WIRRAL-based Vauxhall Motors arrived at the J. Davidson Stadium with little to play for, having applied to be demoted from the league for financial reasons. However, in the early stages they showed some decent form and Motorman Lee Ellams seriously tested Alty keeper Stuart Coburn in the twelfth minute.

But two goals in a five-minute spell midway through the first half gave Altrincham a hold on the game. The opening goal arrived when Jake Moult's well-struck shot was blocked but fell to James Walshaw, who hooked the ball into the net from close range. That goal was followed, in the 27th minute, by another when Gianluca Havern headed home a James Lawrie corner.

Despite being in control, Alty did not add a third goal till the final seconds of first-half added time. This goal was volleyed home impressively by Damian Reeves after a fine run upfield by Shaun Densmore.

James Walshaw netted his 31st goal of the season six minutes after the interval to make it 4-0. An excellent cross from the left by Adam Griffin was brought under control and lobbed over the keeper in one flowing movement by the league's leading scorer.

The score became 5-0 when James Lawrie scored with a well-struck, left-footed shot from the edge of the box after 73 minutes. By this stage, Alty had given Stuart Coburn and break and brought on substitute keeper Russell Saunders.

But Vauxhall kept going and were rewarded, after 83 minutes, when a speculative long-range shot from the left wing by Steven Tames beat Saunders at the back post to make it 5-1.

With a play-off place now secure, Altrincham travel to relegated Histon for their final league game next Saturday. The play offs start the following Wednesday but until the final scheduled fixture is played, the opposition or the venue will not be known.

Altrincham: Coburn, Densmore (capt), Griffin, Rodgers, Havern, Leather, Lawrie, Moult, Walshaw, Reeves, Clee. Subs: Marshall, Richman, Wilkinson, Perry and Saunders.