According to the Cambridge News "Gary Brabin is threatening Altrincham with a three-pronged strikeforce when Cambridge United travel to Moss Lane. With five forwards to choose from following the shock return of Scott Rendell on loan... Brabin admitted it had given him a big selection dilemma. It could mean Rendell getting his first start after his comeback from Peterborough, alongside Lee McEvilly and Mark Beesley. Brabin said: 'We could go to three up front, but we've got a lot of good options in the front positions. There's a chance Scott could start, but I won't be making any decision until after today's training session. I want to have as many different attacking options as possible, and I think some of the lads are finding a bit of form. Lee McEvilly has scored a few goals and Scott coming in has given everyone a bit of a lift. But the work that Bees does doesn't go un-noticed and we've also got Danny Crow getting fitter every day'.

If Brabin does switch to 4-3-3, it could mean Robbie Willmott and Felino Jardim being sacrificed, with Mark Convery keeping his place in midfield and Jon Challinor likely to come in after recovering from a bruised shin ... Ben Farrell is still suspended, but Dan Gleeson should be okay to continue at right-back after coming through training yesterday without a reaction to a hamstring problem... But Brabin said he was confident United could build on their midweek victory despite Altrincham abandoning their status as perennial strugglers this term. He said: 'I speak to their manager quite a lot and they're delighted with the way things are going for them this season. But we're playing with a lot of confidence at the moment and believing in what we're doing, so I think we could get a good result tomorrow'.

Meanwhile, Jordan Collins has joined Weymouth on loan for a month after featuring just twice this season for United.

Altrincham (probable): Ralph, Smith, McGregor, Young, Doughty, Senior, Lawton, Danylyk, Peyton, Johnson, Little.

United (probable): Potter, Gleeson, Bolland, Hatswell, Tonkin, Carden, Challinor, Convery, Beesley, McEvilly, Rendell."

POWER LOSS

SATURDAY

COLIN HONOURS COLIN

Right: Colin Bell awards Colin Little his trophy. Photo kindly provided by Gavin Rathbone.

When Colin was about to be born at Wythenshawe Hospital on November 4, 1972, his City fan father Joey told mum-to-be Maggie that they would name their newborn after the player that scored City's first goal that Saturday afternoon. The Blues demolished Derby 4-0 at Maine Road with Bell grabbing the opener - so young Little was duly called Colin. Although not reaching the heights of Bell, Little has quietly carved out an excellent career for himself at Hyde, Crewe, and Macclesfield and has hit 100 goals for the Robins.

When the M.E.N. heard about how Little came to be christened Colin, we fixed it for Bell to hand over our trophy - in association with sponsors flybe.com - ahead of Altrincham's FA Cup replay against Luton at Moss Lane last night. A delighted Colin said: 'It's a good job Rodney Marsh didn't score the first goal! My dad was a big Blue but he's not with us any more. My mum lives in Spain and it's a pity she couldn't be here tonight'.

Meanwhile, ex-England international and City legend Bell said: 'It's quite a surprise to me that people like me so much they would call their son after me. I'm just a son of a miner and I always like to keep my feet glued to the ground so I would never think that people could be called after me. I played 700 games for City so it's really difficult to remember that particular goal'.

At the end of last season, M.E.N. Sport journalists marked all the pro and semi-pro players in Greater Manchester out of ten for their performances during the season and we asked readers, viewers of our sister TV station Channel M and users of our website to vote on who they thought should be honoured. United's much-decorated Cristiano Ronaldo was judged Player of the Year, with Little named the Unsung Hero.

Reader Mike McDonnell, 21, who works as an administrator for Co-op Retail, has been an Altrincham fan for five years and he gave his reasons why the award should go to Wythenshawe-born-and-bred Little. Mike said: 'He's at the veteran stage now, but as a striker he's awesome. He has sharp, predatory instincts and can always steal a yard because of his quick reactions on a defender. He's also such a down-to-earth bloke, a real talisman for the club'. Mike's vote for Little, and his reasoning, has won him a pair of flight tickets to anywhere in Europe courtesy of M.E.N. Sport sponsors flybe.com".

