ALTRINCHAM FC YOUTH: 1. Barry GEORGE, 2. Adam DOUTHWAITE, 3. Matt TOOTH, 4. Alex FROST (capt.), 5. Kelvin LUGSDEN, 6. Joe CONNOR, 7. Lewis CHALMERS, 8. Paul LEWIS, 9. Andy THORPE, 10. Danny GRIMSHAW, 11. Stevie TAYLOR. Subs: 12. Adam BALL, 14. Stuart COOK, 15. Steven HOWARTH, 18. Tom READ (gk).

Match report based on information kindly supplied by George Heslop.

Altrincham were without their high-scoring strike partnership of Kieran Lugsden and Steve Lunt, as both were involved with the first-team yesterday at Whitby. As Josh Collins was also unavailable, due to work commitments, Altrincham were lacking quite a bit of experience. For their part, Lancaster City made nine changes from the game last week at Altrincham.

On a perfect but very wide pitch at Penwortham, Altrincham took another step towards the NWYA Premier Division title by winning this game. By keeping another clean sheet, their ninth in the league this season, Altrincham built their victory from the back. In the early stages, however, Altrincham played too much through the middle where Lancaster's two centre-halves were dominant.

After 34 minutes Altrincham won a corner on the right, which was taken by the left-footed Matt Tooth. This was met by Alex Frost who flicked it to Andy Thorpe who found the net with a decisive header. Alty enjoyed more of the possession before half time but could not add to their one goal lead.

Altrincham played better in the second half, making greater use of the width of the pitch. However, the Lancaster keeper, Madden, kept his side in the game with some excellent saves and he was ably supported by his back four.

Altrincham made a substitution after 70 minutes when Adam Ball replaced Danny Grimshaw and, five minutes later, Stuart Cook came on for Lewis Chalmers on the right of midfield. Both substitutes were involved in Alty's second goal. Cook cut in and fired in a good shot to which Madden made another fine save, pushing the ball onto the post. Unfortunately for the City keeper, the ball rebounded across the goal to Thorpe who put the ball into the net to make it 2-0 to the visitors (77 mins).

With ten minutes left, Steven Howarth came on at centre-back, with Alex Frost moving to central midfield. The player replaced was Paul Lewis. The solid Lancaster defence kept the score at nil-two but were aided by some wayward Altrincham shooting in the latter stages of the game. The win means that Altrincham now need two points from their final three games to secure the championship. This Thursday, they are away at Euxton Villa.