Aspinall Spoils Good Form

After back-to-back wins in the last two weeks and unbeaten against Alty in the last few games you would think The Motormen could get something out of it. However, Steve Aspinall thought differently as he came back to haunt Motors' with and excellent display in midfield for the hosts.

Alty started the brighter and attacked straight from the whistle looking to beat Vauxhall for the first time ever in the league. The hosts skipper Ian Craney picked the ball up and ran down the wing before playing the ball back to Holt, his cross was hit to high and hard to cause The Motormen any problem in the early stages of the game.

The home side continued playing the better and started passing the ball round really well. They made eight two touch passes before feeding it to Craney who managed to beat Motors captain Kevin Lynch and on-loan star Betts and strike his effort on goal but a Vauxhall defender also did well in making sure the shot never troubled Dittmar in the visiting goal.

Alty continued to pressure Vauxhall's back line and forced a corner on six minutes. Former Vauxhall man Steve Aspinall took the corner and Talbot's header just went over the cross bar. A few minutes later Vauxhall had there first attack of the game when Peter Cumiskey struck a 25 yard effort that hit Coburn and fell to goal machine Terry Fearns who blazed over from about 12 yards out.

The Motormen built on their last attack and Robbie Lawton was brought down by Stephen Rose as he was running down the centre of the field. The free kick resulted in Peter Cumiskey striking against the wall and a corner kick was the final outcome. Unfortunately for Vauxhall the corner led to a header that went well wide of the target.

Vauxhall were finding it difficult to break down a bouyont Alty defence but when they did on 23 minutes Peter Cumiskey's shot was well saved by shot stopper Coburn. The cards were out of the ref's pocket for the first time as he flashed a yellow card at Alty's Shuttleworth as he fould Peter Cumiskey when trying to regain possession for the hosts.

Heart's were in mouths moments later when Vauxhall's young and agile keeper Tony Dittmer, who has been looking impressive in recent weeks, injured himself after rushing out of his goal to gather the loose ball. Thankfully, after undergoing short treatment he was ok to resume playing.

Then came the first goal of the match and it was Vauxhall who claimed the advantage. Peter Cumiskey drilled a shot across the goal that found Terry Fearns who was never going to miss from inside the six yard box.

The goal sprung Alty back into life and neat move lead to Hallows being in a good shooting position but his shot went just wide of the goal. Kevin Lynch then hacked down Shuttleworth even though he was some 4o yards from goal and going know where. The ref lectured the player and the free kick led to Alty levelling proceedings.

Steve Aspinall hit a long free kick into the box that was met by the head of Hallow who managed to direct the header into the far corner. Half time arrived and there was everything to play for in the second period.

Half Time: Altrincham 1-1 Vauxhall Motors

The first effort in the second period fell to Alty when Shuttleworth's good effort was followed by an excellent save from Tony Dittmer. Relief all around in the away end when another ex-Vauxhall player was subbed after picking up a slight knock. As they say former players always come back and score against you!! as we all found out later on in the game.

Alty continued to mount attack-after-attack with the very impressive home captain Ian Craney leading by example. He had a couple of efforts, one went just wide and the other came off the upright on 65 minutes, the closest he had came all evening.

Then three fresh legs entered the game being Vauxhall defender Craig Robinson going off to be replaced bt Alan Griffiths. Double swap for Alty as Shuttleworth and Holt left the field for Maddox and Kielty. Finally play could resume, Steve Aspinall hit another pin-point free kick from all of 40 yards that a Vauxhall defender misjudged and super Alty sub Maddox, who had only been on for 20 seconds headed home past out stretched arm of Dittmer.

After some good Vauxhall pressure they were rewarded with a free kick that only one man would take. Peter Cumiskey stepped up from 20 yards and fired his shot just past the wrong side of the post.

With four minutes left on the clock the game was put to bed when Steve Aspinall hit an excellent shot into the top corner from 30 yards out. Its a pity he could not do anything similar in his time at Rivacre Park. So for Steve Aspinall a great night, setting up two and scoring a blinder himself and for Vauxhall they cannot afford to get beat on Saturday as they gace Lancaster City.

Full Time: Altrincham 3-1 Vauxhall Motors

Man of the Match: Overall its got to be Steve Aspinall and from a Vauxhall point of view Peter Cumiskey, but well played Steve for a terrific performance and a great goal that was fully deserved.

Motors: Dittmar, Betts, McDermott, Robinson (Griffiths 64), Roberts, Lynch, Nesbitt (Parry 90), Lawton, Fearns, Macauley, Cumiskey

Altrincham: Coburn, Aspinall, Adams, Talbot, Rose, Shuttleworth, Craney, Hallows, Halt, Wright. Subs: 12. Maddox, Lunt, Keilty

Attendance: 570