Altrincham gained a measure of revenge for their earlier 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Sutton United, edging a tight National League encounter 1-0 at the J. Davidson Stadium. A moment of quality in the 10th minute ultimately proved the difference between the two sides in a match characterised by tactical jousting and a flurry of yellow cards.
The decisive breakthrough came early on. Tylor Golden, advancing down the right flank, delivered a pinpoint cross which Regan Linney met with a clinical finish, sending the home supporters into raptures. Sutton, stung by the early concession, responded by increasing the pressure on the Altrincham defence. However, the Robins stood firm, repelling wave after wave of attacks. The match’s physicality was foreshadowed in the 7th minute when Sutton’s Will Davies received a yellow card for a rash challenge. Altrincham’s Charlie Olson was similarly cautioned in the 35th minute for a comparable infringement.
The second half saw both managers turn to their benches in an attempt to gain the upper hand. Just before the hour mark, Sutton United introduced Nana Boateng for Jeremy Sivi, hoping to inject some impetus into their attack. Altrincham responded with a double substitution later in the game, refreshing their midfield and attack. Goalscoring hero Linney, who had also picked up a yellow card in the 65th minute, was also substituted late on, departing to a warm ovation from the home crowd. As the clock wound down, the game became increasingly fragmented, with yellow cards shown to Altrincham’s Alex Newby and George Wilson, and Sutton’s Tyler French. Despite late pressure from Sutton, Altrincham’s defence remained resolute, securing a valuable three points.
The victory sees Altrincham leapfrog Sutton in the National League table. The Robins now occupy 6th place with 34 points, while Sutton drop to 11th on 32 points.