ALTRINCHAM, fourth from top, put in a professional performance to see off fourth from bottom Oxford City.

The Oxford pitch had sufffered frequent waterlogging over the winter months but, for this clash, it was a dry, bumpy and well-sanded surface which awaited Altrincham.

Altrincham started shakily and the Oxford striker, Symons, missed a good chance inside the first minute, following an error by Moult.

But as they settled down on the difficult surface, Alty took the lead in the 16th minute. A quickly taken throw from Nicky Clee found Damian Reeves. From near the by-line, he fed James Walshaw, who scored with a firm shot.

Oxford saw plenty of the ball in the first half and squandered another chance when Ballard spooned the ball over the bar from close range.

Altrincham started the second half well with a good Moult effort almost doubling their lead. But, again, Oxford saw plenty of possession in the visitors' half but the Altrincham back line defended well.

The visitors made it 2-0 seven minutes from time. Jake Moult won possession just inside the Oxford half before advancing to fire a superb half-volley past keeper Scott.

But Oxford brought on three substitutes and one of these, Kayden Jackson, three times caused Alty problems. On the final occasion, he got free of Scott Leather's attentions to fire a fine shot past Coburn, deep into added time.

The final whistle soon sounded to confirm Altrincham's rise to third in the table as they seek to consolidate a play-off place.

Next up is a trip to Stockport County (Good Friday, 7.45pm) before Vauxhall Motors visit the J. Davidson Stadum on Easter Monday (3pm).

ALTRINCHAM Coburn, Densmore (capt), Griffin, Rodgers, Havern, Leather, Lawrie, Moult, Walshaw, Reeves, Clee, Subs Doughty, Wilkinson, King, Perry, Saunders