Altrincham face a stern test of their promotion credentials away at Harrogate Town this Saturday. The Robins travel to Exercise Stadium to face a side sitting second in the National League, while they currently occupy seventh place with 28 points from 16 games.
Their recent form has been inconsistent. A 2-2 FA Cup draw with Notts County last Friday was preceded by a 2-4 home defeat to Carlisle United and a goalless draw with Kidderminster Harriers. Before that, they secured a 2-1 league win at Yeovil Town and thrashed United of Manchester 6-2 in the cup. That sequence leaves them with a league record of two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five outings.
Harrogate's recent struggles
Harrogate Town have also experienced a dip, losing two of their last five matches. They were knocked out of the FA Cup by AFC Fylde in a 1-4 defeat last time out and lost 0-3 at Carlisle. Their last starting lineup featured players like A. Baptiste and W. McGowan, with Joshua Majid Hmami and Luke Hutchinson also involved. They will be aiming to bounce back at home, where they have recorded wins over Sutton United and Bury in recent weeks.
The challenge ahead
This fixture represents a significant opportunity for Altrincham to close the gap on the automatic promotion places. They are 16 points behind leaders Boreham Wood, making every match against a top rival vital. Phil Parkinson's side will likely field a 5-3-2 formation, with the recent starting eleven including Harvey Isted in goal, Lewis Banks and Sam Barnes in defence, and attacking threats like Lucas Weaver and Matthew Kosylo. Weaver scored in the draw with Notts County, assisted by Kosylo, showing their potent partnership. Midfielder Jake Moult is expected to return to the squad after missing the last match through illness, providing a potential boost in midfield.
Altrincham have scored 24 goals this season but have also conceded 24. The full fixtures list shows a busy period ahead, making a positive result here important for momentum. The match kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, 14 November, at Exercise Stadium. A win for Altrincham could see them climb into the playoff positions, depending on other results, while Harrogate will look to solidify their hold on second place and keep pace with Boreham Wood at the summit.
