Guiseley 3 Altrincham 2 (From Messenger Newspapers)

Guiseley 3 Altrincham 2

11:13am Tuesday 10th April 2012 in Sport

ALTRINCHAM lost this game on Monday (April 9) to a controversial goal, scored three minutes into added time, after having led the league's second-placed side 2-0 at the interval.

And the winner came from a former Moss Lane favourite, Chris Senior, who had come on as a late substitute.

Eighth-placed Altrincham started the game well and went ahead in the 13th minute with a marvellous goal from Nicky Clee, a left-foot volley which flew into the Guiseley net.

Though Guiseley had a goal chalked off for offside, Altrincham more than matched the Yorkshiremen. And the home crowd were stunned on the stroke of half time when Damian Reeves hit his 42nd goal of the league saeason. Reeves had done well to win a throw-in and from Kieran Walmsley's throw, Reeves did well to hit the ball into the roof of the net from an acute angle, to the right of goal.

But The Lions have become known for second-half comebacks this season and they did it again against Altrincham, with two goals in as many minutes early in the second half. On 50 minutes, a corner from their right was converted by defender Simon Ainge. Alty then had to make change at centre-back as Chris Lynch gave way to Mark Lynch. And before they could settle, Guiseley had scored again.

The equaliser was fortunate, as Walshaw's effort from right of goal hit Matt Flynn before looping into the far corner of the net after 52 minutes. Goalkeeper Coburn kept Alty in the game with a stupendous save from Walshaw's overhead kick as Altrincham defended well. The visitors also looked dangerous going forward and they were very unlucky to see a James Lawrie goal ruled out for offside and then Duncan Watmore was pulled up for offside even though he had burst through from behind several Guiseley defenders.

It looked as if Altrincham would emerge with a well deserved point until that injury-time goal from Senior, which gave Guiseley a barely deserved win in their quest for promotion. With Alty appealing for offside, Senior was allowed to go on and beat Coburn from close range.

This result means that Altrincham will not reach the play-offs and another season in the BSB North beckons after a season of rebuilding.

But Manager Lee Sinnot will be looking for more good performances in Alty's final games of the season. Next up is a home game against FC Halifax Town on Saturday (April 14, 3pm).

ALTRINCHAM - Stuart Coburn, Kieran Walmsley, Andrew Smart, Shaun Densmore (c), Matt Flynn, Chris Lynch (Mark Lynch 51), James Lawrie, Scott Phelan, Michael Twiss (James Holden 78), Damian Reeves, Nicky Clee (Duncan Watmore 70). Unused subs: Simon Richman, Adam Reid (gk).