COLWYN BAY VS ALTRINCHAM
Colwyn Bay drafted in ex-Stockport goalkeeper James Astbury as a replacement for the injured Fariah Jackson.  Neil Young also started with ex- Morecambe striker Antonio Rigoglioso, who is at the Bay as a trialist.

Altrincham pressured Colwyn Bay as the Bays new starters bedded in so it was no surprise as the Altrincham had the first chance of the game as Muirhead forced Astbury into a good save early on before Stamford nearly got Altrincham an early goal as he fired just wide into the side netting.

The Bay then settled and had a strong purple patch. Hopley went close on two occasions. His first effort saw his goal bound header cleared out for a corner and his second effort only kept out by a fantastic one handed save from Altrincham’s Russell Saunders.  Lee Davey also went close with another headed attempt, but he didn’t get enough power on the ball to worry Saunders.

With Colwyn Bay just about shading the first half, they were dealt a cruel blow on the stroke of half time, Colin Little's flicked a looping header into the far corner of the net.

Neil Young made a couple of changes at half time, but the game remained a close affair until the game approached the hour mark when Young started to introduce the trialists to the game.

Colin Little then doubled Altrincham’s lead before Paul McManus made it 3-0 as Altrincham stamped their authority on the game.  Altrincham added a fourth goal soon after, but just as it looked like Altrincham were starting to score for fun; Tom McGill was to get the home side on the score sheet as he headed home from a Colwyn Bay corner.  With just ten minutes to go Altrincham added a fifth to give the visitors a comfortable victory.

Pictures courtesy of Martin Lyons Photography