Altrincham v Darlington

Saturday 24th August 2019, 3pm
Vanarama Conference North

 
Altrincham FC:
The J Davidson Stadium at Moss Lane, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 8AP
Tel: (0161) 928 1045 Twitter: @altrinchamfc

History: Altrincham had a glorious past in the Conference in the early 1980s, and enjoyed a comfortable mid-table position. They also have a past FA Cup pedigree - taking Everton and Spurs to replays in the mid to late 1970s. They also took the scalps of Crewe, Rotherham, Sheffield United, Scunthorpe, York City, as well reaching the Fourth Road after a 2-1 win over Birmingham City at St Andrews in 1986. They've gone beyond the First Round on 16 occasions. Since Darlo played them in the Cup in 2010, Alty have yo-yo'd a bit between the Conference and Conference North, and bounced back after relegation to win the Northern Premier in 2017/18 and strongly challenged for a successive promotion last season.
Record Attendance:
Capacity:6,085
Last season: 5th
Honours: Conference champions 1979/80, 1980/81; FA Trophy winners 1978, 1986; Conference North play-off winners 2004/05; Northern Premier League Premier Division champions (2017/18)

Record victory: 9-2 v Merthyr Tydfil (league, 1991)
Defeat: 1-13 v Stretford, 1893; 0-5 Dagenham (Conference)
Nickname: Alty
Colours: Red and white
Manager: Phil Parkinson
Chairman: Grahame Rowley

Famous fans/players/connections:

Click here for streetmaps of the Altrincham ground

Admission prices (2019/20) Adults £14, concessions £11 - a slight rise; ages 12-16: £5, under 12; £1.

Away supporters are given the uncovered Hale End terrace, with room for 1,434, and there may be some allocation in the Popular Side terracing; the Golf Road terrace is for home fans.

From Darlington, 124 miles, 2hrs 15mins. From the North: Leave the M6 at J20 onto the M56. At first traffic lights (after a mile) turn right for Bowdon/Hale (B5161). Carry on for another mile, passing The Quality Hotel on the right. Continue through the traffic lights, then right at the mini-roundabout into Hale Road. Carry on for approximately one mile, turning left into Westminster Road (opposite cemetery entrance).

Parking: Pay and display carparks off Moss Lane in Thomas Street and Denmark Street. NB: Be aware of delays on the A56 Sale to Altrincham road due to ongoing roadworks.

 

Darlington FC Supporters' Club
Coach Contact: Darlington FC Supporters Group, call 01325 250531 or 07951 434731 to book a seat.Details of the supporters' group travel can be found here. See also Extra coach booked for Altrincham

Altrincham Taxis 0161 929 6422
Kabz 0161 945 3330
Montana Cars 0161 928 0123
PMJ Travels 0161 941 4600

Moss Lane is a 10 minute walk from the train and bus stations. Turn left and up a narrow footpath to the junction with Moss Lane; turn left, over the railway bridge, and then walk straight on past the Bridge Inn.

The Metrolink system runs to Altrincham via Old Trafford and Sale from Manchester city centre (return £4.60). Click here for more public transport details

The official site is pretty good, once you get used to the navigation.

The Messenger newspaper

Altrincham town centre guide

At the ground:

There is a lounge bar in the Community Sports Hall in the Golf Road/Moss Lane corner of the ground - if the match is segregated, it will be open to home fans only but is usually open to all.

Real ale Near ground/town centre:

Altrincham is of course only 25 minutes out of the centre of Manchester - which has plenty of choice. But the market town isn't lacking, while the ground in a leafy suburb is within easy walking distance..

Pi, 18 Shaw's Road, Altrincham, WA141QU
Local CAMRA real ale pub of the year for 2016, this is a traditional pub in the town centre which has no TV sports, posh grub only good beer to shout about. The house ale is Tatton Blonde and two guest beers are served. Also serves PieMinster pies and mash.

Belgian Bar 40 Greenwood Street, Altrincham WA14 1RZ
Choice of continental, including Belgian obviously, beers. Food also.

The Cheshire Tap, 36 Railway Street, Altrincham WA14 2RD
This is west of the ground in the town and DAFTS recommended: "Young but knowledgeable staff. About six handpulls - nice and fresh. Best of the night was a lovely mild flavoured watermelon wheat beer by Seven Bro7hers Brewery. Negatives were loud music and long waits for bar staff to create cocktails for other less discerning customers."

The King George is a family-friendly pub about 150 yards beyond the ground from the town centre, on Moss Lane and does a big food menu. The Bridge Inn also on Moss Lane is between the town centre and the ground.

The Old Market Tavern, Old Market Place is an old 19th century inn with a large range of real ales, Belgian beers and good food, as well as a beer garden. It has won local CAMRA awards. DAFTS recommended.

The Orange Tree, 15 Old Market Place
Another real ale pub, close to the Old Market Tavern, with its own history going back to Georgian times. Food served.

There is a mobile catering hut at the away end.