Following defeat on the road last time out against Hartlepool, the Coasters are aiming to get back on track on home turf when they welcome Altrincham to Mill Farm.
The visitors arrive on the Fylde Coast in hot form, and we have all you need to know about the opposition.
The Lowdown
The Coasters come into this Bank Holiday Monday game looking to end a two-game losing streak after being defeated in front of TNT cameras on Saturday night by Hartlepool United.
A Gold Omatayo strike was a mere consolation in a below-par 3-1 defeat to the Pools. However, in contrast, Altrincham have had almost the perfect start to 2023/24, remaining unbeaten from five games with an impressive home win against Chesterfield last time out.
A Dior Angus brace turned the game on its head, with the winner being scored in the dying embers of the game, maintaining a brilliant start for Alty.
The Manager: Phil Parkinson
Parkinson started off his footballing career not too far from his current employer, Crewe Alexandra. He then moved on to Reading and then back up North to Port Vale, making minimal appearances for both clubs.
He really found his feet at non-league level, to be more precise, with Nantwich Town FC. Making over 200 hundred appearances for the Dabbers and captaining them, Parkinson became somewhat of a legend at the Cheshire outfit.
He also won the FA Vase, which was a massive achievement for the club. Parkinson also featured for other non-league clubs such as Alsager Town.
Parkinson soon found his feet when moving to the hot seat at his beloved Nantwich Town, taking them to the FA Trophy Semi-Final and the playoffs, eventually losing out to Spennymoor Town FC.
After the playoff finish, Parkinson left the club to join Altrincham FC, taking some players and coaching staff with him. In Parkinson’s first season at the club, he guided them back to the National League North after experiencing relegation the previous season.
The 2018-19 season proved to be another success, with the side finishing 5th in Parkinson’s first season at this level. The following season proved to be a bigger success, achieving promotion to the National League through the playoffs after beating Boston United 1-0.
The club have remained at that level ever since and will be aiming to finish higher up the league after turning full-time last year, with this campaign being their second as a full-time club.
Key Players
Chris Conn-Clarke – The attacking midfielder is certainly one to watch this season for Alty. After impressing on loan last season, the Northern Ireland midfielder made the deal permanent, joining in the summer from Fleetwood.
A battler with that bit of flair, Conn-Clarke is one of Alty’s main men and will more than likely be a handful for the Coasters.
Elliot Osborne – Another midfielder who usually plays a crucial part at Altrincham. He made 46 appearances last season and was often seen as one of the first names on the team sheet for Phil Parkinson. With an eye for a pass and an incredible work rate, he makes Alty tick and will play a big role alongside Conn-Clarke.
James Jones – The Captain at the back. The Welsh-born defender has been a big player under the Parkinson regime, notching over 100 appearances since being at the club.
He is a tough tackler, and with age and experience on his side, Jones will provide a good battle for any Fylde attacker.
Previous Meetings
28th August 2016 – Altrincham 0-6 AFC Fylde – National League North
Goalscorers: Fylde – Danny Rowe, Brendan Daniels, James Hardy, Bohan Dixon (x2), Andy Bond
28th January 2017 – AFC Fylde 4-1 Altrincham – National League North
Goalscorers: Fylde – Danny Rowe (x2), Macaulay Wilson, Matty Hughes
Altrincham – James Lawrie
27th July 2019 – Altrincham 3-1 AFC Fylde – Friendly
Goalscorers: Fylde – Danny Rowe
Altrincham – Sean Williams (x2), Nathan Arnold
26th October 2020 – AFC Fylde 2-1 Altrincham – FA Cup
Goalscorers: Fylde – Jordan Hulme, Ben Tollit,
Altrincham – Tom Peers
Opposition Form
Alty come into this game unbeaten and looking to build on an impressive three points against Chesterfield.
Substitute Dior Angus scored twice to keep their unbeaten record intact after an impressive win on the road at Woking, along with draws against York, Boreham Wood and Dagenham.
It has put the visitors in good shape for their trip to Mill Farm and looking to build on a solid campaign last time out.
Match Preview is written by Benji Jenkinson.
