Altrincham vs Oldham match preview
Alty are back at The J.Davidson Stadium on Tuesday night when they face Greater Manchester neighbours Oldham Athletic in the Vanarama National League (7:45pm kick-off) before what promises to be a blockbuster crowd.
It was agony for Altrincham in their last game as The Robins were held to a dramatic 4-4 draw thanks to a last-gasp Torquay United equaliser at Plainmoor.
For the neutrals watching along on BT Sports, it was a perfect game. But for Alty and their travelling fans it was heartbreak as they watched two points slip away right at the death. Particularly after such a dominant performance in the first half which saw them score twice, hit the bar, and miss a penalty.
However, Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson must now turn his boys’ attention to this evening as they play an Oldham side who are neighbours geographically and in terms of league position, sitting just one point above Alty in 16th place.
The Latics will be hoping to build on their first league win in five outings as they beat Yeovil Town 2-0 at Boundary Park in their last game.
Managers Views
In a post-match interview, Oldham Athletic manager David Unsworth gave his views on their 2-0 win at home to Yeovil, saying: “I’m delighted for the players, it’s a great feeling two wins on the bounce.
“We’re nowhere near how I want us to be in terms of how we’re playing with and without the ball but it’s slow progress. We will get better and fitter as the season goes on without a shadow of a doubt, but they’re absolutely spent in that dressing room, and I’m delighted with that.”
When asked about the ‘Saturday-Tuesday schedule’ Unsworth said: “It’s the same for Altrincham, they’ve had a game today and we’ve got to be professional in how we recover and all the things we put and don’t put in our bodies. I think I’ll be putting a few beers in myself tonight because I’m absolutely delighted with that performance.”
About Oldham Athletic
Oldham were relegated from the Football League last season after finishing second to bottom in League Two, therefore becoming the first-ever former Premier League side to drop into non-league football.
Following the relegation, Oldham started well in their opening two fixtures of their first National League campaign, picking up four points from a possible six. However, as the season continued The Latics struggled to adjust to their new surroundings, and, on the 17th of September, John Sheridan stepped down making way for David Unsworth.
Since then, they have continued to wrestle for consistency, sporting the worst away record in the league, winless and with just three points on the road.
However, Alty will still have to keep an eye on a couple of players heading into tonight’s game, starting with Ben Tollitt who leads The Latics goal scoring charts with four goals so far this campaign. The 27-year-old winger, signed from AFC Fylde, has scored three in his last five and will hope he can continue his good run of form in front of goal tonight.
Another potential threat might arise in the form of forward Mike Fondop. The former Hartlepool player heads into tonight’s game full of confidence with three goals in his last three games.
About Altrincham
Altrincham, who finished last season in 14th place in the National League, have had a mixed bag of results at the start of this term winning just three of their opening 14 games.
However, one thing is for certain and that’s their performances and style of play have been consistent throughout as both manager and coaching staff have been brave in sticking to their guns and riding the wave of poor results towards the beginning of the season.
It seems that inner belief has begun to pay off for The Robins as they enter tonight’s fixture unbeaten in three in the league and having won their last two home games.
The Latics should be most concerned with Alty striker Marcus Dinanga, who despite having a slow start to the season in front of goal, has now scored six in his last six games. Additionally, winger Ryan Colclough is certain to cause problems for the Oldham back line as he has done with most sides this season, utilising his combination of quick feet, creativity, and incredible shot power to strike fear into the hearts of most defenders he’s faced so far.
One things for certain – Oldham Athletic will be fired up against Alty tonight as they look to leapfrog their neighbours in front of what is sure to be a bumper crowd at The J.Davidson Stadium.