The English National League season commenced with an exciting match between Altrincham and Woking at the J. Davidson Stadium on 10 August 2024, with the home team securing a 1-0 victory. This result marked a reversal of their previous head-to-head encounter, where Woking had emerged victorious. In a physically intense encounter, Altrincham’s Tylor Golden scored the decisive goal in the 27th minute, following an assist from Alex Newby. This marked a significant moment in the game, as Golden had been introduced just 13 minutes prior to scoring, replacing Max Haygarth after a tactical substitution.
The match got off to a dramatic start, with Edward Jones from Altrincham receiving a red card in the 12th minute due to violent conduct. Despite being down to ten men, Altrincham managed to navigate the early stages of the game successfully. However, Woking’s Dale Gorman was given a yellow card in the 13th minute for a foul.
In the second half, the intensity of the game continued, with both teams creating scoring opportunities. Dale Gorman’s woes continued as he received a second yellow card in the 53rd minute, resulting in his dismissal from the game. This further reduced Woking’s chances of equalising, given they were already down by a goal.
As the game progressed, both teams made strategic substitutions to change the dynamics of the match. Woking brought on Harry Beautyman and Jermaine Anderson, while Altrincham introduced George Wilson, Regan Linney, and Kahrel Reddin in attempts to solidify their lead and create more scoring opportunities. Altrincham also made further substitutions, including Jacob Jones coming in for Jamie Andrews for Woking.
In the final stages of the game, the referee issued additional yellow cards to Max Dyche of Woking, Elliot Osborne of Altrincham, and Tylor Golden of Altrincham, highlighting the competitive nature of the encounter. Despite Woking’s efforts to push for an equaliser, Altrincham’s resilient defence held firm, ensuring they began their season with a valuable three points.
The win places Altrincham in 8th position in the league standings, with 3 points from their opening match, while Woking sits in 19th, still seeking their first points of the season. This marks a strong start for Altrincham in their pursuit of a top-half finish, building on their head-to-head record and seeking to improve their overall standing throughout the season. The opening match provided an early glimpse into the competitive balance of the English National League, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead.