of the game as Shrewsbury Town beat visitors Tranmere Rovers.

National League : DANNY CASHMAN was an unused substitute for Sutton United as they drew 2-2 at Aldershot, who were without MATT PENNEY. Both sides finished with 10 men.

JACK HINCHY came on at half time for Wealdstone, who were 2-0 down at Boreham Wood, but, although they quickly reduced the arrears, that was as good as it got, and they lost 5-1.

York City's JEFF KING picked up a yellow card during his full stint at Boston United, but ALEX NEWBY (left) was an unused substitute. CONNOR TEALE lasted 80 minutes for the Pilgrims.The win restored York to the top of the league as Rochdale were surprisingly beaten 2-4 at home by Morecambe, who were again without JOE NUTTALL.

REGAN LINNEY played the full game for Carlisle United, who were without CHRIS CONN-CLARKE, but were held 0-0 by Gateshead, for whom KEATON WARD also played throughout, but picked up a yellow card.

Having left DECLAN HOWE on the bench until the second half of their previous game, and then bringing him on to score the winner, Scunthorpe United did the same thing and brought him on after an hour. Today it didn't work against a Hartlepool United side smarting from a 7-0 thrashing at Wealdstone last time out, and who restored a certain amount of pride with a goalless draw. TYRESE SINCLAIR came off the Hartlepool bench after 68 minutes.

Tamworth won 1-0 at home to Solihull Moors, despite KENNEDY DIGIE not being involved. LEWIS BAINES was a half time substitute for Moors.

JOSH LUNDSTRAM played throughout Eastleigh's 3-3 draw at Woking.

KYLE FERGUSON played the whole of Yeovil Town's 1-0 home win over Truro City, picking up another yellow card in the process. The result confirms the Cornish club's relegation after a single season in the league. MATT GOULD watched their demise from Yeovil's bench.

National North : Although nearest challengers South Shields only drew at Spennymoor (a 4-0 win in their game in hand would send them top), CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde did themselves no favours at Chorley by having 2 men sent off before a quarter of the game had gone, the second of them for a bad foul on OWEN GERMAN, who played the full game.. The Magpies took full advantage and won 2-0. CHRIS MERRIE was replaced by GEORGE WILSON after 66 minutes.

LEWIS SALMON played the first 70 minutes for Alfreton Town as they drew 1-1 at home to Worksop Town, who brought on LUKE WATERFALL after 79 minutes, but left SAM WEDGBURY on the bench.

He was a very infrequent scorer in his days at the J.Davidson Stadium, but ELLIOTT OSBORNE scored his second goal since joining Macclesfield as they won 2-4 at Buxton. SAM HEATHCOTE (booked) and JAMES GALE (withdrawn 66 minutes) were also starters, while KACPER PASIEK was brought on after 80 minutes. CONNOR KIRBY captained Buxton.

DYLAN MOTTLEY-HENRY opened the scoring for Chester, who recovered from conceding an own goal shortly afterwards to beat visitors AFC Telford 2-1. TOM PEERS was an unused substitute for the victors.

Captain JORDAN HULME was the only Old Boy to start for Radcliffe, but, after missing just over 13 months through injury, JUDE OYIBO returned to their bench, although that was where he stayed.. They were 3-1 up after 69 minutes, and Jordan came off after 85 minutes, but visitors Curzon Ashton scored twice in added time to earn a 3-3 draw. JOSH OLLERENSHAW was on their bench.

LUKE BURGESS was booked, and then substituted just after the hour, as Southport beat visitors Marine 2-1 in their Merseyside derby.

National South : Maidenhead United were two goals up at Slough Town, but were held to a 2-2 draw thanks to a 98th minute equaliser. MILES WELCH-HAYES (right) wasn't involved today.

CALLUM DOLAN returned to Torquay United's starting XI for the visit to Weston-super-Mare, but was substituted after 55 minutes. Already a goal ahead, Torquay scored twice more to strengthen their playoff claims while dealing a major blow to those of their hosts. There are still no less than 11 clubs left in the promotion picture.

