Emirates FA Cup 2021/22 Fourth Qualifying Round

Southport FC V Altrincham FC (Saturday 16th October 2021)

Alan Randall’s 1970 ukelele-classic, Football Football I Like Football, lists the then members of the football league sort of alphabetically. Southport proudly takes its place in the final verse after Swansea and before Scunthorpe. There's no mention of Altrincham of course but later in the 70s could have, should have, would have been if the league's re-election process had favoured them (and if Randall ever re-recorded it).

No doubt about it, this was a big name cup tie. Southport, The Sandgrounders, former members of the football league, quarter-finalists in 1930/31. Altrincham, The Robins, riding high in the National League, with a giant-killing pedigree that this Birmingham City supporter shall say no more about. Nothing to see here.

In was a lovely Autumnal Lancashire day at The Pure Stadium, Haig Avenue. The First Round Proper was the prize at stake, with Owls, Black Cats, Monkey Hangers, Tractor Boys and many more lying in wait. 

Southport from the National League North started this one the stronger, spurred on by the impressive vocal support from the Jack Carr stand. There was a sharp Southport chance and goal-line clearance after just 2 minutes. Matty Gould in the Altrincham goal was the busier of the two 'keepers in the first half, as The Robins defended long throws and crosses a-plenty from Southport. 

Altrincham weren't without chances and glimpses of National League quality but it was Southport who took the lead after 35 minutes. Clever close control, slick passing and a neat cross from the left was put away by Marcus Carver. 1-0 very nearly became 2-0 on 40 minutes but for a disallowed effort from a long throw, after a foul on The Robins' goalie.

One minute later....1-1, Robins back on level terms from first-amongst-equals Tom Peers. The fourth official indicated 2 additional minutes, or was it the prompt for a signature move from Josh Hancock to put away Altrincham's second with a glancing header at the near post? 1-2 at the break with The Robins' quality just about edging out Southport's possession, pressure and work rate.

There were chances at both ends after the break with Hancock & Peers combining to force Southport's Cam Mason into a great save. Decent Southport pressure and many more long throws created an ongoing workload for the Altrincham defence. But it was Hancock the provider, this time to Matty Kosylo to seemingly put the tie beyond doubt after 66 minutes. 1-3 Altrincham.

The crowd of 1,386 was treated to a succession of more long throws from Southport as the match reached its final quarter. Just as the home support were beginning to lose the faith, Marcus Carver sliced through The Robins' defence to add his and Southport's second, as his header made the scoreline 2-3.

With 15 minutes to go could Southport summon the magic of the cup to restore parity? Half-chances came, long throws were launched, but there was nothing clear-cut as Altrincham's game management saw them through to full time and a place in the hat for the first round proper.

This was an enjoyable, exciting match with Southport outperforming their current bottom-of-the-table status and matching Altrincham in many areas of the pitch. A good ground, good football and a lively crowd made this an afternoon on the Lancashire coast to remember. Best of luck to both clubs for the rest of the season.