Lee Sinnott’s Altrincham have dropped down to fifth in the Skrill North after two straight defeats, leaving them nine points behind league leaders North Ferriby United.
The team had been on an excellent run of form taking ten points from four games, including two 5-0 victories over Stalybridge but a 5-4 defeat to Gainsborough and defeat to Worcester on Tuesday has pegged them back significantly.
It was the 2-1 defeat to Worcester that really hit home for Sinnott who lambasted his players, who go into their game with Boston United on Saturday with only goal difference separating the two sides.
“There’s no getting away from it and I’m bitterly disappointed. There are still plenty of games to go, and scope for twists and turns, but the consistency we need is missing,” he said.
“There is plenty to play for, but we have to be better.”
Meanwhile, Alan Lord’s Stockport take on Histon at Edgeley Park and they will be well rested following the postponement of their game against Guiseley last weekend.
In the Skrill Premier, Hyde face Tamworth at Ewen Fields and they will be looking to exercise the ghosts of their 6-2 home defeat to Forest Green Rovers.
Tamworth are also struggling as they sit just inside the relegation places and the Tigers will fancy their chances as it will be the first encounter between the two clubs this season.
McNiven acknowledged that last weekend’s game against Forest Green was always going to be tough due to their opponent’s experience but he was pleased with his team’s performance.
“I know that the lads will never give up and I know they will keep going until the end. They’ve got that never say die attitude even when everything looks forlorn,” he said.
“I felt for the lads because of the age of the team as they could of done with a bit more experience and unfortunately it wasn’t to be.”
Image courtesy of Iain Lees, with thanks.
For more on this story and many others, follow Mancunian Matters on Twitter and Facebook.
