After a two week break Gary Johnson’s men return to action this Saturday with a trip to Greater Manchester to face Altrincham.
Who’s the Boss?
Phil Parkinson took charge at Altrincham in April 2017 and so far this season his side sit in 16th, with seven wins from their 24 games. Before taking charge of the Robins, Parkinson was in charge of Nantwich Town in his first managerial roll, taking the reins in February 2015. While in charge of the Dabbers he led them to the FA Trophy Semi-Finals in 2016 where they narrowly lost over two legs to eventual winners FC Halifax Town.
Player to Watch
Dan Mooney is the Robins current top scorer this season with six goals from his 19 league and cup appearances. Mooney is a Welsh midfielder who began his career at Fleetwood Town. During his time at the Cod Army the 22 year old had loan spells at Chorley and was part of the Ashton United team that was promoted to the National League North in 2017/18. A further loan spell at Chester followed before he made the move to Moss Lane in February 2020. Mooney has also represented Wales at both U19 and U21 levels.
Played for both
Ashley Hemmings is a forward who is currently playing in the National League North with Kidderminster Harriers and in over 60 League and Cup games has scored 23 goals. Hemmings started his career at Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2009 and it was while he was at the Molineux Stadium that he made a loan move to Plainmoor, making nine appearances during the 2010/11 season. A loan spell at Plymouth followed and following his release from Wolves, Hemmings joined Walsall. The 30 year old has also seen his career take him to Dagenham & Redbridge, Mansfield, Boston and AFC Fylde. Before his move to the Aggborough Stadium in 2019 the forward made 12 league appearances for Altrincham scoring 3 goals.
Previous Encounter
Altrincham 1-1 Torquay United, 31st October 2015, National League
Prior to last seasons goalless draw at Moss Lane, United have to go back to October 2015 for their last visit. A goal from Tyrone Marsh preceded a second half red card as the scores finished level at 1-1.
The Gulls dominated the opening stages of the first half with both Marsh and Alex Fisher going close on a couple of occasions. Jake Moult was Altrincham’s danger man coming close at the other end before United struck first in the 24th minute. The passage of play saw James Hurst put Marsh through and the striker cut inside before finishing with his left foot. Courtney Richards saw his piledriver blocked by Gianluca Havern and Fisher also went close again this time seeing his shot pushed away by Tim Deasy. Scott Leather shot over for the home side as the half ended with Torquay retaining their slim lead.
The second half started as the first had finished with United going close, Marsh having his good effort well saved. Altrincham started to grow in the game as the half wore on with the introduction of Ryan Crowther for the Robins being decisive. On 66 minutes Crowther won Altrincham a corner and although it was cleared it came out to Moult who hit the ball into the top corner from a full 30 yards out and the scores were level. United’s cause was not helped when Marsh was shown a straight red card for raising his hands to his own team-mate Dan Butler, but they held out to take a point away from their travels.