Altrincham manager Neil Gibson expects Carlisle United to finish higher in the National League than their current ninth position. His side host Carlisle this weekend sitting seventh in the table with 28 points from 16 games, a record of nine wins, one draw and six losses, just one point ahead of their visitors. The team's recent form, with two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five matches, has kept them in the playoff hunt.
Gibson told reporters that Carlisle are a very good team. "They're a very good team that are probably going to end up finishing higher in the league than they are currently," he said. The visitors are just one point behind Altrincham in the standings, making Saturday's match a key fixture for both sides' top-seven ambitions.
Injury concerns and squad updates
Altrincham face this test with significant injury problems. Top scorer Jimmy Knowles is ruled out for four months with a foot injury, while loan forward Leo Farrell is also sidelined. There was a positive note last weekend as striker Kristian Dennis returned from injury and scored his first goal for the club in the 2-1 win at Yeovil Town. Midfielder Charlie Kirk is also a concern after being substituted in Tuesday's 0-0 home draw with Kidderminster Harriers.
That stalemate ended a run of five consecutive home wins for Altrincham at the J.Davidson Stadium. The Robins had beaten FC Halifax Town, Eastleigh, Hartlepool United, Hornchurch and Aldershot Town on their own turf after an opening-day defeat. Their recent results include a 2-6 victory away at United of Manchester and a 0-0 draw with the same opponent at home.
Match preview and expectations
Goalkeeper Harry Isted acknowledged the challenge ahead. "We're at the top end of the table for a reason, Carlisle are a good team, so it's going to be a really good match this weekend," he said. The last meeting between the sides was a 4-2 victory for Carlisle on October 31st, a result Altrincham will be keen to avenge. In that game, L. Weaver scored both goals for Altrincham.
With a goal difference of zero after scoring and conceding 24 goals this season, Altrincham's focus will be on defensive solidity. The team has averaged 1.5 goals per game, but their defensive record will be tested. They are 16 points behind leaders Boreham Wood but firmly in the playoff picture. After the Carlisle game, attention turns to a tough away trip to second-placed Harrogate Town on Saturday 14 November.
The original report is at News & Star
