Alty secure terrific win at Solihull Moors
ALTY moved up to fourth in the Vanarama National League by completing a double over playoff rivals Solihull Moors at the ARMCO Arena.
A quick start from the Robins saw a great chance created within the opening two minutes. Chris Conn-Clarke spun an excellent ball behind the home defence for Justin Amaluzor to chase and the winger took it in his stride before putting a left-footed effort just wide of the post.
There was plenty of midfield posturing to follow ahead of the next half chance on 17 minutes; a header from Alex Whitmore that didn't trouble Matt Gould in the Alty goal.
Solihull goalie Nick Hayes was soon into the action, picking the ball out of his net as the visitors hit the front. Justin Amaluzor got the byline off a quick Lewis Banks' throw and crossed for Alex Newby to finish from close range.
The goal woke Moors up a little and their second half chance followed; Jay Benn clipping an effort over the bar from a Callum Maycock setup.
The second half began at a higher pace, but with chances continuing to be few and far between. Chris Conn-Clarke's dragged effort that went just wide of the Solihull goal and a Newby shot that beat Hayes and the post the only real attempts of the opening 20 minutes.
The introduction of towering forward Mark Beck looked to change the fortunes in favour of the home side, but the Moors attack was still on a slow burn. Benn saw a first-time effort blocked by Baines and a brilliant interception from Elliot Osborne inside the six yard box kept the Alty lead intact.
The pressure built inside the final 10 minutes as Solihull threw a third forward into the mix in Tyler Bruck, but in truth the assured nature of the Robins' display made sure the final result was in no doubt.
Solihull Hayes; Clarke (c), Morrison (Bruck, 84'), Sbarra, Maycock (Benton, 68'), Warburton (Beck, 62'), Mafuta, Stevens, Benn, Craig, Whitmore. Subs not used: Labadie, Stearman.
Altrincham Gould; Banks, E.Jones, Baines, Osborne, Marriott (c), Linney (Angus, 80'), Conn-Clarke (Roscoe, 86'), Amaluzor (Mooney, 71'), Cooper, Newby. Subs not used: Kosylo, Wilson.
HT 0-1
Goals None | Newby 31' (Amaluzor)
Yellows Mafuta 53' | Baines 22'
Reds None | None
Referee Kirsty Dowle
Assistants Adam Burgess & Daniel Tracey
Fourth official Jonathon Maskrey
Attendance 1,388 (218 away)
Next Up
The first of three straight games at the J.Davidson Stadium - Dorking Wanderers in town on Tuesday evening (7:45pm). Get your tickets here.