Welsh Premier League : In the promotion group, JOHN DISNEY'S Connah's Quay Nomads, captained by JAMES JONES, were beaten 2-1 at champions TNS. In the relegation group, Bala Town, with a clean sheet from JOEL TORRANCE, won 0-5 at already relegated Llanelli. As Flint Town United were beaten 1-0 at Haverfordwest, Bala's survival depends on them winning their last game at home to Briton Ferry on April 18th, but if Flint win at Cardiff Metropolitan even that won't be enough.

NPL Premier Division : JAMES HARDY gave Ashton United the lead at home to Rushall Olympic, and after the Midlands side equalised in the 91st minute, Ashton struck again in the 95th minute, and James left the action 2 minutes later.

MONTEL GIBSON opened the scoring for Hednesford Town before being substituted just a minute before the Pitmen rounded off a 3-0 win over visitors Prescot Cables, for whom SHARIF DEANS played the full game.

JONNY MARGETTS was a 66th minute substitute for Gainsborough Trinity as they lost by the only goal at Stockton Town.

NPL Division 1 West : Atherton Collieries, captained by SAM SHERIDAN, had barely equalised when visitors Newcastle Town struck again to win 1-2.

Congleton Town led at half time at Gigg Lane, but DAVE PARTON was on the wrong end of 4 unanswered second half goals from leaders Bury.

Mossley skipper MARK LEES and MASON FAWNS both played the full match at Seel Park, but visitors Nantwich Town came back from conceding a 12th minute goal to force a 1-1 draw. Both BYRON HARRISON (right) and JOE PIGGOTT came off for the Dabbers after 89 minutes, but AIDY ROXBURGH completed the match.

Both RYAN BROOKE and SEAN MILLER were substituted by Runcorn Linnets against Trafford after 76 minutes at Shawe View with the sides level at 1-1, and they went on to win 1-2. Trafford can only avoiding relegation by winning their last 2 games, while one of Stafford Rangers or Sporting Khalsa lose all 3 of theirs. However, a visit to promotion hopefuls Avro on Monday hardly augurs well. Meanwhile, today's results confirm the relegation of Wythenshawe Town even before they visit Stafford Rangers tomorrow.

Witton Albion's JAMES LAWRIE was booked, but both he and JOEL BEMBO-LETA played the whole of their 1-3 home defeat by Stalybridge Celtic, while DAMOLA SOTONA was substituted at half time. KYLE BROWNHILL played the full game for the visitors, while GREG WILKINSON was an unused substitute.

Leek Town were twice pegged back by visitors Bamber Bridge but eventually won 3-2. HAYDEN CAMPBELL scored their second shortly before leaving the action after 67 minutes, while ADAM PORTER played throughout.

Irish Premier Division : BARRY BAGGLEY played the full game for St Patrick's, claiming the assist for the second goal as they came back from a 3rd minute own goal to beat visitors Sligo Rovers 4-1. The result sees them go to to top of the table, as previous leaders Bohemians were held to a goalless draw at Drogheda.

3 April 2026

GOOD FRIDAY GAMES

Right: Against FC Halifax Town, Dan Sassi heads clear, with Tom Crawford grounded and Charlie Kirk in the background.

Good Friday 3rd April 2026

• Aldershot Town 2-2 Sutton United
• Altrincham 0-1 FC Halifax Town
• Boreham Wood 5-1 Wealdstone
• Boston United 0-1 York City
• Carlisle United 0-0 Gateshead
• Forest Green Rovers 4-0 Brackley Town
• Rochdale 2-4 Morecambe
• Scunthorpe United 0-0 Hartlepool United
• Southend United 3-2 Braintree Town
• Tamworth 1-0 Solihull Moors
• Woking 3-3 Eastleigh
• Yeovil Town 1-0 Truro City

TODAY: FC HALIFAX TOWN

That match, which ended goalless, featured a brawl in the tunnel at half-time and the dismissal of both Matty Kosylo and Millington.