BSP NEWS

At Wrexham "Centre back Ashley Westwood has extended his stay at The Racecourse... The experienced Westwood initially earned a short term deal until January following a successful trial and has now signed on until the end of the season... Westwood was handed the captain's armband at Weymouth last Saturday" states the Evening Leader

According to NL Daily, "Rushden & Diamonds' Jake Beecroft has gone on loan to Solihull Moors.. until January... Beecroft signed for the Diamonds until the end of the 2010/11 season, after impressing in the youth team".

"Eastbourne Borough striker Allan Tait is set to remain with the club having been transfer-listed earlier this month... Eastbourne assistant manager Nick Greenwood told BBC Southern Counties Radio: 'We had a minor disagreement, these things happen quite regularly. He's still on the list technically, but that might change. He's looking forward to playing'. The Sussex side have confirmed they made a bid for the Salisbury striker Matt Tubbs, who has opted to join League Two side Bournemouth. Greenwood said: 'We've a few irons in the fire - not just in the forward positions. We're looking to strengthen the squad getting into the busy Christmas and New Year period'".

You may have thought that Northwich Vics were cash-strapped but the Northwich Guardian neverthless confirms that "Vics have missed out on the signature of Salisbury striker Matt Tubbs. The England C front runner has joined former Northwich boss Jimmy Quinn at Football League strugglers Bournemouth... 'It’s disappointing', Vics' boss Steve King told the Guardian. 'I spoke to Matt on a couple of occasions and he would have come here if he hadn’t had an offer from a league club. It’s sad to miss out on someone of his quality but I understand his decision'”.

"Liam Feeney is now expected to line up for Salisbury City tomorrow in their match with Northwich Victoria after his proposed loan move to Dagenham & Redbridge collapsed today2 says the Salisbury Journal. "Whites' boss Nick Holmes said the two clubs had failed to agree a loan move with a view to the player signing permanently in the transfer window".

More news of the Sports comes from Argus which tells us that ""Skipper Paul Armstrong is still out with an injured ankle but is expected to return to light training next week while Rushden captain Andy Burgess serves a one-match ban. Part-time boxer Curtis Woodhouse... is unavailable as he is due to return to the ring next week. Meanwhile, Borough defender Andy Ballard, who had been on loan with Hastings United this season, has rejoined former club Oxford City". The Argus adds that "Horsham have added to their squad by signing midfielder William Peauroux from Ebbsfleet".

THURSDAY GAME

Altrincham drop to 13th in the League table.

CAMBRIDGE CONFIDENT

From the Cambridge News we learn that "Jon Challinor is likely to be back in contention for Cambridge United's trip to Altrincham on Saturday. But Dan Gleeson could be out of action after picking up a hamstring injury... Challinor suffered a badly bruised shin and over-extended his knee after being caught by a challenge by Sam Rents that saw the Crawley player sent off in their 2-2 draw at the weekend. Manager Gary Brabin said he expected the midfielder to be back in training today. He said: 'It's nowhere near as bad as we first thought, so hopefully he could be back in the squad on Saturday'. There are major doubts over Gleeson's fitness though, after he limped off in stoppage time against York, and if he does not come through over the next couple of days it could mean a recall for youngster Rory McAuley or Josh Coulson.

Brabin said: 'We're worried about Dan Gleeson... We're going to see how he is over the next day or two, but he'll be a big loss because he has probably found his best form this season. I'm not surprised he has been playing for the England C team because he has been brilliant for us'. Brabin said Gleeson had played a big part in United boasting one of the Blue Square Premier's tightest defences. He added: 'We've been rock solid at the back... We're unbeaten in our last eight league games, so we're hanging in there, and I'm pleased with the way things are going and the football we're producing at the moment'".

SHOOT-OUT

Right: Alex Meechan celebrates converting his penalty in Tuesday night's shoot-out. Here Gavin Rathbone captures the Golf Road End supporters celebrating. This and many other excellent images from Gavin are on his GR Photography website.

