Altrincham away is fast becoming a Christmas tradition, a bit like visiting a posh relative that you find a little awkward. It’s also an opportunity for some fresh air, to let off steam, and to have some friendly banter with the natives. Shortly after lunchtime we were off on our 59-mile journey across the Pennines for our third consecutive game on the road.
There was brief, bright sunshine as we crossed the border into Lancashire, that very quickly disappeared into a Dickensian gloom. We could see the approaching motorway bridges from a good few hundred yards ahead, but it wouldn’t take much of a decline in visibility for our viewing to be impaired later, especially when darkness fell.
Admission to Altrincham’s Moss Lane ground was £20. Thisgave the travelling Shaymen access to a wonderful airy open terrace, whose charm and character are perhaps underappreciated these days. You never feel too dry when it’s raining, nor too warm when there’s a wild chilly wind. Fans that arrive early have the opportunity of 50 covered seats. While chips were a bargain £4, the facilities were less impressive. However, you did get your shoes washed for free as part of your visit, whether you liked it or not…
With the Shaymen attacking the far end, visibility was fine at first and the lights were on, but you could only just make out the steelwork of the communications tower just outside the ground. Both teams looked dangerous coming forward, as we exchanged festive comments with the home support in the seats alongside us. The pantomime villain, and ex Shayman Kosylo, kept us entertained, capable of turning any game, but you’re never sure which team will benefit. It was goalless at half-time, perhaps a fair reflection.
As the second half started, it became apparent that Alty were down to ten men. Concerned for the disparity and lack of any confirmation over the public address, we called out a report of a missing person to a passing policeman at the front of the stand. They, to their credit, saw the humour in the situation, and went along with it. The nearby and now silent Alty fans looked less impressed, their chances of winning the game had all but vanished in an instant.
For much of the second half the Shaymen dominated possession, kicking towards the 500 or so expectant travelling Shaymen. Multiple crosses were fired into the Alty box, each cleared or blocked. As the gloom descended, with visibility not great, Alty grew into the half, and looked to break at every opportunity. It became more of a challenge than we expected with a man advantage for the whole of the second half. Banter with the home fans kicked up a gear, they sensed an expected winner, whilst we still looked dangerous.
In the end, neither team broke the deadlock, but we would have taken a point before kick-off so weren’t too disappointed. We exchanged some genuine best wishes with the Alty locals as we departed, again happy to have visited an awkward relative and escaped with an honourable point. Over the last three games on the road, we’ve remained unbeaten and would certainly have snapped yourhand off for five points in advance.
Driving back and we talked about what might have been. Perhaps a missed opportunity, but it’s another trip off the tricky list. We’ll take that as the away points continue to stack up.
Next up, we’re off to the seaside for a visit to the wonderful Southend. C’mon Shaymen.
Miles on the road: 4308. Goals on the road: 16. Points on the road: 20.
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