THE waiting is almost over for Altrincham, as Lee Sinnott prepares to lead his impressive, new-look side and an army of expectant fans across the Pennines for their first Blue Square North game of the season.

Alty boss Sinnott insists his players are ready for the challenge after an encouraging pre-season programme that has included notable wins over Tranmere and Barrow.

The same can be said of supporters, following estimates that up to 200 will converge on Harrogate Town’s Wetherby Road ground on Saturday, complete with a colourful array of banners and scarves.

Sinnott underlined his determination to hit the ground running, despite a disappointing first-half performance in Saturday’s 2-0 defeat by Stockport, saying: ‘I feel we are prepared for the new season, and we are certainly looking forward to it.

“We weren’t at the races for the first 45 minutes against Stockport. We didn’t play as well as we can, but, overall, the pre-season has been very positive. I wouldn’t call the Stockport game a reality check, as much as a reminder that there is going to be a lot of hard work ahead of us.

“There have been plenty of positives, in the way the players have knitted together, shown real adaptability and produced some genuine quality in their play. There are still aspects that can be improved, though, and we will work on those.

“It showed against Stockport that we need to be a bit more decisive in the final third. I’m not saying we should have won, but we certainly should have scored. We could have been a bit more aggressive in that part of the pitch.

“There can be no guarantees, but we are in a positive frame of mind and we are aiming to be successful. There’s no point making wild predictions, but I have told the players that if they perform to their potential and show the commitment required, they can achieve their aims. We are ready to give it our best shot.”

Sinnott is hoping Nicky Clee and recent signing Simon Richman are passed fit.