MATCH PREVIEW | THE ROBINS
Altrincham vs Dorking Wanderers
Vanarama National League
October 8th 2022 - 3pm K/O
Match Preview
A look ahead to this weekend's league fixture as Dorking take to the road to face Altrincham on Saturday afternoon...
Where?
The J Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane, Hale, Altrincham, WA15 8AP (Capacity 7,873)
Tickets?
Adults £19 / Concession £15 / Junior £7 (12-18 y/o) Child £2
Available:
https://altrinchamfc.com/products/altrincham-v-dorking-wanderers
Matchday Programme?
Physical copies will be available at the ground!
Is the supporters coach running?
The Wanderers Supporters Coach will be leaving Dorking High Street at 8am, tickets are priced at £45 return, and still available!
Not Getting The Coach?
See below for a full away travel guide to get to The J Davidson Stadium :
https://altrinchamfc.com/pages/the-j-davidson-stadium
Not at the game this Saturday? Stay in the loop...
Live Commentary:
Gary Pascoe will be providing live match commentary, check out the Dorking Wanderers official Twitter account for information on how to tune in.
Social Media Updates:
Live updates will be running on our Twitter page throughout the afternoon over at @DorkingWDRS
Wanderers Aim To Make It Three Unbeaten...
Last Saturday's emphatic 5-1 win over Dagnenham & Redbridge was quickly followed up by the first midweek matchday under the Meadowbank lights on Tuesday evening as Yeovil Town made the visit up from Somerset. Sam Pearson's 4th minute opener for the away side startled Wanderers early on, but after seeing out the initial pressure in the game Marc White's side went on to dominate possession thereafter and came away frustrated not to take all three points. Jimmy Muitt fired home his first goal of the season to provide a deserved equaliser shortly after the restart, but Wanderers couldn't ultimately get further reward for their control as a resilient Yeovil held out and the spoils were shared 1-1.
Wanderers head up to Greater Manchester on Saturday seeking their third away win of the campaign, very much looking to continue the recent good form which has seen them pick up points in 4 of the last 5 games.
Marc White confirmed in his weekly update broadcast Thursday evening that captain Barry Fuller will not travel with the squad this weekend as he undergoes a procedure. Saturday's game may come around too soon for Nicky Wheeler who went off injured just before half-time against Dagenham, Luke Moore also remains a doubt after missing the past trio of games with a muscle injury.
Opposition Focus: The Robins
The Form Guide (last six)
1-3 v Gateshead (W)
3-1 v Notts County (L)
1-0 v Aldershot (W)
4-1 v Dagenham & Redbridge (L)
2-2 v Scunthrope United (D)
5-1 v Solihull Moors (L)
Altrincham picked up their first win of the campaign a couple of weeks ago at home to Aldershot Town, a Ryan Coughlan penalty enough to secure maximum points. Following defeat away to league leaders Notts County, Alty picked up their first away victory this past Tuesday evening with a 1-3 victory at Gateshead, Chris Conn-Clarke, Marcus Dinanga and Dan Malone netting after the home side took the lead very early on in the contest.
One's To Watch
The Skipper - A familiar and popular name in non-league football in the North West, striker Jordan Hulme signed on with Altrincham for a second spell with the club in January 2022 , having previously featured for Salford City, Ashton United and AFC Fylde. The 31 year old has become renowned for his hold up play and consistancy in front of goal.
The Loanees - The club have used the loan market effectively in the close season to add young players from the Football League , including bringing in Stoke City defender Eddy Jones and midfielder Dan Malone, midfielder Aaron Bennett from Preston North End and up top, striker Chris Conn-Clarke, who has made the move over from Fleetwood Town having previously been on the books at Burnley.
A Familiar Face - Wanderers fans may remember striker Marcus Dinanga who featured for Dartford last term and scored in the league clash between the two sides at Princes Park. The forward was loaned out by Altrincham to both Kidderminster Harriers and The Darts during last season, and enjoyed a prolific spell in Kent. Dinanga has just rediscovered his shooting boots in this past week with two goals in as many games.
The Gaffer - Phil Parkinson
After positive spells at Nantwich and Spennymoor Town, Phil Parkinson took up the managerial post at Altrincham at the end of the 2016/17 season. With relegation to the Northern League confirmed for the club very shortly after his appointment was announced, Parkinson got The Robins back into the National League North at the first time of asking as champions the following year. A 5th placed finish and play-off spot was earned the following season where after overcoming Blyth Spartans in the eliminators, Parkinson's side were then defeated at the semi-final stage by Chorley on penalties. Alty did get over the promotion line in 2019/20 however, defeating Boston United 1-0 in the play-off final to get back into the National League Premier. Mid-table finishes of 17th and 14th have been secured in the last two campaigns, and back in May of this year the club took the decision to move to full time status for the first time in its history.