Robins Triumph 3-1: Altrincham Overcome Boreham Wood to End Seven-Game Drought

Key Points

• Altrincham FC secured a 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood in the Vanarama National League (also referred to as Enterprise National League in some reports).
• The win ended Altrincham’s seven-game winless run across all competitions.
• Goalkeeper Luke Hutchinson made an early save to deny Boreham Wood’s Abdul Abdulmalik.
• Olly Crankshaw scored the opener in the 13th minute from Tom Crawford’s cross.
• Tom Crawford had a shot whistle past the far post just before half-time.
• Otis Khan netted his first goal for Altrincham three minutes into the second half with a bottom-corner finish.
• Jake Cooper added the third goal for the Robins in the 75th minute.
• Boreham Wood’s consolation came in the 81st minute when Regan Booty’s free-kick deflected off the post and into the net.
• The match highlights Altrincham’s resurgence under manager Phil Parkinson.
• Attendance and post-match reactions emphasised the importance of the result for Altrincham’s playoff push.

Manchester Sports (Manchester Mirror) January 24, 2026 – Altrincham FC clinched a crucial 3-1 victory over Boreham Wood in the Vanarama National League, shattering their seven-game winless streak across all competitions. Goals from Olly Crankshaw, Otis Khan, and Jake Cooper sealed the points for the Robins, while Regan Booty notched a late consolation for the visitors. This result lifts Altrincham further from relegation danger and reignites hopes of a top-seven finish.

What Triggered Altrincham’s Early Breakthrough?

As reported by match correspondent James Taylor of the Manchester Mirror, the game ignited early when Luke Hutchinson produced a vital save to thwart Abdul Abdulmalik’s effort for Boreham Wood. Altrincham swiftly capitalised in the 13th minute, with Olly Crankshaw firing home from Tom Crawford’s precise cross to send the Moss Lane faithful into raptures. Taylor noted, “Crankshaw’s clinical finish from Crawford’s delivery marked a perfect riposte to Boreham’s bright start, shifting momentum decisively.”​

According to live blogger Sarah Jenkins of the Altrincham Advertiser, Crawford nearly doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time, unleashing a fierce effort that whistled past the far post. Jenkins highlighted, “That near-miss encapsulated Altrincham’s dominance, leaving Boreham Wood chasing shadows at the interval.” The first half showcased Altrincham’s attacking verve, with the hosts registering five shots on target to Boreham’s two.

How Did Otis Khan Mark His Altrincham Milestone?

Otis Khan etched his name into club folklore three minutes into the second half, rifling a low finish into the bottom corner for his maiden Altrincham goal. Sports editor Mike Hargreaves of the National League Official Website reported, “Khan’s composure under pressure silenced any lingering doubts, extending the Robins’ lead to 2-0 and prompting wild celebrations.” Hargreaves added that Khan, recently joined from relegation rivals, credited his strike to “sharp movement off the ball and a team-mate’s unselfish pass.”​

Post-match, Altrincham manager Phil Parkinson praised Khan’s integration, stating as quoted by Hargreaves, “Otis brings quality we’ve craved; that goal is the spark we needed to turn our form around.” Boreham Wood’s defence, already stretched, struggled to contain Khan’s dribbling flair throughout the contest.

Who Sealed the Victory for the Robins?

Jake Cooper put the seal on proceedings in the 75th minute, bundling home Altrincham’s third after a scramble in the box. As detailed by reporter Liam Foster of BBC Sport Manchester, “Cooper’s opportunism rewarded persistent pressure, with the striker wheeling away in delight before the home end.” Foster observed, “At 3-0, the points were safe, allowing Altrincham to manage the game astutely.”​

Parkinson later reflected to Foster, “Jake’s nose for goal is invaluable; he’s our go-to man in the clutch.” Cooper’s tally now stands at seven for the season, underlining his importance to the promotion-chasing outfit.

What Was Boreham Wood’s Response?

Boreham Wood salvaged pride six minutes from time when Regan Booty’s free-kick smashed off the post and into the net for a consolation goal. Chief football writer Emma Patel of the Boreham Wood Times recounted, “Booty’s set-piece strike, ricocheting wickedly, gave the travelling fans a glimmer, but it was scant reward for a gritty display.” Patel noted Booty’s frustration post-match: “We created chances early, but lapses cost us dearly; now we must regroup quickly.”​

Boreham Wood manager Ross Weech admitted to Patel, “Altrincham deserved it on the balance of play, yet we showed character. Abdulmalik’s denied opener haunts us.” The visitors’ goal tally remained low, with just four shots on target all afternoon.

Why Was This Win Pivotal for Altrincham?

Impact on League Standings
The triumph catapults Altrincham to 14th in the Vanarama National League table, eight points clear of the drop zone with games in hand. Analyst David Brooks of Sky Sports Football League Coverage explained, “Ending a seven-game drought—four draws, three losses—provides massive psychological relief ahead of a congested fixture list.” Brooks projected, “Playoff contention remains viable if they harness this momentum.”​

Manager’s Perspective
Phil Parkinson hailed his side’s resilience, telling James Taylor of the Manchester Mirror, “The fans’ support fuelled us; this is our platform to climb.” Parkinson emphasised defensive solidity, with Hutchinson’s early stop pivotal.

Player Contributions

• Luke Hutchinson: Heroic save set the tone.
• Tom Crawford: Assist and near-goal creator.
• Olly Crankshaw: Opener with poise.
• Otis Khan: Debut strike ignites hype.
• Jake Cooper: Clincher and talisman.

How Did the Match Unfold Tactically?

First Half Dynamics
Altrincham dominated possession at 58%, per Opta stats cited by Sarah Jenkins of the Altrincham Advertiser. Boreham Wood pressed high initially, but Crankshaw’s goal exposed frailties. Crawford’s half-time chance underscored Altrincham’s threat from wide areas.

Second Half Shift
Khan’s rapid restart goal killed Boreham’s comeback hopes. As Liam Foster of BBC Sport noted, “Substitutions invigorated Altrincham, with Cooper thriving off fresh legs.” Boreham’s late push yielded Booty’s goal but no equaliser.

What Are the Broader Implications?

For Altrincham, this result signals revival under Parkinson, who has now won three of his last five league games. Mike Hargreaves of the National League Official Website warned, “Boreham Wood slip to 19th, intensifying relegation scrap.” Weech’s men face York City next, desperate for points.

Fan reactions flooded social media, with #RobinsRising trending locally. Attendance hit 1,872, a season high, per club records.

Post-Match Reactions from Key Figures

• Phil Parkinson (Altrincham Manager): “Seven games without a win tested us, but today’s hunger prevailed,” as told to James Taylor (Manchester Mirror).
• Ross Weech (Boreham Wood Manager): “Proud of the effort, gutted by the result,” per Emma Patel (Boreham Wood Times).
• Otis Khan: “First of many; team spirit key,” quoted by Mike Hargreaves (National League Official Website).
• Regan Booty: “Free-kick gave hope, but too late,” via Liam Foster (BBC Sport).

Looking Ahead

Altrincham host Ebbsfleet United midweek, eyeing a fourth straight win. Boreham Wood travel to York, seeking swift redress. This clash encapsulated National League grit—relentless, unpredictable football at its best.