Colwyn Bay 2 - 5 Altrincham - 25/08/01 - League
A Rod Thornley hat-trick helped Altrincham to their third success in three outings as Colwyn crashed to their third defeat in row. Bay were 4-2 down at half time with both sides playing attacking football. Alty opened the scoring in the 10th minute when a looping volley from captain Steve Hayes went over 'keeper Paul Smith. The Seagulls leveled matters in the 23rd minutes when Alun Evans scored from the penalty spot after he was brought down by Mark Sertori. Three minutes later the visitors re-took the lead when a long clearance by 'keeper Stuart Coburn split the defence and Thornley ran on to slot the ball past Smith. Bay came close to equalising five minutes later when Stuart Scheuber hit the post from 12 yards and Thornley made it 3-1 after 36 minutes when he chipped the Bay 'keeper. The Seagulls battled back and reduced the deficit two minutes later when Marc Limbert's cross-field cross found Evans who drove home under 'keeper Coburn's body from 12 yards. But Altrincham delivered a body blow on the stoke of half time when Jason Jones's clearance was picked up by Ian Craney who shot though a ruck of players to make it 4-2.
The second half was a bit of an anti-climax after the drama of the first half and the battle was mainly played out in midfield. In the Bay goal Smith denied efforts from Thornley and Lee Poland and Colwyn kept pushing forward themselves and almost reduced the deficit as Jason Jones's drive was blocked and substitute Calvin Davies's volley was brilliantly saved by Coburn. The final goal came in injury time when sub Carl forlong was fouled in the area by Smith and Thornley stepped up to complete his hat-trick from the penalty spot.
Colwyn Bay: Paul Smith, Dean Williams(Simon Richards), Paul Jones, Craig Hogg, Colin Caton(Owain Roberts), Glen Graham, Marc Limbert, Graham Roberts(Calvin Davies), Alun Evans, Jason Jones, Stuart Scheuber. Attendance 457.
Jason Jones wins an ariel ball for Percy.
Dean defends against three Alty attackers.
Percy on the attack.
Dean Williams concentrates.