Droylsden 0 Altrincham 5 (From Messenger Newspapers)

Droylsden 0 Altrincham 5

11:48am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in Sport

THE state of flux at Droylsden was underlined as the Bloods named just two players in this match's starting eleven whose names appeared in the match day programme, which had been printed originally for this fixture's original date just 10 weeks ago.

And the troubled Manchester club's performance on Tuesday night did not contradict its position as second-bottom club in the division.

Nevertheless, Droylsden's physical energy restricted Altrincham to just one goal in the first 35 minutes. That goal arrived in the 17th minute.

Altrincham captain Shaun Densmore found Chester loanee Ben Mills right of goal. His low pass, inside, reached Damian Reeves who, despite getting his legs in a tangle, managed to bundle the ball into the net.

But the visitors reached half-time with a three-goal lead thanks to two goals shortly before the interval. Mills opened his Altrincham account in the 37th minute when Watmore's pass reached the striker, as Droylsden's former Altrincham reserve defender, Adam Karim, failed to cut out the ball.

Watmore himself made it 3-0 in first-half added time when he thumped the ball home from inside the box following a pass from Damian Reeves.

Just three minutes into the second half, a foul by former Alty man Carlos Logan left Ben Mills having to be stretchered off with suspected knee ligament damage.

Later in the half a number of robust challenges from Droylsden threatened to sour proceedings further.

But Altrincham kept their discipline and went four-nil up after 72 minutes when a superb run from half-way on the left touchline took Duncan Watmore into the box. His pass gave Reeves a great chance which he gratefully accepted.

When Simon Richman was upended by the already booked Langford, a penalty was awarded. Shaun Densmore confidently beat keeper Latham form the spot to give Altrincham a 5-0 lead with six minutes of normal time remaining.

This win lifted the Robins back into the play off places in advance of a crucial match away at Bradford Park Avenue on Saturday.