LEE Sinnott hailed Altrincham’s marathon men after they rounded off a punishing holiday programme by becoming the first team to win at Eastleigh this season.

After completing a stunning double over Chester on New Year’s Day, Alty followed up by denting Eastleigh’s promotion hopes with a hard-earned 2-0 win on Sunday afternoon.

Sinnott was delighted with the response to the previous Sunday’s home defeat by Nuneaton but was adamant everyone would be keeping their feet firmly on the ground, despite the play-offs being just seven points away.

"That’s nine points out of 12 over Christmas and New Year, which is an excellent return from such a draining schedule,’ said the Alty manager.

"The players are working hard for each other, and that was never more evident than at Eastleigh against a side who have been on a roll.

"I have to say we looked a bit tired. There wasn’t the normal spring in the step, after four games in 10 days, but that just made the result even more pleasing. Earlier in the season, when the demands caught up with us, we got stuffed 5-0 at Barnet, but this time we secured a win at another top side. That has to be a good sign.

"The bus left at 8am, so most of the players were up at six, yet they showed all the desire in the world to come away with the points. The first goal may have been fortuitous, but Shaun Densmore’s free-kick for the second was the best bit of skill in the game.

"There was character by the bucket-load right through the team, but we won’t be getting carried away. Our approach will remain exactly the same – roll the dice and see where it takes us. Just look at the next game and see if we can win it."

Nicky Clee opened the scoring against Chester with a wonder goal from near the left touchline, and Sinnott said: "I have never known anything like this season for having so many outstanding candidates for goal of the season. There are probably five or six, and we’re only just into the New Year."