MATCH PREVIEW: Altrincham vs Wealdstone
- Aryan Jolly
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
The games are coming thick and fast for the Stones as they travel to Greater Manchester on tonight following an entertaining two-two draw against Eastleigh in front of the DAZN cameras.
The Basics
Date: Tuesday, February 10
Venue: J. Davidson Stadium, Moss Lane, Altrincham, WA15 8AP
Competition: The Enterprise National League
Kick Off Time: 7:45 pm
Broadcast Information: The match will be streamed live via DAZN
News From The Vale
Speaking following a thrilling draw against the Spitfires, manager Sam Cox said, “to concede the way we did, in the last two/three minutes of the game, is gutting.”
But the 35-year-old also emphasised the need to take the positives from the performance. “I thought the boys were outstanding in the second half”, Cox said. “We really imposed our style.” You can find the gaffer’s full post-match interview here.
There is not long left to sign up for the latest round of Wealdstone FC academy trials, which are due to take place on February 16th at our various academy sites, with successful trialists expected to begin their programmes at the start of the 2026/27 season.
For more information about the trials, facilities and education options available, please check the Wealdstone FC Academy Instagram account and be sure to spread the word to any interested parties.
Our man in form - Nathan Tshikuna: On Saturday evening, Nathan Tshikuna stepped up when his team needed him the most, earning him the title of the Stones’ man in form.
The Stones were trailing at half-time, but Tshikuna played a key part in the second-half comeback, which eventually secured the team a point on the road.
The attacking midfielder scored both of Wealdstone’s goals on the night. The first being a composed, finessed finish after the ball fell kindly into his path, and the second was a David Beckham-esque free-kick which, at the time, put the Stones into the lead.
Tshikuna now has five league goals, making him Wealdstone’s joint-highest scorer in the fifth tier this season, and he was also named in the Non-League Paper’s Team of the Day.
Great work, Nathan!
The Opposition
Recent form: DWLDL
League Position: 19th
The J. Davidson Stadium has been the host to a number of prodigiously talented young attackers over the past couple of seasons, which has seen Altrincham compete for the playoff positions.
However, this season has not gone to plan, as the Robins could not replace the quality which they let go in the summer and have slumped to nineteenth place in the league as a result.
Earlier in the campaign, long-serving manager Phil Parkinson left the club and was replaced in the dugout by Neil Gibson, who famously masterminded the Stones’ survival last campaign.
The reverse fixture: The reverse fixture between the Stones and the Robins ended in a draw.
Sam Cox’s side opened the scoring inside the first five minutes as Anthony Georgiou whipped a delicious ball onto the head of Connor McAvoy, who produced a stunning header to give Wealdstone the lead.
Despite the balance of play being slightly in favour of Wealdstone, the visitors equalised on the verge of half-time, courtesy of James Gale.
Both sides pushed for the three points during the second period, though neither goalkeeper was forced into any saves.
The Stones had the best chance to win the game one minute before the end of normal time, as Sak Hassan cut inside and found Micah Obiero, but the frontman’s powerful effort sailed just over the bar.
The danger man - Oliver Crankshaw (Jimmy Knowles) : A player who has majorly struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, Oliver Crankshaw looks to have found fitness and form in recent weeks.
This campaign is already the second-best goalscoring season of Crankshaw’s career. The 27-year-old has eight goals in all competitions, and all seven of his league goals have come in his last 10 appearances in the fifth tier.
Crankshaw missed Saturday’s game against Yeovil with a knock, and it remains to be seen if he will play a part in Tuesday’s game.
Even if Crankshaw is unavailable, Altrincham possess another menacing attacker in Jimmy Knowles. The versatile attacker has 12 goals and five assists in all competitions, and has scored once and provided three assists in his last five league games.
Buy Your Tickets Now!
The Stones are entering an intense point of the season as they play twice a week until the final weeks of the season.
Sam Cox and the team need your support to keep the positive momentum going, so make sure to buy your tickets via the link below!
Can't make it to Altrincham? Join us at The Vale tonight where we will be showing the game live on our big screens! Doors open from 7pm.
