We knew it wasn't going to be easy ...

We knew it wasn't going to be easy, but another 0-1 home defeat still hurts and this time in front of a crowd of 853 on Non-League Day. Altrincham are a promotion-chasing club, although I wouldn't think that the neutral coming on Non-League Day would be that impressed by the overall standard of football.

Nevertheless, Altrincham had the edge over this. They were better able to find their man, better at dispossessing us and better organised defensively. For example, in the second half their left back made a fast run up the wing to collect the ball and no one seemed to spot him. Fortunately, it came to nothing that time, but it was indicative of a problem. No wonder that there seem be to an exchange of views coming from the home dressing room at half time.

We did have chances, but once again we failed to take them. The referee added six minutes on to the second half, but if we had had extra time, we probably wouldn't have scored.

The officials didn't help us much. Unfortunately, because of the Australian general election, there were no Rules games this weekend, so we got a referee who specialises in them. Or that's the way it seemed to me because he was tolerant of shoves and grabs that would be permitted at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (where Rules games are played) but are not usually allowed on a football pitch. Nevertheless, Altrincham had the edge on us.

Tony Breeden made a great save on 10 minutes and there was nothing wrong with his game. For me, Matt Dodd was the best outfield player. On 20 minutes a defensive error let Damian Reeves in and Breeden really had no chance as he scored what proved to be the only goal of the game.

Daly got a yellow card for kicking the ball away as Altrincham were awarded a free kick in front of the 'D', but we survived that threat. Perry had to come on after Walshaw went off. Breeden had to make another great save and a Brakes corner gave temporary hope. Nicky Clee picked up a yellow card. We got into the game more as the end of the half approached, but two corners in succession were ultimately unproductive.

I thought that play was a bit more ragged in the second half from both sides, although we had more possession than in the first half. The Altrincham keeper went down in a collision, but made a miraculous recovery. Mike Williams for Altrincham had to be carried off the pitch after no stretcher was available. The unimpressive Sandy was taken off and replaced by Ricky Johnson, leading to shouts of 'Come on the 11 men'. Later Towers came off for Lee Moore. In time added on, there was a great chance with an open goal, but all that resulted was a corner after their keeper managed to get his fingers to the ball.

As I was waiting in the car park (it seemed to take a long time to get out), Radio 5 announced that Stockport County had got their first win of the season, 3-1 in the six pointer with Gainsborough Trinity.

Apologies to anyone who was expecting to buy a Leamington Town history today, but they didn't arrive as promised. As far as I gather, there has been an issue with the laminated cover.