www.altyfans.co.uk

They're big, they're ugly, and they were in decent form after New Year's day with an unbeaten run of 9 yielding 21 points. They COULD still make the playoffs, but they had 3 straight defeats after that run, tellingly going down 2-0 at Warrington, and 4-1 at Grantham.

Those last two suggest that, with the benefit of a 6 day break, we should get the required win.

Alty 2 (Harrop, Densmore) Barwell 0

Attendance 698

Saturday's trip to Rushall begins a period of 5 games in 10 days, 4 of them on the road. Warrington have still to visit Grantham, and I believe 94 points will be enough for us to seal the championship.

My major concern is with injuries, but we should still do this comfortably enough. Win at Rushall, and at home to Marine, and 11 points from the remaining 7 games should be enough.

We still have to go and be kicked black and blue by the Dingles, but on what we saw last night they're a spent force - hopefully they'll kick Warrington too ! Another bunch of cloggers are still to come to us, Barwell Town  (2 penalties conceded and 2 sent off in a 2-1 home defeat by Stafford last night).

Our fringe players will have a big part to play. Tom Peers has already proved his worth, Max Harrop has a crucial role if James Poole is going to be missing. I thought Chris Merrie looked half decent last night, certainly in terms of his attitude, while Theo Bailey-Jones may be able to step up effectively.

It's entirely in our own hands now, let's get behind the lads and get it won.

I've been very critical of Andy, but I'm never afraid to admit when I'm wrong. He was excellent at Halesowen, and tonight I could have been tempted to name him MOM. He looks like the player I hoped we'd signed, he'll be a key player during the run-in.

Whilst my initial thought was that we should ease our way out of the competition, it's probably important now to give a few players a game to keep them match fit for the run in.

No reason why all last night's bench shouldn't get a run. Deasy is an obvious selection, as is Bailey-Jones provided he hasn't already played in the CSC for Stalybridge.

We'll probably lose in front of 150 people, but I'm going to wander down to assess the different options.

Just watched it on YouTube. A very honest assessment of today's failings. He thinks some players believe we've already done enough. No names, no pack drill, but I thought that today about a couple of them.

Mickleover lost at Sutton Coldfield this afternoon, so let's hope PP is better than John McGrath when it comes to arse kicking.

The worst news is that Connor Hampson has damaged his medial ligament and will be out for 3 weeks.

Number of Tuesdays and Saturdays remaining this season : 17
Number already scheduled for a fixture : 14
Fixtures TBA : 2

If Shaw Lane is off on Saturday (£50 to a bag of pig manure says it will be), there will therefore be no free dates for either subsequent rearrangements , or additional cup ties.

We can't afford to beat Winsford or we're practically guaranteed at least one week with three matches.

If we do get a fixture backlog, we won't be alone.

Having played against us for Barwell and Sutton Coldfield, he's signed for Rushall Olympic.

Can anyone think of a player who's played against us three times in the same season for different clubs ?