United’s final away trip of the season takes them to Moss Lane, as Gary Johnson’s men go in search of three vital points at Altrincham.
With The Gulls desperate to reduce the three-point gap between themselves and the sides directly above them prior to the final fixtures next weekend, Torquay will have to be on their guard against an Alty side playing without fear, having secured their own National League status some weeks ago.
Who’s the boss?
During the past five seasons since Phil Parkinson took charge in April 2017, The Robins have not only gone on to win promotion back to non-League’s top tier, but also establish themselves there, with 2022/23 marking their first term as a fully professional outfit.
Before taking charge of the Robins, Parkinson was in charge of Nantwich Town in his first managerial role, 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
Stoke-born midfielder Josh Lundstram has been one of the success stories of Alty’s first year in the professional ranks, with the former Crewe Alexandra schemer an ever-present leading into tomorrow’s encounter.
Having graduated from the youth team ranks at Crewe, Josh gained senior experience at a whole host of non-League outfits during five years at Gresty Road – including a ten-game stint at Moss Lane three years ago. Upon the expiry of his contract last May, Lundstram decided to make a permanent return to Phil Parkinson’s men, with the move paying off handsomely for both player and Club, courtesy of 44 appearances, and 3 goals.
Played for both
Forward Jody Banim represented both United and Altrincham during a nomadic playing career that begun as a trainee at Manchester United, and ended at Ashton United some twenty years later.
Having failed to make the grade at Old Trafford, a hugely impressive spell at Radcliffe prompted Shrewsbury Town to pay £20,000 for his services, however his spell in Shropshire was to prove a brief one, before Jody returned north with Accrington.
National League new boys Droylsden was to be his next stop, and after an impressive display in the 2-1 defeat to United at Plainmoor in September 2007, manager Paul Buckle made a surprise loan move for the attacker, who had already contributed ten games towards The Bloods’ survival bid. Neither side faired too well thereafter though, as his parent Club failed to plug the gap he left, whilst Buckle’s men suffered double FA Trophy and promotion dismay, with Burton Albion proving to be his next port of call in the summer, prior to making a four-month switch to Altrincham towards the end of 2008/09.
A return to Droylsden followed, before Banim finally hung up his boots to take on the managerial reigns at Ashton, before subsequent roles at Stafford and Warrington Rylands, whom he departed earlier this year.
Previous Encounter: 22/01/22)
Altrincham 1 – 2 United
With so much at stake tomorrow, the Yellow Army would no doubt grateful accept a repeat of last season’s outcome, as United’s play-off chasing team ran out 2-1 winners at Altrincham.
Connor Lemonheigh-Evans gave his side an early advantage, and although Toby Mullarkey drew the hosts level on the half-hour, on-loan winger Stephen Wearne’s first goal for the Club shortly after the break saw The Gulls emerge from Greater Manchester with all three points.
22/04/23 3pm KO | Vanarama National League | Altrincham v Torquay | J.Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane, Hale, Altrincham WA15 8AP