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[Darren]

Robins boss sets his sights on a strong performance in this season's Blue Square Bet Premier
12:49pm Wednesday 18th August 2010


GRAHAM Heathcote shrugged aside the frustration of costly late goals in Altrincham's opening two games, and hailed a clear sign that they intend making their mark on this season's Blue Square Bet Premier campaign.

Despite facing two of the league's more illustrious names, Alty would have been heading into Saturday's home game against Crawley unbeaten on four points, but for conceding in the 88th minute at Luton and 90th against Darlington on Tuesday night.

Luton's late winner came after Damian Reeves had headed an equaliser, while a point was scant reward for Alty's enterprise and endeavour against Darlington, who had trailed 2-0 12 minutes from time.

"If we can maintain that level of performance, we are going to be a very competitive side in what is a tough league," declared Heathcote.

"It was a terrific effort at Luton, and anyone leaving the ground on Tuesday would have been shaking their head and wondering how on earth we hadn't taken all three points.

"There was great movement, pace and ability against Darlington, and our defending, in general, was good. The fact remains we have conceded four goals in the two games and have to cut out silly mistakes, but there was a lot to be encouraged about.

"We're still working on fitness levels with one or two players, and which combinations might work best, and it will probably be six to eight games before we get a true picture of where we stand. But what I've seen so far has been very positive."

Heathcote, who has an injury concern over Robbie Lawton for Saturday but may be able to include striker Michael Twiss on the bench, has urged FIFA to try and ensure there is no repeat of the fiasco over Matty Crowell's international clearance.

"It still hasn't come through, and I would hope our FA would make some sort of representation to FIFA, because it is unacceptable and unnecessary," he said.

"There is no way on earth it should take this long, especially as there are no complications with Matty's club in Australia. We are talking about people's livelihoods here, and it's not good enough."

[distancetraveller]

Robins boss sets his sights on a strong performance in this season's Blue Square Bet Premier
12:49pm Wednesday 18th August 2010


GRAHAM Heathcote shrugged aside the frustration of costly late goals in Altrincham's opening two games, and hailed a clear sign that they intend making their mark on this season's Blue Square Bet Premier campaign.

Despite facing two of the league's more illustrious names, Alty would have been heading into Saturday's home game against Crawley unbeaten on four points, but for conceding in the 88th minute at Luton and 90th against Darlington on Tuesday night.

Luton's late winner came after Damian Reeves had headed an equaliser, while a point was scant reward for Alty's enterprise and endeavour against Darlington, who had trailed 2-0 12 minutes from time.

"If we can maintain that level of performance, we are going to be a very competitive side in what is a tough league," declared Heathcote.

"It was a terrific effort at Luton, and anyone leaving the ground on Tuesday would have been shaking their head and wondering how on earth we hadn't taken all three points.

"There was great movement, pace and ability against Darlington, and our defending, in general, was good. The fact remains we have conceded four goals in the two games and have to cut out silly mistakes, but there was a lot to be encouraged about.

"We're still working on fitness levels with one or two players, and which combinations might work best, and it will probably be six to eight games before we get a true picture of where we stand. But what I've seen so far has been very positive."

Heathcote, who has an injury concern over Robbie Lawton for Saturday but may be able to include striker Michael Twiss on the bench, has urged FIFA to try and ensure there is no repeat of the fiasco over Matty Crowell's international clearance.

"It still hasn't come through, and I would hope our FA would make some sort of representation to FIFA, because it is unacceptable and unnecessary," he said.

"There is no way on earth it should take this long, especially as there are no complications with Matty's club in Australia. We are talking about people's livelihoods here, and it's not good enough."

GH is right, it is a fiasco.

How difficult is it to send a  fax FFS......

I bet they would moan like f**k if Geoff Goodwin got them to Lords late for the start of a test match..