Underlining the changes at Altrincham since then, only three Altrincham players who started that game also started on Tuesday at Woking. They were Tylor Golden, Matty Kosylo and Tom Crawford (right).

The Alty squad that day in 2024 comprised 1. Ethan ROSS, 2. Lewis BANKS, 4. Lewis BAINES (c), 31. Charlie OLSON, 23. Tylor GOLDEN, 19. George WILSON, 6. Elliot OSBORNE, 22. Tom CRAWFORD, 14. Matty KOSYLO, 10. Alex NEWBY, 9. Regan LINNEY Subs: 5. Jake COOPER, 8. Isaac MARRIOTT, 16. James JONES, 17. Luke WEAVER, 20. Kahrel REDDIN, 29. Jake BICKERSTAFF, 30 Harvey RANDLE (gk).

With eight players having been on the injury list in midweek (Ross, Banks, Sass-Davies, Khan, Olson, Crankshaw, Forde and Reed), and two more players (Barnes, Reddin) now suspended after their red cards at Woking, Alty go into the Good Friday game with their resources stretched, particularly after playing four matches in an eleven-day period.

For their part FC Halifax Town have faltered recently in their push for the play offs. Their last twelve league games have yielded just four wins, three draws and five defeats.

Two of their players have appeared in all 41 league fixtures this season. They are goalkeeper Sam Johnson, who has played every minute, and Will Hugill whose 41 appearances include three from the bench.

In Will Harris the Shaymen have a 21-goal marksman, whilst team-mate Josh Hmami has 12 to his name.

NEXT: YORK CITY

Before Friday's matches, York lay second in the table with almost exactly double the points' haul of Altrincham (95 v 48) and more than twice the goal tally (106 v 48)!

Of course, the match should bring a reunion with former Alty forward Alex Newby. He has 12 league goals to his name but is put in the shade by Ollie Pearce's phenomenal 32 strikes this season. Also ahead of Alex is Josh Stones with sixteen goals to his name.

Since Bonfire Night last year, the Minstermen have played 26 league games, winning a remarkable 22 times, drawing twice and losing on just two occasions!

BARNES APPEAL REJECTED

We are extremely disappointed to confirm that our appeal has this afternoon been rejected by the FA and Sam will now serve a three-game ban".

Footnote: Sam's red card was his first booking of any kind in an Altrincham shirt after twenty appearances for the club.

His and Kahrel Reddin's dismissals on Tuesday at Woking brought the club's red card tally to ten this season.

THROUGH THE YEARS: 3 APRIL

Howard Watts and Mike Garnett's Through the Years records have the details.

Back on 3 April 2015, Alty beat Southport 2-0 at Moss Lane in the Vanarama Conference and, right, we see Jordan Sinnott about to be mobbed by his team-mates after scoring Alty's second goal.

EASTER MONDAY FIXTURES

• Brackley Town v Boston United
• Braintree Town v Woking
• Eastleigh v Yeovil Town
• FC Halifax Town v Tamworth
• Gateshead v Scunthorpe United
• Hartlepool United v Rochdale
• Morecambe v Carlisle United
• Solihull Moors v Boreham Wood
• Sutton United v Southend United
• Truro City v Forest Green Rovers
• Wealdstone v Aldershot Town
• York City v Altrincham

2 April 2026

WOKING v ALTRINCHAM

Match report here.

NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN

Halifax won the reverse fixture 2-1 this season.

CHAIRMAN'S UPDATE

It starts with "a note on boardroom changes. Sam Mackenzie will be stepping down from her role as CEO, and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks for her commitment and contribution in that capacity. I am very pleased, however, that Sam will remain on the Board of Directors, where her experience and insight will continue to be of great value".