BSP NEWS

"York City have overturned the decision to allow Richard Brodie to extend his loan spell with Barrow for a further month, BBC Radio Cumbria understands. The Minstermen will now recall the England C striker after this weekend's fixtures... Barrow are now hoping to begin talks with York over a possible permanent deal for Brodie in January. The two clubs could agree a pre-contract arrangement which would allow the player to return to Holker Street before January. However, it is not known whether York are now willing to allow the player to leave in the transfer window... Barrow's finances were given a lift this week after their tie with Brentford at Holker Street was chosen for live television coverage. The club will now receive a further £85,000 on top of the £20,000 they receive for reaching the second round. The tie has been brought forward to Friday, 28 November, with kick-off at 1945". Meanwhile, York City add that striker Richard Brodie'... has found travelling from his North East home very difficult".

"The chairman of Weymouth's supporters' club, the Terras Trust, has warned the club's fans it is losing thousands of pounds a month. Anthony Sams told BBC Radio Solent the problems are being caused by the continued threat of administration. 'The situation is more serious than many of the fans know', he said. Weymouth owner Malcolm Curtis offered his 84% shareholding to the Terras' Trust, with responsibility of ownership and day-to-day running. The conditional proposal was made last week but it contained conditions which the Trust could not agree to. One of the most contentious was to bring Curtis back to control the club if there is a risk of entering administration. Sams added: 'At the last count we were aware that we are losing £30,000 a month. With the current losses we're not confident we could keep the club out of administration. Therefore the likelihood of his (Curtis) return is severely possible and that's not what the fans want'. Part of the deal included an agreement that the Terras Trust would do nothing to damage or interfere with the proposed new stadium project. A further obstacle was the failure of the football club to release any detailed financial information for the Trust to look at prior to their board meeting" reports the BBC.

Meanwhile the Weymouth FC 2are pleased to announce the loan signing of Jordan Collins from Cambridge Utd. Alan Lewer has secured the left sided defender through his contacts from his time spent at the former league club outfit".

According to the Burton Mail "Albion boss Nigel Clough has strengthened his promotion chasing squad by signing Cheltenham Town utility man Craig Armstrong. The 33-year-old Geordie has joined the Brewers on a six-week loan with a view to a permanent move when the transfer window opens in January. Armstrong, who can operate in defence or midfield, trained with the Brewers yesterday and goes straight into their squad... against Stevenage Borough... And Clough revealed he hopes to make at least one more signing - believed to be a forward - before the loan transfer window closes next week".

"Imraan Ladak has revealed Kettering Town have identified a site for a new purpose-built stadium and potentially secured the majority of the funding" says the Northants Evening Telegraph. "But he insists any plans for a new stadium will have to suit all the relevant parties. The Poppies chairman feels he is closing in on solving the club's ground issue by the March deadline, which will need to be done to ensure Kettering can remain in the Blue Square Premier for next season. But he admitted there is no way the plans could work unless the club make a concerted effort to ensure it suits Kettering Council and the current landlord of the A-Line Arena, Ben Pickering.

'There are four parts to this really and those are having a site, securing some funding, having something suitable for the council and also for the landlord', Ladak said. 'We feel the council will be fully supportive of us and I have no doubts about that. They have been great to me since I took over here... As a football club, we have our own needs and we can't expect the landlord to lose out for the benefit of the club... I don't think there has ever been a point where a plan has been in place that satisfies everyone concerned. But we are close to being in that very position. Of course, the biggest problem is time because we don't have a lot of it. The growth of the club on the pitch thanks to the great work of Mark Cooper and the players is ahead of the off-the-field matters'. Ladak also confirmed he has been receiving advice on the stadium issue from Milton Keynes Dons chairman Pete Winkleman. 'As everyone knows, Pete has recently managed to build a £50m, 30,000 all-seater stadium and he was able to put all the pieces together to achieve that', Ladak added2.

Ebbsfleet United report that "British-born striker Matthew Delicâte, who has been playing for the Rochester Rhinos in America’s USL (a professional league one below Major League Soccer) for the last three seasons, joins the Ebbsfleet United squad this week. Matthew has flown over to the UK following the end of the USL season and is looking to continue playing football while he is in Kent. Matthew began his career in the League Of Wales aged 17, playing for Carmarthen Town during the 1999-2000 season. He scored a hat-trick on his debut in August 1999 and was a regular scorer until he departed in April 2000. He then went to the United States on a football scholarship at Virginia Commonwealth University aged 18 in summer 2000 where he scored 44 goals and progressed to play for the Richmond Kickers for two seasons, netting 25 times. He joined the Rhinos in 2006 and this season played alongside former Fleet defender Ross Smith. He has 13 Rhinos goals to his name. Liam Daish added the 6ft 3in forward to his squad following a successful trial".

