Altrincham face a significant injury setback with top scorer Jimmy Knowles and on-loan forward Leo Farrell both ruled out until the New Year. The double blow comes as the Robins sit sixth in the National League table on 28 points, having extended their unbeaten run to five matches with a dramatic late win at Yeovil Town last Saturday. Their record of nine wins, one draw and five losses from 15 games has them 13 points behind leaders Boreham Wood.

Neil Gibson's side secured a 2-1 victory at Huish Park despite trailing at half-time and playing the final stages with ten men after Ben Radcliffe's red card. Charlie Kirk equalised in the 69th minute before Kristian Dennis headed a late winner on his league debut for the club. That win at Yeovil Town on Saturday 24 October was part of a recent run of three wins and two draws, leaving the team unbeaten in their last five.

Manager's reaction

Neil Gibson acknowledged the fine margins in recent results. "On Saturday, we won a game at Yeovil, where we hit the bar and the ball lands in our favour," the manager said. He added, reflecting on Tuesday's 0-0 draw with Kidderminster Harriers, "Tonight we haven't won a game where we have hit the post and the crossbar in the last few minutes.

The loss of Knowles, the club's leading marksman, and Farrell, who provided the assist for Kirk's equaliser at Yeovil, presents a major challenge. Their absence will be felt during a busy period of the season, with Altrincham aiming to solidify their play-off position. The team's recent form of three wins and two draws from their last five outings has been built on a solid defensive record, conceding just 20 goals in 15 league games.

With the pair sidelined, the responsibility in attack falls to the likes of Kristian Dennis, who opened his account at Yeovil, and Charlie Kirk. The squad depth will be tested ahead of the next fixture, a home match against ninth-placed Carlisle United at The J.Davidson Stadium this Saturday. The match against Carlisle on Saturday 31 October comes as Altrincham look to maintain their positive momentum.

The original report is at messengernewspapers.co.uk