ALTRINCHAM 3, KINGS LYNN TOWN 0
Two-goal Josh Hancock helped Altrincham arrest a worrying slide down the National League table following an emphatic home victory against Kings Lynn Town.
The Robins’ top scorer took his season’s tally to 11 to earn his side only a second win in 11 games, a run that seen them slide from the play-off positions to 15th place.
But it was a night when the good times returned as Alty, with James Hardy scoring his first goal for the club, emerged victors.
It was a win that lifted them three places and they are only three points adrift of the promotion play-off places such is the tight nature of the division.
You had to feel for The Linnets, who are in the relegation places and without a win in eight games, as were twice denied by the woodwork before Alty scored their second and third goals.
Altrincham made three changes from the side beaten at home by Dagenham and Redbridge on Saturday.
There were recalls for the fit-again Alistair Smith, Simon Richman and James Hardy who replaced Sean Williams, Yusifu Ceesay Ceesay and Reagan Ogle.
The Linnets, making their first-ever visit to Moss Lane, handed a debut to Indonesia U19 international Elkan Baggott who had been signed on loan from Ipswich Town.
They also gave a first appearance to Chris Smith, Ipswich Town’s former U23 captain.
Despite having key players on furlough, the visitors still had a side that included former Norwich City striker Simeon Jackson, who is on loan from Chelmsford City, and Tyler Denton who has played first-team football for Leeds United.
By contrast, they also had 50-year-old Paul Bastock on the bench as goalkeeping cover.
Altrincham made a great start as Smith’s deflected drive looped just wide and Hardy weaved his way clear only to blaze over when he ought to have hit the target, and both were inside the opening four minutes.
They were rewarded when Hancock headed them in front in the 16th minute, glancing home a Hardy corner at the near post.
The Linnets, managed by former Norwich City player Ian Culverhouse, had their chances in an open first period.
Former Canadian international Jackson crashed a shot against the bar, Jordan Richards forced an acrobatic save from Tony Thompson and Sonny Carey shot narrowly wide after a run from deep.
The unlucky Jackson was denied by the woodwork for a second time early in he second half after another fabulous strike from distance.
Altrincham, who had been living dangerously, sealed victory with two goals in a three-minute spell just short of the hour.
Hancock doubled the lead with a spectacular free kick which was bent over the defensive wall and into the top corner.
Hardy, a January signing from Telford United, then got on to the scoresheet with a terrific goal as he broke from deep before slotting a shot low past goalkeeper Theo Richardson.
Suddenly The Linnets capitulated and the Robins had chances to go even further ahead.
Striker Joe Piggott, on loan from Wigan Athletic, twice went close as he fired narrowly wide before forcing a great save from Richardson.
The Linnets battled to the end and substitute Jordan Davies went close with a header as they left empty handed which was cruel as they at least deserved a goal for their considerable efforts.