CAMBRIDGE LOOKING FOR GOALS

The Cambridge Evening News reports on the 1-0 win over York on Tuesday. "All eyes were on Scott Rendell after his shock return to Cambridge United just hours before the game. But Gary Brabin's side had to rely on a Ben Purkiss own goal to ensure they got back to winning ways against York summing up just why he moved to bring Rendell back to the Abbey. Rendell went from hero to zero when he left in February for bitter rivals Peterborough with some angered fans going as far as launching an internet hate campaign against the striker. At that time it was unthinkable Rendell, who remained United's leading scorer last season, would be back in amber and black. But finding himself down the pecking order at London Road this term and having just spent a month on loan at Yeovil, Rendell's name was suddenly in the frame once more.... And when he came on with 18 minutes left, the striker was welcomed with chants of 'there's only one Scott Rendell'". United are at Moss Lane this Saturday; on Tuesday their line-up was Potter, Gleeson (Coulson 90+5), Tonkin, Convery, Bolland, Hatswell, Beesley (Rendell 72), Carden, McEvilly (Crow 83), Willmott, Jardim. Not used: Drench, Holroyd.

Rendell told the News "I've always got confidence in my ability at whatever level I play and my goal-scoring record at every club has been pretty good. Now I just want to get my head down and see if I can get my first one on Saturday" at Altrincham.

Cambridge United confirm that "Gary Brabin was pleased with United's dominant performance against York and is sure that goals are not too far away... Loanee Scott Rendell issued a reminder of his deadly goal form of last season in a 20 minute cameo and he looks sure to weigh in with goals in the next few weeks. 'I thought some of the football we played from the first minute right to the end was brilliant', stated Brabin afterwards.'We really believe that it's only round the corner that hopefully all these lads are going to start scoring goals... We've been coming away nil-nil or losing by the odd goal but today we dominated and it was hard to lift the lads at half-time because they were giving everything and playing some fantastic football. I was a little bit critical and told them we should be breaking our necks to get into the box and get on the end of things, and it took an own goal for us to win but I'll take that. The defence were solid again and we know we're capable of doing that. As well as defending doggedly, we played some great football across the back four and across midfield. Everything I want we've produced today, and the only thing I want is more goals!'...

Looking ahead to Saturday when United travel to Altrincham on Saturday, Brabin concluded, 'They're on a bit of a run at the moment but - like I keep saying - if we can just hang in there for now, we genuinely believe that we're not a million miles away from producing that sort of form with goals on top. Hopefully we can time it right so we can make a late surge for the title'"

ALTY SHIRTS REACH GHANA

Daniel Eadie, a regular at Altrincham matches home and away, and a Vice-President of the Club, has kindly sent the website a letter from his brother Nick, who recently spread the word about Altrincham FC to Ghana. Nick writes:

On October 16th, I was lucky enough to fly out to Ghana with a small party, led by the Rev. Ian Blay, Rector of Mobberley. our mission was to forge a partnership links with the Church in Ghana, with a view to supporting various projects such as schools, orphanages, etc.

As they are football-mad in Ghana, we collected some Fairtrade footballs and a total of 85 football shirts of various colours and sizes, to take out as gifts. Eleven of these were Altrincham FC shirts which were donated by Paul Daine (Altrincham FC director) through my brother Dan Eadie, whom many of you will know. Many of the shirts were donated to St Anne's School in Kumasi. I enclose pictures of a young lad sporting an Alty shirt!

Many thanks from us and even more from Ghana where not many are blessed with material things as we are!

Love and God's blessing

Nick Eadie.

PS: Jackie Swindells is still my hero!

... AND WE ARE BIG IN NORWAY, TOO!

