Altrincham delivered a commanding performance at the Shay Stadium, securing a 3-0 victory over FC Halifax Town in a match characterised by significant momentum shifts. This result carries substantial implications for both teams as the season nears its conclusion.
Altrincham struck first in the 10th minute when Jake Bickerstaff found the net, assisted by Lewis Banks. This early goal established Altrincham’s dominance in the first half, during which the referee issued a flurry of yellow cards. Jake Bickerstaff and Isaac Marriott of Altrincham, along with Daniel Nkrumah of Halifax, each received a caution.
The second half was even more eventful. In the 58th minute, Halifax’s Lewis Leigh was shown a red card for violent conduct, leaving the home side with only ten players. Altrincham swiftly exploited their numerical advantage. Regan Linney converted a penalty in the 65th minute, extending their lead. Linney then further increased Halifax’s woes, scoring again in the 73rd minute, this time assisted by Lucas Weaver, who had recently come on as a substitute.
Halifax responded with a series of substitutions, introducing Owen Bray, Dubem Eze, Zak Emmerson, James Jones, Sean Tarima and Harvey Sutcliffe, but they struggled to penetrate Altrincham’s defence. Altrincham also made substitutions, bringing on Lucas Weaver, Callum Dolan, James Jones and Oliver Crankshaw, to maintain their control over the match.
Altrincham comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure the victory. A late yellow card for Weaver in added time marked the final incident of note.
This victory moves Altrincham to 63 points, placing them in 9th position, while FC Halifax Town remain in 6th place with 67 points.