He adds that "We have four core directors - myself, Sam, Gary [Corbett] and John [Coyne] - supported by a further four regular attendees at board meetings, including a finance professional and an investor representative. This ensures we have the expertise and governance required, while remaining agile and focused".

Mark also confirmed that pre-season friendlies are being arranged and in the context of so many player injuries this season, "During the close season, we will be undertaking a comprehensive review of all aspects of player preparation and welfare, including training methods, medical provision, strength and conditioning, and our overall pre-season programme".

ALTY OLD BOYS

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

Defoe has thrown himself into his first management role at National League club Woking after working as a player-coach at Rangers and in Spurs' academy...

The 43-year-old has been searching for an opportunity since leaving Tottenham in 2024, picking the brains of Redknapp, Gareth Southgate, Lee Carsley, Robbie Keane and Sam Allardyce on his way to earning his UEFA A licence...

Said Defoe 'Everyone's journey is different. I've sat down with Lee Carsley and Gareth Southgate and spoken about their journeys in the game... But I think for me, it's important to appreciate the opportunity.. You can't expect, just because I've had a good career, to just jump in at the top or get that big job.'"

25 March 2026

NEIL GIBSON'S VIEW

He started by asking rhetorically, "How do you process that?", referring to a match in which Alty suffered two red cards.

Above all, he felt "immense pride in everybody associated with the football club", including the supporters who travelled so far for a Tuesday evening match, especially after the club's "difficult run of away form". He later also thanked the club for facilitating an overnight stay before the game.

Neil judged that in "the first ten minutes we atarted off in really good form" and scored a "really well taken goal by Tylor Golden".

Barnes's red card he found "bemusing" when his overhead kick was met by a red card. After that he was "proud of their resilience" with ten, and then nine, men.

He mentioned another fine game for Luke Hutchinson and for Matty Kosylo who he praised as he got through 100 mins after four weeks out injured.

1 April 2026

WOKING 1-1 ALTRINCHAM

Altrincham took a thirteenth minute lead when Tylor Golden (right) finished well from left of goal, his shot finding the far corner, from a Jimmy Knowles pass.

But just three minutes later referee Callum Walchester stunned everyone, including the Woking TV commentators who described his red card for Sam Barnes as "bizarre". The Alty centre-back was sent off for a high foot as he went for a corner ball from the right. It was Barnes's first card of any description this season.

Walchester, a Lowestoft-based referee who had not officiated Altrincham previously, had already dismissed four players in his twelve National League games this season and he was to raise that tally to six in thirteen outings by the end of this game.

In the first half, Woking had looked nothing like a side which had been unbeaten in seven games before their narrow defeat at York last Saturday. But in the second half they upped the pressure on the depleted opposition and finally got an equaliser in the 82nd minute when Andrews was allowed too much time to turn and score from about 15 yards.

The second red card for Altrincham on 89 minutes was not contentious. Reddin, who had just been penalised, stamped on the heel of Ward in the aftermath.

Altrincham's remaining nine men defended valiantly through more than ten minutes of added time to secure a point before there appeared to be unwelcome interaction between some Alty players and the home crowd behind their goal.

Match report to follow...

SEEING RED

1. Lucas Weaver (away, v Boreham Wood)
2. Tom Crawford (home, v Carlisle United)
3. Tylor Golden (home v Forest Green Rovers)
4. Kahrel Reddin (home v Forest Green Rovers)
5. Dan Sassi (away v Souhend United)
6. Owen German (home v York City)
7. Tylor Golden (away v Tamworth)
8. Dan Sassi (away v Tamworth)
9. Sam Barnes (away v Woking)
10. Kahrel Reddin (away v Woking)

WOKING'S VIEW

No sooner than three minutes after the breakthrough came a controversial moment, as Sam Barnes (left) was shown his marching orders for an apparent high foot on Odusina. His bicycle kick connected with the ball, sending it over the bar, yet Callum Walchester brandished the red card.