Altrincham FC-fans in Norway hope team show up some big football and take club, sponsors and fans all over to next round of FA Cup. Here is nothing to lose or fear just all to win so forza go for gold. Keep up the good work in future and team will win many new fans to club. Fans all over cross all they have from top to toes and hope for the best. Take good care and have a nice week in Altrincham. BOL from us in Norway. ;) Forza alle alle".

OLD BOY

LUTON VERDICT

Right: Dale Johnson in action against Luton on Tuesday night. This and many other fine images from Gavin Rathbone are on his GR Photography website.

Luton Town report how "Luton sneak through on penalties" at Moss Lane on |Tuesday. "Luton Town beat Altrincham 4-2 on penalties after drawing 0-0 after extra time... Luton's cause wasn't helped by Sol Davis's sending off in the 66th minute for a professional foul, which gave away a penalty. Luckily for the Hatters, Conrad Logan made the save to keep the scores level. Logan was the Hatters' hero once again in the shoot-out saving two Altrincham penalties, leaving Paul McVeigh to stroke home the winning penalty".

In similar vein Luton Today also gives Alty credit. "Paul McVeigh netted the match-winning spot-kick to get a relieved Hatters side out of jail and into the next round of the cup. The Blue Square Premier outfit gave as good as they got throughout the encounter, so much so that, at times, you would have been hard-pressed to distinguish the full-timers from the semi-pros. Admittedly, Luton did play with 10 men for the best part of an hour following Sol Davis' dismissal but they created precious few chances in front of goal and were hanging on for the majority of the added period... The visitors lacked any kind of physical presence and too often squandered possession. Altrincham looked dangerous on the break which did not allow the Hatters to gain any kind of foothold in the contest until midway through the half when they should have gone in front.

Things turned in Altrincham's favour in the 67th minute when Davis, who had only been on the field for six minutes, brought down Chris Senior after the midfielder had been sent through on goal. The referee had no choice but to point to the spot and show Davis a red card, but Logan kept the scores level when he saved Peyton's weakly-struck penalty low to his right... As extra-time came around... Altrincham were still on top, but McVeigh almost made Ralph pay for a bad misjudgement in the 94th minute when his header from Nicholls' cross drifted just wide".

But Luton Today reports on news that may cause Luton to regret the scuppering of the TV transmission of Tuesday's game, which cost them - and Alty- £37,000 each. The paper reports that "A speedy conclusion to former manager Mike Newell's legal case against the Hatters seems unlikely... National newspaper reports have claimed that Newell, who was sacked by the club's former regime in March 2007, is seeking £300,000 from Luton in outstanding commission on player sales. Newell, who took a hard line against agents and the money they took out of the game, is said to have had a clause in his contract giving him a 10% share in outgoing transfer fees... At present it is still not clear exactly what remuneration Newell is looking for and whether he may also be pursuing a case for unfair dismissal. The current Grimsby boss though has previously stated he does not want to punish the current club and his owner, but instead wants to pursue those who were in charge at the time".

BSP NEWS

"Lee Steele has won a regional player of the year award. Vics’ veteran goal getter polled most votes in the Blue Square Premier category at the Northwest Football Awards, pipping Alty rival Colin Little to the title. He picked up his prize at a ceremony in Manchester last night, Monday" reports the Northwich Guardian

According to the Football Conference "Torquay United manager Paul Buckle has praised his squad after they set a new club record of 15 games without defeat in their 4-1 win over Lewes on Tuesday. The Gulls have not lost in any competition since a 1-0 defeat at Kidderminster on 4 September. Speaking to torquayunited.com Buckle said 'We were aware of the club record but there have been other things going on at the club this week that has dampened thing for us but we are fully aware of the record. I am very proud of the record we have set and I'm very proud of my players. It is an unbelievable run that we are on'.

Torquay United have also revealed that defender Chris Todd has been diagnosed with Leukaemia. Chris, 27, has been struggling to recover from an operation after picking up a stomach injury in the match with Forest Green Rovers back in September, and after blood tests earlier this week the diagnosis was confirmed. The Football Conference would like to send their best wishes to Chris, and hope he makes a full and speedy recovery". And so, too, would everyone at Altrincham FC wish him a restoration to full health.

