Spartans U19’s come close to snatching all 3 points against Altrincham this afternoon, after recovering from the hosts goal in the opening stages, as Spartans played their first ever game at St Peter’s hub – the new home of the NFA.
Despite the error leading to the away side’s early goal, the first 15 min’s or so were fairly even, with Spartans looking to try and break down the opposition the defence, while Alty tried to get in behind the full back’s and double their lead.
Spartans best chance of the half fell to winger Ryan Ndiweni, who was played in following some some good link up play between Bobby Small and Robbie Kinniburgh, but his finish went just past the post after darting into the box and catching the away side’s defence of guard.
Alty nearly doubled their lead moments later, following some good play down their left flank that saw a midfielder on the edge of the box in space, but his curling effort went narrowly over.
Spartans began to take hold of the game moments later, with right back Josh Norvell bursting up the right flank to eventually force a ball to Small in the penalty area, but his shot was well saved.
When the second half began it was Spartans who started the much stronger side, with Ndiweni again going close after charging down a defender on the edge of the box, but his effort was saved by the young Alty keeper.
Leon Burke then cut in from the left flank, dancing past 2 defenders and finding some space in the penalty area, but his off balance effort edged just wide of the goalmouth.
Alty then had a short spell of control, with a quick break that could have produced a goal had it not been for Josh Norvell’s firm block close range.
Out of almost nothing it was 1-1 a minute later, as Kinniburgh put pressure on an Alty defender, who’s pass back to the keeper breezed past him – and he won the race to the ball with the defender and slotted home with ease.
The away side tried to hit back almost instantly, with the hosts breaking through the back line with a ball that looked offside – but Jack Daley was able to wrestle the ball away from the forward to prevent an effort on goal.
Alty maintained a high line and kept the pressure on Spartans following that effort, with a forward unleashing a shot on goal from 20 yards out that the young Spartans keeper had to push past the post.
Blyth would eventually wrestle control of the game again though as Burke made a great overlapping run down the right flank and played a ball into the path of Kinniburgh on the edge of the area, however his shot was blocked.
Zach Simpson was then brought on, and made an immediate impact by playing an inch perfect ball to Kinniburgh on the right flank. His cross though was cleared away before a forward could get a foot on it in the penalty area.
Burke once again caused the away side some trouble, taking on a defender and eventually feeding the ball into Charlie Whittaker – but his shot was deflected and the keeper was able to make a save.
In the dying embers of the game the away side put some pressure on the Spartans defence, but the lads held firm and didn’t give Alty a clear chance on goal.
The final chance of the game came when Kinniburgh burst down the left flank and whipped a cross in, but the effort was turned away before a forward could tap home to seal the 3 points.