Hale Independent Issue 159

NOVEMBER 2023 24 Boost: Manager Phil Parkinson is delighted Ross has become a permanent signing Independent LOCAL SPORT LOCAL CRICKET ROUND-UP Ethan’s a keeper! Robin’s goalie makes stay permanent Whether you need a new bathroom, wetroom, ensuite or cloakroom, you can be assured that we can supply everything you require at an affordable price. If you need help with the installation of your plumbing supplies, we can arrange for that too. Talk to a member of our team today. Bathroom supplies at fantastic prices in Altrincham be inspired… Call now for a FREE computerised design & quotation | Mon- Fri 9am-4pm Sat 9am-2pm Tel: 0161 928 3006 www.altrinchamplumbingsupplies.co.uk Unit2, Oakfield Trading Estate, Altrincham WA15 8EJ KARLMarginson has been named as the newmanager of Pitching InNPL West Division side Trafford. He is best known for his 12-year spell in charge of FCUnited of Manchester, hav- ing been appointed as the club’s first-ever manager upon their formation in 2005. While in charge FC United rose from the North West Counties Division 2 to National League North in 10 seasons. Three league titles were secured, plus a fourth promotion via the play-offs. As a player, he appeared in the Football League for Blackpool, RotherhamUnited and Macclesfield. He took charge at FC United at the age of 35 before spending time as foot- ball director and interim manager at Radcliffe. More recently he has been part of Traf- ford’s youth setup, with the club earmark- ing himas a key figure behind the launch of their U21s side over the summer. He replaces Danny Caldecott, who has moved to manage fellowNPLWest Divi- sion side Clitheroe on a two-and-a-half year deal. Marginson told the NPL’s official web- site: “I’m extremely grateful and unbeliev- ably excited to be back in the game that has providedme with some of the greatest experiences and life lessons that I’ve been blessed to receive.” Chairman John Eadie said: “Karl Mar- ginson has vast experience and knowledge of non-league football. “He has already brought his abilities and wisdom to our youth teams, and I believe he will now enhance the first team too.” “His track record is impressive, and we are keen to continue the link between our- selves and our youth section. I am looking forward to working with Karl.” NANTWICHTown announced the return of Altrincham defender SeanLawtonondual-registration. The full-back made 26 appear- ances for the club last season during a successful spell on loan fromCrewe Alexandra. He left Crewe in the sum- mer and subsequently joined the Robins. Nantwich boss Paul Carden said: “He was at the club last sea- sonanddidwell.We spoke tohim in the summer but he had a trial lined up at another club, unfor- tunately he then got injured and was out quite awhile. “He’s since done his rehab and wastrainingalotwithAltrincham. He recently played a game for them so were able to sign himon dual registration terms. “He’s obviously known in the dressing room and to the fans, they’ll know what qualities he brings.” GOALKEEPER Ethan Ross has committed his future to Altrincham and has turned his loan status into a perma- nent signing. He initially joined on a sea- son-long temporary move from Stockport County but has now put pen to paper on a full-time deal at The J.Davidson Stadium. It’s another boost for man- ager Phil Parkinson as he bids to build on a strong start to his side’s Vanarama National League campaign. The 26-year- old stopper has had a big impact since arriving in the summer. Parkinson told the club’s offi- cial website: “I am delighted we’ve managed to recruit Ethan as a permanent signing. “His performances this season have been at such a high level that when the opportunity pre- sented itself to take him perma- nently, we felt we just needed to make it happen. “It is no coincidence that our upturn in results has coincided with Ethan’s arrival. He gives us a great chance in every game, as he’s capable of making key match-winning saves. “He gives the lads confidence that, even if we make a mistake, he’ll save us in that moment. He’s a great signing for Altrin- cham and is potentially an Alty legend in the making.” The Enfield-born goalkeeper, who grew up in the North-East, has been an ever-present for the Robins in the league this season, And he has played a major part in the club’s recent run of form which saw Altrincham record five wins in a row. Town move for defender KARL’S IN THE HOT-SEAT How rain took its toll this summer A LOOK back at this summer’s Cheshire County Cricket League campaign and one thing domi- nates proceedings – the weather! The end of season statistics high- light the impact of weather interrupted and cancelled games. As a result point tallies and run scoring were some way down on last year. In 2022, nine sides finished with more than 400 points, but only Divi- sion One champions Bowdon, with 408, managed that this year. However, the rain couldn’t dampen some standout performances. Grappenhall’s New Zea- land all-rounder TomMacRury became the first player since Simon Norman- ton in 2013 to score 500 runs and take 50 wickets in the Premier Division. The overall Fair Play trophy was shared between Upton and Hale Barns, with Hyde topping the Pre- mier league table for the second suc- cessive year.