IT is as if there are two different Altrincham sides.

There is the one which impressively beats full-time professional ex-League clubs, such as Torquay United, Bristol Rovers and Kidderminster Harriers, and then there is the one which goes out of cup competitions against clubs from lower down the non-league pyramid.

Sadly, it was the latter which turned up at Bath's sloping pitch at Twerton Park.

On a soft but by no means unplayable pitch, the first half was a mediocre affair.

Altrincham had plenty of possession but it was Bath who had the better chances initially. Twice they got behind the Alty back line, but on each occasion produced poor shots which were well off target.

Only as the interval approached did Altrincham seriously threaten when a shot from James Lawrie was pushed round the post by keeper Mellor for a corner.

In the second half the Conference South team upped the tempo and went close, particularly through man of the match Chris Allen.

The Romans also introduced three substitutes who had an impact.

And they went ahead on 78 minutes from a Ross Stearne free-kick which was met with a glancing header by unmarked defender Phil Walsh.

Despite putting on some late pressure, Altrincham never seriously looked like getting an equaliser and so their dreams of a Trophy final at Wembley were gone for another year.

Alty return to league action on Saturday when Aldershot Town visit the J. Davidson Stadium, 3pm kick off.

Altrincham: Coburn, Densmore (capt), Havern, Marshall, Griffin, Moult, Richman, Lawrie (Perry 82), Crowther (Gillespie 72), Clee, Reeves. Unused subs: Parton, Leather and Swift.