"York City manager Colin Walker has hit out at his team after a lacklustre performance saw them lose 1-0 to Cambridge United on Tuesday night" says the Football Conference. "A Ben Purkiss own goal gifted the U's the points, a result which means the Minstermen have only won three of their last 17 Blue Square Premier games. Walker told The Press: 'I can't defend anybody. I tried to change shape to get them all going, but it was quite difficult. I think it's only the second time this season that I can say it was a poor team performance and the other team were better than us... I work as hard as I can and I know it's my team, so I take the flak. That's the job I get paid for. I have belief in my own and the players' ability'".

Also from the Conference, we learn that "Histon midfielder Robbie Nightingale is expected to go on a two month loan to Cambridge City this week. The 27-year-old is now likely to link up with former Lilywhites player Adrian Cambridge at Milton Road".

"Eastbourne Borough manager Garry Wilson has revealed that striker Allan Tait has been placed on the transfer list this week... 'We had a bit of a disagreement and the fact remains that we only want players who are 100 per cent committed to this club'", Wilson told Eastbourne Today. "We are actively seeking to bring in another striker or even two within the next week or 10 days", he added

The Grays v Carlisle United FA Cup replay, abandoned on Tuesday bceause of floodlight failure, will now be played on Saturday, 29th November which is the date of Round 2.

"On Saturday, Crawley conceded a late equaliser which prevented them jumping back into a playoff spot and Evans is now preparing his squad for another push during the Christmas period. He said: 'Alex Ferguson talks about February and March as a crucial stage of the season but they finish later. Our season finishes in April and the big time is now. We have set ourselves a target of being in the playoffs on Christmas Day. We've made massive progress and we've got the players and set-up to deliver'" the Crawley boss told the Crawley Observer.

LUTON REPORT

"WE LACKED PASSION"

Chairman Geoff Goodwin added, "We were the better side... The club is in a healthy state and we live to fight another day. We are part-timers and our lads did a day's work before playing".

ALTRINCHAM 0 LUTON 0 - Luton win 4-2 on penalties

The defining moment arrived in the 68th minute when Chris Senior was bundled over in the box and Luton's substitute Davis was sent off as he was the last man. However, Warren Peyton underhit his penalty and former Stockport keeper Conrad Logan saved the effort. Alty dominated the rest of the game but laboured to break down the 10-men of Luton and the game went to a penalty shoot out. Doughty and Meechan converted for the Robins but both McGregor and Lawton saw their spot-kicks saved by Logan to hand Luton a 4-2 win on penalties.

The financial loss of the £20,000 prize money was compounded by Luton's refusal to play this match on a Thursday when £37,000 would have been paid to each club in television fees for a live transmission. Report to follow.

ALTRINCHAM: Ralph, Smith, McGregor, Young, Doughty, Senior (Meechan 74), Lawton, Danylyk, Peyton, Little (Elam 46), Johnson (Lane 100).

FA CUP ROUND 1 REPLAYS

Tuesday 18th

BSP FIXTURES

Tuesday 18th

BSP NEWS

The U's manager must decide whether to recall Bolland or keep faith with Josh Coulson, who deputised admirably on Saturday in his first league start of the season... 'Robbie Willmott has done great so far but it's important that we don't put too much pressure on him too soon, and that applies to Felino too, but there's a good spirit here and the lads are working well and looking forward to each game'", the manager added.

According to the BBC, "Barnet winger Kieron St Aimie is having further talks with Wrexham. The 19-year-old former Queens Park Rangers trainee is listed as available for transfer or loan. St Aimie started this season in the first team but has only made four appearances for the League Two club since, all as a substitute. Earlier this season the youngster spent a month on loan with Grays Athletic. Barnet signed St Aimie at the beginning of the year after he was released from Queens Park Rangers".

All three domains can be searched, separately, using the appropriate Google search box below. Make sure you check the correct button beneath each search box.

I am sorry that this is a bit messy but eventually I will get everything into just one domain. However, the above method does allow you to find everything on the site which has appeared since Spring 2000.

WWW http://www.altrinchamfc.co.uk

WWW http://www.lusa.u-net.com

WWW http://www.luso.u-net.com

WEATHER FORECAST