We're ready for play-off mission

Part time Altrincham are flying high in Skrill North, sitting 4th with only four league games remaining and every chance of gaining promotion as champions.

Chairman Grahame Rowley believes it’s not out of the question:

“It only goes to show some of the results the top teams have had. When you look at AFC Telford lost at oxford when you expect them to win that game. I think were still in the mix for automatic but if not we’d try get home advantage for the play offs, so every game for us at the moment is a cup final.”

With the club more than flirting with a 2nd play off berth in as many years; theres a sense of cautious optimism with memories of last years play off semi final defeat to Brackley Town is still fresh.

Rowley insists last years play off showing can spur the Robins on to claim a place back in the Skill Premier.

“It’s a very similar side to last year with a few additions; they are better prepared to go into the playoffs from that experience. They’ll know what to expect, when we went to Brackley last year we were over awed by the situation and we froze a little bit.”

Altrincham play only once at home during the final season run in, something Rowley doesn’t think hinders them:

“I think sometimes when you’re playing at home you have added pressure on you, if you play away from home, you can relax more and its up to the opposition to come at you, so I think having 3 away will be an advantage to us.”

The final home fixture of the season is against Vauxhall Motors next Monday night at 7:45pm and sees the first team return to the J Davidson stadium after two games on the road at Oxford and Stockport.

The game concludes the annual Altrincham FC beer festival at Moss Lane, taking place over the Easter weekend. The event is free entry, offering up family fun and live music.

Sunday April 20th has been designated a ‘family fun day’, integrating a wide range of children’s entertainment like a treasure hunt, splat the rat and chocolate tombola.

AFC Altrincham Under 17 and 18 teams will also be in action, as well as Altrincham FC ladies who take on AFC Stockport.

Rowley sees the festival as a great opportunity to involve the local community and the club depends greatly on the success of its off the field events:

“We look at ways of getting people involved, football clubs aren’t just football clubs, they’re a centre of the community. Like most non-league cubs we suffer from lack of income for 2 or 3 months of the close season.”

For more details and tickets, contact the Club by phone on 0161 928-1045 or email office@altrinchamfootballclub.co.uk