Despite the man advantage, Woking were unable to break down a stubborn Altrincham side in the first half, and thus went into half time a goal down".

After the interval, "Woking were piling on the pressure with various corners requiring interventions from Hutchinson and his defence...

With eight minutes to go, Woking broke through in some style, with Andrews firing into the top corner and past the despairing dive of Hutchinson to set up a grandstand finale.

Altrincham were down to nine men in the 88th minute when substitute Kahrel Reddin fouled Ward and then appeared to elbow him right in front of the referee, a much more straightforward decision for Walchester this time...

Despite a number of chances, Woking were held by a determined Altrincham side.

NEXT: FC HALIFAX TOWN

They have played two games more than the team three points ahead of them, Southend United, and the West Yorkshire side has played a match more than Hartlepool United who lie ninth, just two points behind them.

ALTY OLD BOYS

Professional Development League : It was a bad day at the office for PHIL PARKINSON, as his Fleetwood U21 side were thrashed 6-1 at Brentford. The Bees U21's are top of the Southern section, 9 points clear, so perhaps the result wasn't exactly a shock.

National League : Wealdstone were 5-0 up after only 33 minutes at home to Hartlepool United, with Micah Obiero hitting a hat trick. TYRESE SINCLAIR was one of five players substituted at half time, but things didn't improve much for Pools as a result, and the Stones had added another goal by the time they brought JACK HINCHY (right) into the game after 74 minutes, going on to win 7-0.

As usual, MATT GOULD watched from the bench as Yeovil Town, with KYLE FERGUSON playing the full game, were beaten 2-1 at Southend United.

National North : CRAIG MAHON'S AFC Fylde won 2-0 at home to Marine. CHRIS MERRIE played the full game, while GEORGE WILSON was an 86th minute substitute.

OWEN GERMAN put in a full shift for Chorley, but they lost by the only goal at Alfreton Town, for whom LEWIS SALMON also played throughout, although HARRY PERRITT remains inactive.

SAM HEATHCOTE, ELLIOTT OSBORNE, and JAMES GALE all started for Macclesfield at Hereford, where they struck twice in the second half without reply. Sam went off injured after 67 minutes, while KACPER PASIEK came off the bench in the 84th minute. JUSTIN DONAWA was an unused substitute for the Bulls.

National South : MILES WELCH-HAYES wasn't in Maidenhead United's squad, but they managed well enough without him, seeing off relegation threatened visitors Bath City 3-0.

NPL Division 1 West : Wythenshawe Town, with ASTLEY MULHOLLAND playing the full game, led inside 7 minutes at Ericstan Park, but were behind 1-2 at the break to visitors Congleton Town. However they beat Bears keeper DAVE PARTON again in the 86th minute and held on for a 2-2 draw, a result that leaves them still bottom of the league. Ironically, if they go down, rivals Wythenshawe look favourites to come up. REMI RAYMOND was an unused substitute for Congleton.

ALTY MONTHLY DRAW

• Scarf & Pin Badge: 127 Jane Ford
• Bottle of Alty Gin: 34 I Langford
• £25 : 369 Peter Burke
• Hospitality for 2: 127 Jane Ford
• £75: 249 Jackie Oliver
• £500: 291 Mike Flaherty

ENTERPRISE NATIONAL NEWS

Season ticket prices have increased by 198 per cent for next campaign, with the cheapest option jumping from £99 to £295 amid increased costs at the Silverlake Stadium.

Chairman Stewart Donald said a 'much improved financial performance' meant the club was able to offer a 'massively reduced' super early bird price.

Eastleigh have extended the early bird window from March 31 to 11:59pm on April 30. Seats from this season will remain reserved until the new date.

The Spitfires have also extended their three-month instalment plan to five months, giving supporters the option to spread payments over a longer period...

Physical season ticket cards are available to purchase for an extra £5".